· GB

Selsey

Selsey, West Sussex, United Kingdom

Selsey, a charming coastal town located in West Sussex, United Kingdom, is a hidden gem awaiting discovery by curious travelers. Nestled on the picturesque Selsey Peninsula, this seaside retreat offers a perfect blend of…

#Seaside town#Coastal#Fishing village#Tourist destination#West Sussex

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Selsey.

Top Hotels in Selsey

Top Flights to Selsey

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Selsey.

Tours

Explore Selsey Bill

Visit Selsey Bill, a scenic peninsula known for its beautiful views of the English Channel.

The Selsey Heritage Trail

Take a walk around Selsey and discover its rich history through the Heritage Trail.

Selsey Lifeboat Station Visit

Learn about the work of the RNLI at the Selsey Lifeboat Station, and maybe even watch a lifeboat launch.

Shopping

Local Farmer's Market

Visit the local farmer's market for fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Craft Fair at The Selsey Centre

Discover unique crafts and homemade goods at the Selsey Centre Craft Fair.

Outdoor

RSPB Pagham Harbour

Enjoy bird watching at the RSPB reserve.

Selsey Beach

Relax on the pebbled shores of Selsey Beach where you can enjoy the sun and sea.

Selsey Golf Club

Play a round of golf at the Selsey Golf Club, suitable for all skill levels.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Selsey.

Currency
£ | GBP | British Pound
Population
The approximate estimated total population of Selsey, West Sussex, United Kingdom, is '10,700'.
Languages
English, French, German
Average weather
Selsey
Jan
rain
8°2°
Feb
rain
8°2°
Mar
cloud
11°3°
Apr
cloud
14°5°
May
sun
17°8°
Jun
sun
20°11°
Jul
sun
22°14°
Aug
sun
22°14°
Sep
cloud
19°12°
Oct
cloud
15°9°
Nov
rain
11°5°
Dec
rain
8°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Selsey.

What people love

Selsey, located in West Sussex, United Kingdom, offers several pros for travelers:

  1. Scenic Coastal Location: Selsey is a charming coastal town situated on the South Coast of England. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the English Channel and beautiful sunsets over the water.

  2. Relaxing Beaches: Selsey has several beaches, including East Beach and West Beach, where travelers can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy water activities such as swimming and windsurfing.

  3. Nature Reserves: Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity of Selsey to several nature reserves, including Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve and Medmerry Nature Reserve, which offer opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

  4. Local Seafood: Selsey is known for its fresh seafood, particularly its locally caught crab and lobster. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood dishes at the town's restaurants and cafes.

  5. Historic Attractions: Selsey has a rich history, with attractions such as the Selsey Lifeboat Station and St. Peter's Church, which dates back to the 12th century. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring these sites.

  6. Peaceful Atmosphere: Selsey is a peaceful and laid-back town, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and unwind in a tranquil seaside setting.

Overall, traveling to Selsey offers a mix of coastal beauty, outdoor activities, local cuisine, history, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a great destination for a getaway.

What to know

Selsey, located in West Sussex, United Kingdom, is a small coastal town known for its charming beaches, nature reserves, and maritime history. While Selsey has much to offer visitors, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider when traveling to this location:

  1. Limited nightlife and entertainment options: Selsey is a quiet town, and while it offers a peaceful environment for relaxation, it may not have a vibrant nightlife scene or a wide variety of entertainment options compared to larger cities.

  2. Limited public transportation: Selsey is a relatively small town, and public transportation options may be limited, making it more challenging to explore the surrounding areas without a car.

  3. Weather: As with any coastal town in the UK, Selsey's weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and wind. Visitors should be prepared for potentially damp and windy conditions, especially during the winter months.

  4. Limited shopping and dining options: While Selsey has some shops and restaurants, the options may be more limited compared to larger towns and cities. Visitors looking for a variety of shopping and dining experiences may find Selsey lacking in this regard.

  5. Seasonal crowds: During peak tourist seasons, Selsey can become crowded with visitors, especially during the summer months. This influx of tourists may lead to crowded beaches and limited availability at accommodations and restaurants.

Overall, while Selsey offers natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere, visitors should be aware of the potential limitations in terms of entertainment options, public transportation, weather conditions, shopping, dining, and seasonal crowds.

Selsey is a seaside town in West Sussex, United Kingdom, with a rich and varied history. Its full address is Selsey, West Sussex, England.

Early History

  • Prehistoric and Roman Periods: Evidence of human activity in Selsey dates back to the Stone Age. Archaeological findings suggest that there were settlements during the Roman period, with remnants of Roman buildings and pottery discovered in the area.

Medieval Period

  • Foundation of the See of Selsey: In the late 7th century, St. Wilfrid, a Northumbrian bishop, founded a monastery in Selsey. This became the site of the original cathedral for the Kingdom of Sussex. The See of Selsey was established around 680 AD and continued until 1075 when it was moved to Chichester.

Post-Medieval Period

  • Selsey Bill: The area around Selsey has been known for its fishing industry, particularly for Selsey crab. The Selsey Bill, a notable headland, has historically been significant for navigation.

19th and 20th Centuries

  • Smuggling: During the 18th and early 19th centuries, Selsey was known for smuggling due to its remote location and difficult-to-police coastline.
  • Lifeboat Station: The RNLI established a lifeboat station in Selsey in 1861, which has been active in life-saving operations over the years.

Modern Period

  • World War II: During World War II, Selsey was designated as a possible landing site for a German invasion, leading to its fortification and the establishment of various military defenses.
  • Development: In the 20th century, Selsey developed as a popular holiday destination, with caravan parks and holiday camps attracting visitors.

Notable Figures

  • Eric Coates: The English composer Eric Coates lived in Selsey and composed the "By the Sleepy Lagoon," which later became the theme for the BBC radio program "Desert Island Discs."

Landmarks

  • Selsey Lifeboat Station: The lifeboat station, with its modern boathouse, is a landmark on the coast.
  • Selsey Bill: This prominent headland is a natural landmark.
  • St. Wilfrid's Chapel: Although the original cathedral no longer exists, St. Wilfrid's Chapel is a reminder of the area's early Christian heritage.

Selsey is a town with a deep historical legacy, from its early religious significance to its role in maritime and military history.