East Beach Selsey
- slaters089
- May 21
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Address: Beach Rd, Selsey, Chichester PO20 0SZ
Location
Selsey is a charming seaside town located approximately eight miles south of Chichester in West Sussex. East Beach has a shingle shoreline that extends eastward towards Pagham Harbour and westward towards Selsey Bill.
The area offers a range of family-friendly attractions, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. Additionally, the Environmental Agency has rated the bathing water quality as Excellent, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for beachgoers.
With some of the highest average sunshine hours in the UK, Selsey provides ample opportunities to enjoy the waters—whether for a relaxing paddle or simply soaking up the sun.
What's There?
At West Beach, you will find:
Shingle beach
Kids' play area
Skate park and pump track
Cafés and fish and chip shops
Car park
Public toilets
East Beach Kiosk
Open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Offers hot and cold drinks, food, and ice cream. There’s outdoor seating to sit and enjoy.
Paddy's Plaice
A takeaway shop that serves quality fish and chips at affordable prices.
D & D Fisheries
A family-run business with a long history in Selsey going back to the 1600s. Open on weekends, they sell fresh seafood like crab, prawns, cockles, and seafood sandwiches.
East Beach Pond
A peaceful area that hosts local wildlife like swans, ducks, herons, and geese. This award-winning conservation area is also home to damselflies and dragonflies, and if you sit quietly, you may even be able to glimpse one of Britain’s most timid and endangered mammals, the water vole.
Wildlife
Seals are common visitors to East Beach, often resting on the shingle. Selsey's name comes from the Saxon "Seals-ey," meaning "Isle of Sea Calves".
Seals can be seen year-round, with the best viewing times during pup season (October to January) and warmer months (May to October).
Parking
East Beach Car Park is located at the seafront and is very large, with 250 parking spaces, 12 of which are for disabled parking.
Height Restriction: 2.1 metres
Opening Times:
Opens: 7:30 am daily
Closes: Varies by month:
April: 8:15 pm
May, June, July: 9:00 pm
August: 9:30 pm
September: 7:00 pm
Rest of the year: 6:15 pm
Parking Costs:
Up to 1 hour: £0.40
More than 1 hour: £1.70
Payment Options:
Cash: Accepted at the machines
Pay by Phone Location Code: 602016
Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
Accessibility
Coastal Path: The coastal walkway can be accessed by wheelchair and mobility scooter users via a long slipway from the far end of the East Beach Car Park. Alternatively, the walkway can also be accessed by a steeper, less accessible slope near the cafes.
Beach Access: The beach is less than 50 metres from the car park. The beach can be accessed by stairs or ramp (pictured above). The shingle shoreline will be challenging to navigate for visitors with mobility issues.
Cafes and Takeaways: All local cafes and fish and chip shops are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The paths are level but bumpy/stony.
Seating and Rest Areas: There are frequent benches along the seawall and there are lunch tables around the cafes.
East Beach Pond: The pond is accessible via wheelchair and pushchair-friendly pathways. There are frequent benches every 10-15 metres.
Parking: The East Beach Car Park offers 12 disabled parking bays within close proximity to the beach and facilities. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
Public Toilets: Suitable for disabled visitors.
Conclusion
Selsey offers a delightful seaside experience with its clean bathing waters, family-friendly amenities, and abundant wildlife. Its accessible facilities, ample parking, and charming local eateries make it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages and mobility levels. Whether you're seeking relaxation, outdoor activities, or a taste of fresh seafood, Selsey’s East Beach promises a welcoming and enjoyable coastal escape.
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