Visit Shoreham-by-Sea
Shoreham-by-Sea is a coastal town with direct links to the SouthDowns. It's home to an historic fort and is popular with summer day-trippers looking for an alternative beach to the hustle and bustle of nearby Brighton and Hove. This small town even has its own historic airport.
Read on to find out how you can make a day of it in Shoreham-by-Sea...
Interactive map of Shoreham-by-Sea and calendar or events:
The Enjoy Shoreham-by-Sea website lists lots of things to see and do:
Shoreham-by-Sea interactive visitor map & guide
Shoreham-by-Sea calendar of events
Shoreham Beach
If you're looking for a quiet beach near Brighton, Shoreham Beach has plenty to offer. The large shingle beach is popular with families, kitesurfers, windsurfers and paddle boarders.
A boardwalk runs along large swathes of the beach, both to protect the rare plants and make the beach accessible to all.
Parking is limited, so Shoreham Beach is best reached by public transport. The beach is a short walk from the town centre, with an array of cafés, restaurants and pubs along the way, and is reached via the:
- AdurFerry Bridge footbridge
Due to its unusual vegetated habitat, Shoreham Beach has been designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and is home to some rare plants. Look out for the Yellow Horned Poppy, SeaKale and CurledDock and the StarryClover. TheFriends of Shoreham Beach organise regular events for people of all ages to learn about marine life. Find out more at:
The River Adur
A beautiful sight to see and walk by, especially on a sunny day, is the RiverAdur - which has been an important trade route since Roman times.
Take a relaxing walk or cycle along the Coastal Link that runs next tothe river on the route of old railway lines all the way to Guildford.
You'll also find a sculpture trail which runs alongside the banks of the river anda tribute to the 11men who lost their lives in the Shoreham air crash in 2015.
Shoreham is also famous for its houseboats, a community which dates back to the 1920s and can be found on the edge of the RiverAdur next to the RSPB Wildfowl Reserve. Take a walk along the towpath to get up close to this colourful collection of floating homes.
- RSPB Wildfowl Reserve
Shoreham Fort
Shoreham Fort is one of just two remaining small forts and gun batteries built to protect the south coast of England. This fascinating place is free to visit and is open to the public from dawn to dusk. To learn more about its history, keep an eye out for events taking place at the fort. Find out more at:
Shoreham Lifeboat Station and lighthouse
Situated to the east of Shoreham town centre, on the A259 is the Shoreham RNLI Lifeboat Station. You can visit the lifeboat station and see the lifeboat - you might even get to see it in action. Find out more at:
- RNLI website: Shoreham Harbour Lifeboat Station
- RNLI website
- RNLI Lifeboat Station and lighthouse
St Mary de Haura Church
Visit the 12th century St Mary de Haura Church, aGradeI listed church, which was built shortly after the Battle of Hastings. Some aspects of the original building remain intact, while others have fallen into disrepair. It's well worth a visit to appreciate the history, architecture and tranquility of this sacred space. Find out more at:
Brighton City Airport
Despite its name, Shoreham is home to the historic Brighton City Airport, which is situated on the outskirts of the town. Take a tour of the airport or grab a coffee or lunch at the airport's popular Hummingbird Café, which is situated in the Grade II listed Art Deco terminal building, and enjoy a bit of plane spotting. Find out more at:
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Situated on the banks of the River Adur is the award-winning Ropetackle Arts Centre. There's something for all ages, from film to dance to live music and children's theatre. Find out more at:
And finally ...
Finish off with a drink or a meal at a wide range of places to eat in Shoreham. Book a table and dine in or treat yourself to some fish and chips to enjoy on the beach as you watch the sun set on your day.
You can also go along to one of the regularfarmers' and artisans' markets which offer local foods and drinks as well as arts and crafts from across the district.
Getting to Shoreham-by-Sea
There are several ways to get to Shoreham other than by car. Travel by train - from London, Portsmouth or Brighton, or hop off the Coastline700 bus which runs from Brighton to Bognor Regis, or theBrighton & Hove buses (2, 2B and 60 from Brighton to Steyning)orCompass buses which all run throughout the day and into the night.
If you enjoy cycling, you can reach Shoreham by bike.From Worthing, National Cycle Network Route2 takes you along the coast past the kitesurfers in Lancing and Widewater Lagoon, turning inland over the Adur Ferry Bridge at Shoreham to pick up some quiet inland roads, before rejoining the coastal route at Southwick. For more information about the route see:
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Page last updated: 04 December 2023
