Adur is a small Sussex district on the coast in between Brighton and Hove, and Worthing. Over half of Adur is within the South Downs National Park and the district is dissected by the river Adur. Adur District encompasses three main towns: Shoreham, Lancing and Southwick. In terms of history, the river Adur was once a wide tidal river that served a busy port at Steyning just to the north. Salt production was important here and later, smuggling was rife.
Old Shoreham dates back to pre-Roman times and New Shoreham was founded by the Norman invaders of the 11th century. So it’s really not that new. King Charles II famously escaped Parliamentary forces via Shoreham in 1651. So whilst Arun District might be small, it has a heady combination of interesting history and stunning landscapes perfect for a 48-hour mini break.
Friday afternoon arrival
Marlipins Museum in Shoreham is open from 1st May and is a good place to start your exploring. It is housed in the oldest secular building in Britain which dates back to the 12th century and is understood to have been used as a toll or custom house for the port and markets. These days it is home to all sorts of exhibits including objects collected from shipwrecks and sinister-looking medical instruments.
From the museum, head to the Adur Ferry Bridge. Before you cross, look for a series of tiny doors to your right. Known as the Adur Portals, they were designed by local Sculptor Teresa Martin to create the idea of passageways under the road.
Next, head straight on over the bridge to the seafront and Shoreham beach. From there you can walk east to Shoreham Fort (built in June 1857) and Shoreham Harbour. The fort was converted into a film studio in 1915 and for almost a decade, Shoreham led the way for British film-making. There is also a small section of WWI training trench you can walk through. The beach is a designated Local Nature Reserve with a boardwalk all along it. It’s about 2 km from north of the bridge to the fort with some fabulous seafront houses to admire. Check fort opening times which are limited.
For dinner
Try In The Blue for a family run restaurant that serves great seafood. Alternatively, go to Wild Lemon in Brunswick Road for a modern and internationally inspired menu.
Saturday morning
Shoreham has an award winning market which is open on the 2nd Saturday of the month and is a great place to discover local produce. From the market you can see and visit St Mary de Haura church which was founded by the Normans. Just round the corner is Shoreham Art Gallery and the Tarmount Studio Emporium which is great for some vintage finds.
Before the morning is over, cross over the bridge once more and walk west along the river path where you’ll see about 40 extraordinary houseboats which include a boat made out of an ambulance and one that looks like a fish.
For foodies
If you want to visit a local vineyard, Titch Hill is the nearest and it’s a sustainable wine producer with a nature-first approach. You can also stay there at their farmhouse. Alternatively, Brighton Gin is right on the border of Shoreham in Portslade and just about walkable from Shoreham town. They offer tours.
Saturday afternoon
Get active
On Saturday afternoon you have choices depending on how active you like to be. For the sporty, why not try paddleboarding at Lancing or Shoreham or for the brave, have a go at kitesurfing. If you just want to muck about on the beach, from 1st May to 30th September there are dedicated swimming zones at Lancing Beach, Shoreham Beach, Widewater Beach and Southwick Beach.
Alternately, take a boat trip out to Rampion Wind Farm or hire a bike, and head out to Old Shoreham where you can pick up the Downs Link which runs along the river Adur to Bramber, Steyning and beyond.
A cultural trail
If you’re not so keen on the water, then head off for a bit of culture. Start in Old Shoreham and visit the church which has been there since 900 AD. There is a map in the church which shows some of the other old buildings in Old Shoreham and you can also cross the Toll Bridge which first opened in 1781. It’s near the Airshow Memorial.
From there, head on to Lancing Chapel. This is a Grade I Listed building which took over 150 years to complete. It stands proud on the South Downs for all to see. The apex of the vault rises to 27.4 m and the chapel is the world’s largest school chapel. It is stunning inside and open to the public daily throughout the year from 10 am to 4 pm, and 12 noon to 4 pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
From the chapel, head along wiggly Coombes Road and make your way to Coombes Church, a short distance away. This church dates back to the 11th century and on the walls are a number of important wall paintings from the same period. The church bell is also 11th century and is possibly the oldest in Sussex. It is believed to have been made in Normandy.
Finally, on your way back to Shoreham, stop at Brighton City Airport, the world’s first commercial airport which has a gloriously Art Deco café from where you can watch the planes take off just feet away.
Saturday evening
Check in with the Ropetackle Centre in the centre of Shoreham which has an ongoing programme of events.
For dinner
For a truly beach vibe, Perch on Lancing Beach has a relaxed atmosphere and great views.
Sunday morning
You can’t visit this part of the world without a walk on the South Downs. Lancing Ring is a local nature reserve that gets its name from a ring of beeches planted in the late 18th century and inspired by nearby Cissbury Ring. From here, you can do a shorter walk around the nature reserve or stretch your legs for longer by walking north west towards Steyning, enjoying stunning views as you go.
Sunday afternoon
Before you start to make your way home, there is just time for a quick afternoon stop at the Tap House back in Shoreham where you can try a number of locally made beers.
Festivals and fairs
- Adur Festival – May / June
- Shoreham Wordfest – October
Places to stay
- Sussex Beach House
- Hotel at Home in Shoreham by Sea
- Titch Hill
- Findon Manor
- The Tollgate Hotel, Bramber
Travel
Trains run directly from London to Shoreham and take between 1 ¼ and 2 hrs.
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