How Can Selsey, the Underrated Seaside Town Near Chichester, Offer a Hidden Gem Experience for Just Sixty-Nine Pounds Per Night and Provide the Perfect Getaway?

Published on February 20, 2025

Selsey, located just a short distance from Chichester at the tip of the Manhood Peninsula, has emerged as a charming and serene seaside destination. While popular destinations like Blackpool and Brighton often come to mind when planning a family retreat, Selsey offers a much quieter, lesser-known alternative. The town, with its stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the English Channel, has been gaining popularity in recent years. Visitors are drawn to its unique coastal beauty, which is hard to overlook.

A Peaceful Escape from the City

Selsey is known for its tranquil ambiance, making it an ideal retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This charming coastal town is surrounded by nature reserves and picturesque beaches, offering the perfect setting for a peaceful getaway. In fact, Selsey enjoys more hours of sunlight than anywhere else in the UK, a delightful surprise for many visitors. The town’s rich history and wildlife make it an intriguing destination for tourists of all ages.

Attractions and Activities

Selsey provides a resort-like atmosphere with a variety of attractions suitable for all age groups. For families, the West Sands Funfair is a popular spot, offering a fun day out for children. In addition to the fair, there are numerous other activities for visitors to enjoy, including exploring the town’s local history and the surrounding natural reserves.

A few notable attractions include:

• Mulberry Marine Experiences
• RNLI Selsey Lifeboat Station
• The Old Piggery Farm Shop and Tearoom
• West Sands Funfair
• RSPB Pagham Harbour LNR
• Owls About Town
• St Wilfrid’s Church

These diverse attractions allow visitors to immerse themselves in the town’s beauty, history, and natural environment.

Dining in Selsey

No trip to Selsey is complete without indulging in its famous fish and chips, though the town offers a variety of other dining options as well. A favorite among locals and visitors alike are the fresh crab sandwiches, often found in many of the town’s pubs and restaurants. For those wanting to experience the best seafood the region has to offer, the following establishments are highly recommended:

• The Lifeboat Inn
• The Boulevard Selsey
• Waves

These restaurants provide an opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood, adding to the town’s charm.

Accommodation Options in Selsey

For visitors wishing to extend their stay and explore more of what Selsey has to offer, there are several affordable accommodation options available close to the town center. With prices starting at £69 per night, the town caters to a range of budgets, though the cost may vary depending on the season.

Some of the top-rated places to stay in Selsey include:

• The Attic Suite Selsey (apartment) – £69 per night
• Honeysuckle Lodge (cottage) – £220 per night
• Pirates Point (house) – £195 per night
• Maryberry Lodge (apartment) – £85 per night
• Lifeboat View (house) – £447 per night
• The Coast Yard (bed and breakfast) – £119 per night

These options provide a mix of self-catering apartments, cottages, and bed and breakfasts, catering to various preferences and group sizes.

Getting to Selsey

Selsey is easily accessible by various modes of transport, making it convenient for visitors to reach the town.

• By train: The nearest station is Chichester, located on the Southern Railway line. Trains run from London Victoria or London Bridge, with connections via Gatwick Airport.
• By bus: The No. 51 Stagecoach Bus runs regularly from Chichester Bus Station, with service every 30 minutes on Sundays.
• By car: Selsey is easily accessible by car, located 8 miles (13km) from Chichester via the B2145 off the A27. The town is also about 24 miles (39km) from Portsmouth International Port and 54.7 miles (88km) from Gatwick Airport. For those traveling from the Port of Dover, it is approximately 132.3 miles (212km).

The combination of affordable public transport and easy road access makes Selsey a convenient destination for both short getaways and longer stays.

Impact on the Travel Industry

Selsey’s growing popularity as a peaceful yet beautiful coastal destination offers numerous opportunities for the travel industry. As more travelers seek alternatives to the crowded beaches of more well-known destinations, Selsey presents itself as an attractive option for those looking to escape city life and experience natural beauty in a quieter, less commercialized setting.

For families, nature enthusiasts, and history lovers, Selsey provides an ideal retreat, offering a balance of attractions, outdoor experiences, and relaxation. The increased interest in Selsey could stimulate growth in local tourism-related businesses, such as accommodations, restaurants, and transport services. Additionally, as more people become aware of Selsey’s unique charm, the town is likely to attract more international visitors seeking a quintessential British coastal experience.

This shift in interest could lead to a boost in regional travel, encouraging both domestic and international tourists to explore lesser-known UK destinations. As the travel industry responds to this growing demand, it is likely that more services, activities, and events will be tailored to cater to visitors seeking a quieter, nature-filled retreat, further enhancing the tourism offerings in the area.