Welcome to Shoreham-by-Sea

About Shoreham

The River Adur and town centre, with St Mary de Haura Church visible — reflecting the town's maritime and medieval heritage

Shoreham-by-Sea (often shortened to Shoreham) is a historic coastal town in West Sussex, England, and the principal settlement of the Adur District. With a population of roughly 23,700 as of 2021, the town boasts a rich heritage as a medieval port and shipbuilding centre, alongside a vibrant modern community.

Shoreham's position between the river estuary, the sea, and the South Downs creates a unique environment with diverse wildlife: migratory birds on the Adur mudflats, rare plants on the beach, and butterflies on Mill Hill north of town. The town balances its rich maritime heritage with a thriving arts scene and community spirit.

Rich Historical Heritage

Shoreham's long history provides plenty of material for storytelling, from its medieval importance to unique episodes in the 20th century. The town has evolved from a significant medieval port to a modern community while preserving its unique character and heritage sites.

The Famous Houseboats

Shoreham's eclectic houseboat community - often called "Britain's Wackiest Street"

Perhaps Shoreham's most visually striking subculture is its houseboat colony along the River Adur. Over 50 houseboats, created from old barges, tugboats, torpedo boats and other repurposed vessels, line the riverbank — each one a work of art in itself.

Owners have taken advantage of minimal building regulations on water to craft wildly imaginative homes: one boat ("Verda") is built from pieces of eight different boats plus two buses and a Reliant Robin car, while another ("The Clive") is a WWII motor torpedo boat with an airplane fuselage on top.

This eclectic floating neighborhood has been called a "labyrinthine dream afloat" and attracts visitors from around the world. The community began in the 1960s-70s when artists and those seeking an alternative lifestyle were drawn to the freedom of houseboat living.

Local Attractions & Landmarks

St Mary de Haura Church

This grand church from the 1100s stands as a landmark from Shoreham's medieval era and is noted as "one of the finest" examples of transitional Norman-Gothic architecture.

Shoreham Fort

Built in 1857, this relic of coastal defense still stands at the river mouth. Volunteer guides from the Friends of Shoreham Fort run tours and WWII reenactments during heritage events.

Brighton City Airport

Opened in 1911, it holds the title of Britain's oldest licensed airfield. Its 1936 Art Deco terminal building is itself a heritage piece, often used as a period film location.

Marlipins Museum

Housed in a rare 12th-century stone building on Shoreham High Street, this museum showcases local maritime and social history with artifacts, model ships, and historical exhibits.

Ropetackle Arts Centre

A renowned community-run venue hosting concerts, theatre, comedy nights, film screenings, and exhibitions. This multi-award-winning arts hub attracts big-name acts as well as local talent.

Shoreham Beach Nature Reserve

Designated as a Local Nature Reserve for its rare vegetated shingle habitat, the beach's unique flora includes sea kale, thrift and rare orchids growing among the pebbles.

Community Events

Shoreham-by-Sea today has a thriving community scene with annual events, active clubs, and volunteer initiatives that bring residents together throughout the year.

Beach Dreams Festival

An iconic free summer festival on Shoreham Beach Green, featuring live local bands, family activities, food stalls, and a real ale tent. Billed as "Sussex's longest-running community festival."

Shoreham Wordfest

An annual literary and arts festival celebrating spoken and written word. It brings together local authors, poets, and famous writers for talks, performances, and workshops.

Farmers' & Artisans' Markets

Shoreham's award-winning Farmers' Market takes place on East Street every second Saturday, offering local Sussex produce and artisan goods. There's also a monthly Artisans' Market showcasing crafts.

Local Clubs & Organizations

Shoreham has numerous clubs and community organizations that contribute to its vibrant social fabric:

The Ropetackle Arts Centre serves as a cultural hub, hosting a packed schedule of concerts, theatre, comedy nights, film screenings, and exhibitions throughout the year. Environmental initiatives like the Friends of Shoreham Beach help preserve the town's natural spaces, while the Shoreham Society works to protect its architectural heritage.