Living in Shoreham-by-Sea
Looking to move to Shoreham-by-Sea? Learn all about what life here is like, from the local schools and transport options to things to do around town and, of course, find out about property prices in the area.
Your guide to moving and living in Shoreham-by-Sea
Why Shoreham-by-Sea is a great place to live
Shoreham-by-Sea, often referred to simply as Shoreham, sits between the vibrant city of Brighton and the seaside charm of Worthing on England’s south coast. This historic coastal town is known for its scenic riverside setting along the River Adur, its bustling harbour, and a charming high street lined with independent shops, traditional pubs, and cafés. The area seamlessly blends the atmosphere of a working port with picturesque coastal views and a sense of community intrigue shaped by centuries of maritime history.
People living in Shoreham-by-Sea enjoy a coastal lifestyle, with beach walks, sailing, and waterside relaxation as part of daily life. The town attracts a diverse population, from families seeking outdoor adventures and good schools to professionals and London commuters due to its excellent transport links. Its artistic scene, historic churches (most notably St Mary de Haura Church), and active yacht club all add to the area's distinct character. The South Downs National Park to the north offers endless opportunities for walking and cycling, giving Shoreham residents access to both rural beauty and seaside fun.
The town’s blend of old and new, with period cottages, modern apartments, and riverside developments, creates a unique identity that appeals to a broad mix of residents. Its waterways, nature reserves, and friendly markets build a strong sense of place, making Shoreham-by-Sea a sought-after location for all ages.
Community & Local Life
Community and local life in Shoreham-by-Sea is underpinned by a strong sense of inclusivity and pride. Residents actively participate in local events like the Shoreham Farmers’ Market, annual River Fest, and festivals in Coronation Green. These occasions foster neighbourly ties and provide opportunities for all ages to mingle and celebrate local culture.
The town is well served by community centres, such as the Shoreham Centre, and hubs offering activities from yoga to crafts to dance. The Ropetackle Arts Centre is a focal point for music, performance, and visual arts, drawing visitors from the wider region.
Outdoor life is central to the Shoreham experience. The beaches along Shoreham Beach, riverside walks by the Adur, and green escapes in Buckingham Park all support active, outdoor-focused living. Residents often cite the area’s openness, the helpfulness of neighbours, and strong local networks as key parts of what makes Shoreham special.
Safety & Crime Rates in Shoreham-by-Sea
Shoreham-by-Sea is generally perceived as a safe town with a strong sense of community vigilance. Overall crime rates are lower than larger urban areas in West Sussex, and residents often comment on the area’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere, particularly around the residential streets and well-trafficked public spaces.
Neighbourhood policing teams work closely with local groups to address issues quickly and maintain a visible presence, especially in the centre and at key events. Initiatives such as neighbourhood watch schemes and community forums help keep both petty crime and antisocial behaviour in check. The town's quieter residential quarters, especially away from the high street and nightlife zones, are typically considered among the safest parts of the region.
Recent regeneration, especially along the harbour and beachside, has further enhanced the area’s reputation for safety and community pride. Residents cite the close-knit feel and community activities as factors that support strong social cohesion and a shared approach to tackling local issues.
Parking & Road Access
Parking in Shoreham-by-Sea is generally manageable, though demand fluctuates with local events, markets, and the summer tourist season. The town provides a mix of on-street parking, pay-and-display areas in central locations, and resident permit schemes, especially near the high street, beach, and railway station. Some streets near popular schools and Shoreham Beach experience congestion at peak hours.
For commuters and visitors, several council-run car parks are available, offering longer-term and short-stay options. The A27 simplifies driving to and from the town, and the nearby A259 scenic coast road connects the town with other sought-after West Sussex destinations.
- Brighton – approx. 20 minutes via A27 (6 miles)
- Worthing – approx. 15 minutes via A27 (8 miles)
- Chichester – approx. 40 minutes via A27 (29 miles)
- Bognor Regis – approx. 30 minutes via A259 (18 miles)
Residential areas typically offer residents parking, though availability may be tight in older or seafront zones. Cyclists and pedestrians also find the area easy to navigate, thanks to well-maintained pavements and cycle routes.
Food, Pubs & Nightlife
Shoreham-by-Sea has earned a reputation for its foodie scene and its array of independent cafés, relaxed pubs, and diverse restaurants. The town centre and riverside areas offer a selection of traditional English pubs, modern bistros, and excellent coffee shops. Favourites include waterfront venues on the High Street and spots on Shoreham Beach with panoramic views.
From freshly caught seafood at local eateries to international cuisine and artisan bakeries, Shoreham covers a broad gastronomic spectrum. Takeaways and casual dining cater to every taste, whether you crave sushi, pizza, Indian, or classic fish and chips. The town also puts on regular food and drink festivals showcasing Sussex produce.
