Things to do in Selsey

Address: 9 Orchard Parade, Selsey, Chichester PO20 0NS

In this area of the West Sussex Coast known as the Manhood Peninsula, the flat terrain is never more than 20 feet above sea level, forming a very gentle slope into the ocean. Combine this with the sunny weather and warm water and you’ve got the perfect recipe for diving. Mulberry Marine Experiences is a diving shop that’s run by experts who can help you take advantage of the excellent conditions. 

They run taster snorkelling sessions for those who are new to diving and organise regular local dives throughout the season. They are also wonderful with children, so if you or your kids have ever thought diving is something you would like to try, why not stop by?

Address: Kingsway, Selsey, Chichester PO20 0DL 

Over its 155-year history, the lifeboat crews at Selsey have been presented with 10 awards for gallantry. Today the station still operates two active lifeboats, remaining a real community hub in the town. There is an interesting little exhibit where you can watch videos of the lifeboats being launched and your kids can dress up, colour in and play with various educational activities, all free of charge. 

If you time it right, you might even get to see one of the lifeboat’s scheduled launches. It’s a fantastic, interactive day for all ages, and is perfect for a sunny day after a stroll along the beach.

Address: Chichester Rd, Upper Norton, Selsey, Chichester PO20 9DZ

This tearoom and shop is the perfect spot for a refreshing homemade lemonade before heading down to the beach. The cakes and snacks are delicious, with some other more substantial bites such as crab sandwiches. Meanwhile, the farm shop is a veritable Aladdin's cave of chic and quirky items for you to get lost in. In fact, a rummage around here could be among the top things to do in Selsey. 

The icing on the cake is that the whole place is dog friendly and there are some lovely displays which make for a great background for a photo with your pooch!

Address: West Sands Ln, Selsey, Chichester PO20 9BH 

While it might not be on the scale of Blackpool's Pleasure Beach or Brighton Pier, the fun fair at West Sands has improved greatly over the decades. There are plenty of rides for your kids to enjoy including waltzers, bumper cars and a simple roller coaster, as well as a helter-skelter, trampolines, about five toddler rides and a sand pit area. 

You can get unlimited rides for around £15, which is well worth it considering some single rides are £3 each. 

Address: Selsey Rd, Chichester PO20 7NE 

This 629-hectare biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest is found a short drive north of Selsey, or just a 20-minute drive from Haven Church Farm Holiday Park. This glorious and peaceful nature reserve is one of the few undeveloped stretches of the Sussex coast, and the sheltered inlet is internationally recognised as an important habitat for wildlife. 

Explore the visitor centre that runs child-friendly educational activities before heading out to watch black-tailed godwits and little egrets by day, then if the skies are clear, stick around for a stunning wetlands sunset.

Address: Park Ln, Selsey, Chichester PO20 0HE 

Quietly tucked away in Selsey you will find a whole parliament of owls, from the largest eagle owls to the smaller little owl, at home in their very own corner of the West Sussex countryside. Owls about Town are exceptionally passionate about their birds, some of which have been re-homed and some of which were hand reared and trained on site. 

Owner Andy Kendall shares his love and knowledge for the birds at the site, and you may even get to hold an owl or two. Who knows, your kids might just find a new passion!

Address: Rectory Ln, Selsey, Chichester PO20 9DT 

Just a little further down the road from RSPB Pagham Harbour LNR in this little historic corner of Sussex you will find a simple, old chapel in peaceful surroundings. This chapel is the 13th-century remains of a large Norman church which was later rebuilt full scale in Selsey town. 

In the ancient chancel, there are a number of things worth seeing including a magnificent monument to local gentry John and Agas Lewis from 1537, a vivid carving depicting the gruesome martyrdom of St Agatha, and some spectacular modern stained-glass windows. This intriguing combination of ancient and modern makes a visit to this church very popular among the walkers who come to enjoy the footpaths and wildlife in the surrounding area.