Between Portsmouth And Worthing Is A Sunny Coastal Town With Beaches, Fresh Seafood, And Unique Wildlife

Some of the most intriguing gems seem to slip under the radar and remain unsung, despite their beauty and charm. Selsey is one such lovely little town, tucked away on England's southern coast facing the English Channel. Aside from its scenic landscapes, it's home to rare and endangered wildlife, with nearby nature reserves providing protected habitats where these species can thrive. Selsey's coastal location also makes it a prime place for freshly caught seafood and picturesque beaches where visitors can stroll and relax, breathe in the ocean air, and hear the calling of waterfowl and the lapping of the waves.

Don't worry about gloomy skies, either. While Britain is often viewed as having overcast and rainy weather, Selsey breaks the mold by having more sunshine than anywhere else in the United Kingdom, with over 2,400 hours per year compared to the nation's average of 1,400 annual sunshine hours. That means locals and travelers can spend much more time on the beautiful beaches, admiring the local wildlife, and perhaps chartering a boat with one of the tour and fishing operators around the area. The views of the charming town of Selsey from the water make it all the better.

Visitors coming from Portsmouth can drive east for about half an hour to arrive here, and it's about 45 minutes west of Worthing. Those flying into London Heathrow Airport (LHR) have a less than two-hour drive to get to Selsey, and trains run to Chichester, where you can catch a bus for the rest of the way. The pastoral English countryside with its farms and hedgerows makes for a particularly scenic journey to the coast. Once there, Selsey's sunny shorelines, one-of-a-kind wildlife, and coastal charm offer plenty of reasons to stick around.

Nearly all of Selsey's coastal border consists of beautiful beaches, with a few scattered stone shingle walls adorned with rounded turrets. Jutting out from the beaches are numerous structures known as groynes, which are intended to combat erosion, a persistent concern here because waves and storm winds can gradually strip material from the shoreline. Selsey has ongoing efforts in place, in partnership with the nearby artsy city of Chichester, to continue protecting this idyllic coast.

Windmill Beach is especially attractive, with its ocean scenery complemented by views of the historic Medmerry Windmill. "Amazing relaxed beach showcasing beautiful sunsets," shared a previous visitor. "Highly recommend visiting even if you're passing through." The beach is a mixture of sand and sea-tumbled pebbles, where you can settle in and gaze across the water. Or, take in the sights from Smokey's Ocean Bar with a seaside drink and lunch. From here, you can watch the ships passing through the channel and even spot dolphins and seals in the waves.

At the tip of the headland known as Selsey Bill lies Oval Field Beach, a lovely, sandy stretch where you can relax away from the crowds. While it lacks facilities, its position on the tip of the peninsula means there's little to obstruct the spectacular sunset views. Note that swimming should be avoided here due to especially strong currents. If you do want to take a dip, take the short walk to East Beach, which has clear waters that are perfect for swimming — you're also more likely to encounter playful seals here. Then, head to the scenic paved path that's a favorite among locals and watch fishermen come and go with their catches of Selsey's fresh seafood. If you're lucky, you can even buy straight from them and prepare it yourself.

Aside from dolphins, seals, and seabirds, Selsey is home to some of Britain's most intriguing and beautiful endangered species. One of the most notable is the adorable, furry water vole, whose population was pushed toward the brink of extinction about 30 years ago. Thankfully, the Manhood Wildlife & Heritage Group is hard at work helping protect the species from further decline. While exploring the coast, you may also come across areas of vegetated shingle, a rare coastal habitat found around Selsey that supports specially adapted plants. Beyond supporting wildlife, the town's coastal waters are also central to its long-standing seafood scene.

Seafood in Selsey is fresh and flavorful, and those who weren't able to purchase directly from the fishermen can find delectable dishes made from local ingredients at Julie's at East Beach. "Delicious and fresh seafood, and when available, the crab sandwiches are superb," said one diner. If you want to tuck into some delicious crab, Potters is a short walk down the coast. The family-run business sources its seafood sustainably, with its signature crab available dressed or served in a sandwich or salad.

If you prefer the good old chippy experience, Den's Fish Bar offers fish and chips with a senior special, along with comforting chippy staples like sausages and meat pies. "The best chippy I have been to in a very long time," wrote one visitor. "The fish was incredible, so fresh — lovely chips too, great portion sizes." For a special experience, get some to take away and head along the coast to enjoy your meal with the cliffy coastal views at the Belle Tout Lighthouse. Then, turn the outing into a longer coastal road trip by continuing to the quirky coastal town of Hastings.