The historic fishing town of Selsey lies eight miles south of Chichester on the southernmost tip of the Manhood Peninsula. Famed for its Selsey Crab which is lauded across the globe as one of the very best, the town has a proud fishing heritage, and there is still a strong cultural connection to the sea, with a fishing fleet moored offshore, still bringing in the catch. Whether you are staying or just visiting for the day a stroll along the beach to Potters Fish is a must. This award winning fisherman’s hut specialises in locally and sustainably caught crab and lobster which you can buy fresh to take home or enjoy right there and then on the beach.
The town is well served for amenities and restaurants. There are a number of independent food shops including three good butchers and a few bakeries. There are a couple of Co-Ops for general groceries and for a larger shop there is an Asda Supermarket as you enter the village of Selsey. The village is well served for coffee shops and one of our favourites is Kind Coffee. We also love Waves for a really good breakfast and Lal a Turkish and me cocktail bar for a great atmosphere and excellent home made food. Finally, if you are holidaying to celebrate a special occasion there is the Crab & Lobster in Pagham Harbour.
Selsey’s miles of natural beaches play host to a huge variety of wildlife both on and off the shore, and the RSPB reserves of Pagham Harbour and RSPB Medmerry are home to countless species of birds and wildfowl. In warmer months, visitors may even glimpse the seals from which Selsey’s name originates whilst strolling along the Selsey Seal Art Trail.
With more sunlight hours than anywhere in the UK, and bathing water rated as excellent, Selsey is a great spot for a day in the sunshine. Explore the rugged landscape on foot or on bicycle. Enjoy a fabulous Selsey sunset and admire the impressive dark skies made famous by the late Sir Patrick Moore who lived in the town. Other notable Selsey residents and events can be sought out on one of the town’s Blue Plaque Heritage walks.
Many of the town’s fishing fleet crew the Selsey Lifeboats, which have been a feature of the town since 1861. The lifeboat station can be found on the shore at Kingsway and is open for visitors.
Discover more about this hidden gem at the Destination Selsey website.
