Pagham Harbour
Selsey
Children will enjoy The Discovery Centre with pond and other habitats for wildlife spotting.
A tunnel of blackthorn on the way to Sidlesham Quay
The Basics
Time: 50 mins
Distance: 2.63 km
Terrain: Flat historic tramway and field paths
Pushchair: No - narrow and uneven paths as well as fields to cross.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in the discovery centre, but there are paths that avoid this. Dogs should be on leads or under close control.
Refreshments: Ice creams, hot drinks and basic snacks are available from the visitor centre where there are also picnic tables. The Crab and Lobster is located half way at Sidlesham Quay, but with a menu suited to adult diners.
Toilets: At the visitor centre during opening hours.
Public Transport: The 51 Link service from Chichester Bus Station to Selsey stops outside the Visitor Centre.
Parking: Visitor centre car park is £2 for up to four hours and £3 after, PayByPhone App (Postcode: PO20 7NE - W3W: ranches/fidgeting/dined)
Approaching Sidlesham Quay
Pagham Harbour is a nature reserve on one of the few undeveloped stretches of the West Sussex coast and it is an internationally important wetland site for wildlife. Visit the RSPB visitor centre to get information about the local wildlife and then head off on this easy walk to the picturesque Sidlesham Quay.
The Route
This walk starts from the visitor centre where there are toilets, refreshments and often RSPB volunteers who enjoy chatting to you about what wildlife you are likely to spot. Take the middle path through a gate on your right if facing the visitor centre. This will take you straight to The Discovery Centre where there is a large nature pond, undercover picnic area and other wildlife habitats to explore.
Once you are finished at the pond, take the gate at the opposite side from where you entered and and the path will soon lead to a bird spotting hide over Ferry Pool.
From the bird hide, veer left, keeping the water channel to your right all the way to Sidlesham Quay. This path was once a tram way and information boards will tell you about its history.
Sidlesham Quay is a picturesque spot with a grassy lawn and benches where you can stop and admire the view and tranquillity. The pub is just around the corner on Mill Lane. Standing with your back to the water, turn left along the road, heading towards the village. As the road bends right, take the footpath to the left between a group of houses and into Yeoman’s Field, which has an RSPB badge on the gate.
Follow the path across the field and go through the gate at the other end. Follow the next path back to the visitor’s centre.
For an alternative route, you could walk from the visitor centre to Church Norton. Take the path after Ferry Hide signposted to Church Norton. You will enjoy harbour views, lots of potential wildlife to spot and a large, quiet shingle beach at the end as well as St. Wilfred’s Chapel. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the small hamlet. You can see some of our photos from a walk at Church Norton here.
Did you know?
During the school holidays there are special family events, from pond dipping, bug hunting and arts and crafts, to seashore safaris, mud-sifting and seasonal themed events. Keep an eye out on the Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve Page for more information.
If you enjoyed this walk…
….try our other walk in Pagham Harbour at Church Norton.
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