Worthwhile Journeys
Shoreham, West Sussex, sits neatly between the South Downs and the sea, just west of Brighton. It’s a quiet working port with a strong maritime identity and a welcoming local community. If your Classic Sailing voyage starts or ends here, take time to explore before or after your trip. This isn’t simply a staging point; it’s a destination worth discovering. The harbour, the river, and the coastal paths all tell stories of trade, tides, and the English Channel.
Keeping in Touch
Your ship’s exact berth will be confirmed closer to joining time. You’ll receive details by email. Make sure you have the vessel’s mobile number with you in case of delays or last-minute questions on the day.
What to Do in Shoreham
History
Shoreham’s maritime history is woven through its narrow streets and old harbour. The Shoreham Fort, built in 1857, stands guard over the harbour entrance, offering panoramic views of the coast. The Marlipins Museum, one of the oldest secular buildings in Sussex, holds a fascinating collection of local maritime artefacts, ship models, and trade memorabilia.
Culture
A short stroll from the quay, Shoreham’s town centre hosts regular markets, local art galleries, and live performances at the Ropetackle Arts Centre. Summer brings outdoor concerts and community festivals on the riverfront. Brighton, just ten minutes east by train, adds further cultural weight with its theatre scene, independent shops, and coastal events.
Sites of Interest to a Sailor
Approaching Shoreham from seaward, sailors pass the distinctive breakwaters and modern harbour entrance, marked by twin green and red lights. To the west, Worthing’s broad sands stretch out; to the east, Brighton’s skyline rises with its pier and observation tower clearly visible. From the South Downs above Mill Hill, you can look down over the River Adur and the sea lanes beyond—perfect vantage points for weather watching.
Entertainment
Evenings in Shoreham are relaxed and friendly. Riverside pubs such as The Bridge Inn and The Ferry serve local ales and seafood. The Ropetackle hosts jazz, folk, and comedy nights year-round, and Brighton’s nightlife is close enough for those seeking something livelier.
Eating Out
Fresh fish from the harbour features on many local menus. The Sussex Produce Company and Into the Blue restaurant both champion regional ingredients. For something casual, Shoreham’s beach cafés and riverside eateries make ideal spots to watch the sunset over the Adur.
Nature
Shoreham Beach Nature Reserve is a haven for coastal wildlife and seabirds. The South Downs National Park lies just inland, offering excellent walking routes with sea views. The Adur Ferry Bridge links the town to the beach, creating easy access for anyone wanting to combine sailing with coastal exploration.
Unique Features
Shoreham combines small-town calm with direct access to Brighton’s vibrancy and London’s transport links. It remains a working port where fishing boats, yachts, and cargo vessels share the same water—something increasingly rare on the south coast.
Accommodation
The Crabtree Guest House and The New Sussex Hotel both provide good mid-range options near the waterfront. For a touch of luxury, the Harbour Hotel in Brighton is just a short train ride away and ideal for a night ashore.
Official Tourist Website
https://visitshoreham-by-sea.com
Weather in Shoreham
Winter brings cool, often windy conditions with average temperatures around 6°C. Spring is mild, with increasing sunshine and calmer seas. Summer is pleasantly warm, usually between 18–22°C, ideal for coastal sailing. Autumn often stays settled until late October, with crisp air and changing light—excellent for photography.
Sea and Beyond: A Responsible Mariner’s Guide
If you’re travelling to or from Shoreham, consider taking the train. Brighton and Shoreham are both on the mainline between London and the south coast, with direct services from London Victoria, Gatwick Airport, and other regional hubs. Trains are frequent and reliable, cutting your carbon footprint significantly compared to driving or flying.
Special Interests
If you’d like us to help you explore a personal interest—perhaps coastal walking, maritime art, or historic shipyards—let us know when you book.
How to Get There
From the UK
Shoreham-by-Sea railway station lies on the main coastal route between Brighton and Portsmouth. Regular trains run from London Victoria, London Bridge, and Gatwick Airport to Shoreham (average journey 1 hour 20 minutes). Drivers can use the A27 coast road, connecting Shoreham easily with Brighton, Portsmouth, and Southampton.
From Europe
Ferries from Dieppe, Caen, and Le Havre arrive at Newhaven or Portsmouth, both within easy reach of Shoreham by train or road. London Gatwick Airport, less than an hour away by train, offers numerous European flight connections.
From North America
Fly into London Gatwick (the closest airport) or London Heathrow. From Gatwick, take the direct train to Shoreham-by-Sea. From Heathrow, transfer by train or coach to Gatwick or central London before continuing south.
From Australia
Flights from Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth connect via Middle Eastern or Asian hubs to London Heathrow or Gatwick. From either airport, it’s straightforward to reach Shoreham by train or hire car.
When Is the Best Time to Book a Flight?
Domestic travel: book 1–2 months ahead.
International: 3–6 months in advance.
Holiday travel: 3–10 months early.
High-demand periods: monitor prices early.
For spring to autumn voyages, book 4–6 months ahead for the best value.
Extra Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
Travel midweek and off-peak. Compare nearby airports like Heathrow and Gatwick. Use flight trackers such as Google Flights or Hopper to watch fares. Subscribing to flight deal alerts like Jack’s Flight Club can reveal sudden discounts.
Tools to Help You Save
Skyscanner’s Savings Generator and Google Flights’ Explore tool can both help identify the cheapest times to fly. Staying flexible with dates often makes a significant difference.
Parking
Public parking is available around Shoreham Harbour and the town centre. To find or reserve a space, visit https://www.justpark.com.