Nightlife tends to be more relaxed compared with Brighton, leaning towards live music nights, open mic sessions at the town’s pubs, and community theatre productions. While there are no large clubs, Shoreham’s social scene is active, with a calendar of events at the Ropetackle Arts Centre and lively pub quizzes. The area’s ambience is sociable and friendly, perfect for those seeking a welcoming local vibe rather than big-city nightlife.
Is Shoreham-by-Sea Family Friendly
School Quality: Shoreham-by-Sea is home to a variety of highly regarded primary and secondary schools, making it a popular choice for families with children of all ages.
Parks and Green Space: Green areas like Buckingham Park and riverside spaces offer ample room for outdoor play, sports, and family picnics. The beach is a major draw for family walks and waterside fun.
Childcare: Nurseries, pre-schools, and childminder networks operate throughout the town and nearby villages, offering flexible childcare solutions for working families.
Safety: The town is considered safe, with a friendly atmosphere and low crime rates in residential zones contributing to peace of mind for parents.
Family Activities: Families enjoy regular community events, swimming at The Wave leisure centre, youth clubs, and year-round sporting opportunities. With local arts, crafts workshops, and festivals, children are well catered for in Shoreham-by-Sea.
Pet Friendly Living
Shoreham-by-Sea is particularly supportive of pet owners, with extensive coastal walks on the beach and riverside paths ideal for dog walking year-round. Nearby open countryside and the footpaths of the South Downs National Park offer longer explores for more adventurous pets and owners.
The town features a strong network of vets, pet supply shops, and boarding kennels. Popular parks, such as Buckingham Park, are frequented by pet owners and include dog waste bins and friendly signage. Many of the local pubs and cafés, especially those along the beach and riverside, welcome well-behaved dogs, creating a genuinely pet-friendly social scene.
Most residential areas have access to safe walking routes, and local landlords are increasingly open to tenants with pets, reflecting the area’s overall accepting attitude to four-legged residents. Community groups also organise pet-focused events and meetups, enhancing Shoreham’s reputation as a pet-welcoming locale.
Transport & Accessibility
Shoreham-by-Sea is well-connected, making it an attractive base for commuters and those who value easy movement across Sussex and beyond. The town’s mainline railway station is centrally located, providing fast and frequent services to local hubs as well as London.
Regular trains head east to Brighton (about 20 minutes) and west to Worthing (10 minutes), while direct services to London Victoria take around 70-80 minutes. The railway also links to key employment centres in Sussex, including Littlehampton and Chichester, and makes weekend getaways simple.
Excellent local bus services connect Shoreham-by-Sea with surrounding areas like Hove, Southwick, and Steyning, offering a convenient option for non-drivers.
The A27 dual carriageway runs just north of the town, providing direct road access:
- Brighton – approx. 20 minutes via A27 (6 miles)
- Worthing – approx. 15 minutes via A27 (8 miles)
- Chichester – approx. 40 minutes via A27 (29 miles)
- London – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via M23/A23 (55 miles)
Gatwick Airport is about 30 miles away and reachable in just under 40 minutes by car, or by direct train changes at Brighton. Shoreham Airport (Brighton City Airport), nearby, primarily serves private and leisure flights.
For the active traveler, Shoreham-by-Sea is on the National Cycle Route 2 and the South Downs Way, giving walkers and cyclists scenic routes in all directions.
Schools & Education in Shoreham-by-Sea
Education in Shoreham-by-Sea is highly regarded, with a range of options for all ages and educational needs. The area is known for its strong selection of primary and secondary schools, neatly complemented by accessible colleges and universities in neighbouring towns and cities.
Primary Schools:
Shoreham Beach Primary School enjoys a positive local reputation and focuses on a creative curriculum (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2021). Swiss Gardens Primary School offers a rich academic programme and supportive environment (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2020). St Nicolas and St Mary CofE Primary School is recognised for its community ethos and pastoral care (Ofsted rated 'Outstanding', 2015). Herons Dale School specialises in additional needs education, with a focus on personalised learning (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2019).
Secondary Schools:
Shoreham Academy is the town's main secondary, popular for academic and extracurricular opportunities (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2018). Sir Robert Woodard Academy in nearby Lancing offers further choice, known for its performing arts facilities.
Independent and Specialist Schools:
The area benefits from proximity to private schools such as Lancing College, a prestigious independent boarding and day school (in Lancing), and the Towers Convent School (in Upper Beeding). Herons Dale caters specifically to young people with learning difficulties.
Further Education and Universities:
While there are no universities or colleges in Shoreham-by-Sea itself, Greater Brighton Metropolitan College and Northbrook College (both in Worthing and Brighton) are easily accessible. Brighton, just a short train ride away, is home to the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, making higher education easily reachable for local students.