Most visitors to the South Coast head straight for Brighton, but just a few miles west, anyone who is curious to explore somewhere new (and avoid the crowds of tourists) will be rewarded by a visit to Shoreham-by-Sea.
I’ve lived in the local area my whole life and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Shoreham, both as a volunteer with the Air Cadets and now working for Southern Railway. From the station, which is an easy journey from London or Gatwick, the town immediately feels different: smaller, calmer, and full of character.
Where to begin: a walk with a view
If you love walking, Shoreham is a dream. One of my favourite walks begins at the railway station and follows the River Adur up into the South Downs National Park. When you reach the ridge, the view opens up with the sea ahead, the Downs stretching out behind, and on a clear day you can make out Brighton in the distance.
I first did this walk with the cadets, and now I enjoy it with my mum and family. Along the way, Shoreham Airport’s approach path cuts overhead, offering the perfect place for some plane spotting. For those who fancy a longer adventure, there’s a path that stretches all the way from Worthing to Brighton, with glistening sea on one side, rolling hills on the other, and an easy train ride back once you’re done.
More to explore for history lovers
Shoreham is full of surprises for history lovers. Shoreham Fort, just a short walk over the River Adur from East Street, is one of the town’s best-kept secrets. Built in 1857, the fort was designed to guard the Sussex coast against invasion. Many of the original features are still intact, and it houses the original barracks and underground magazines.
Over the years, the fort has lived many lives: in the early 20th century it doubled as an open-air silent film studio, and during WWII it was reactivated as a coastal battery. Today, dedicated volunteers run guided tours, events, and immersive experiences, bringing the site’s history to life. Visiting feels like stepping into a living story, one that locals have carefully preserved for generations.
Continue your adventure by heading to the airport, which is officially called Brighton City Airport, but will always be Shoreham Airport to us locals. It’s the oldest licensed airport in the UK, and its beautiful Art Deco terminal really exudes the elegance of the 1930s.
You can take guided tours for behind-the-scenes access to the hangars, fire station, and a small museum of aviation treasures. There’s a real sense of history here; you can almost hear the echoes of the first flights from 1910, and the airport’s role in air-sea rescue during WWII adds a further layer of interest.
Your next stop should be the port. It’s quieter than Brighton’s marina, but is equally significant. For centuries, Shoreham Port has been a hub for freight and coastal trade, and it has immense significance from WWII. Soldiers set off for D-Day from here, though tides ultimately forced them to Newhaven, which is why it gets all the credit. Today, the port continues to anchor the community, supporting restoration projects at the fort and acting as a reminder of the town’s connection to the sea.
A true community feel
Shoreham thrives because of its people. Independent shops and family-run businesses give the town a warmth and individuality you won’t find in many other seaside towns. My personal favourite (and recommendation) is La Patisserie, a family-run artisan bakery on East Street, and I always stop by the Farmers’ Market when it’s on. There’s a sense here that everyone knows everyone, and that feeling of community is reflected in everything from the fort volunteers to the boutique shops that line the streets.
Whether you’re exploring the South Downs, wandering the historic port, spotting planes at the airport, or sipping coffee in the sun, Shoreham-by-Sea is a town that rewards curiosity and keen explorers. I’ve been coming here all my life, and it still surprises me. It’s a place of calm, history, and quiet beauty, and I can’t wait for you to visit.
