We live in one of the most isolated towns in the UK – you need to cross a bridge to get here… here’s why we love it
RESIDENTS in a beautiful seaside town say it’s one of the most isolated in the UK and you need to cross a bridge to get there.
Selsey lies at the most southern point of the Manhood Peninsula in West Sussex, around seven miles south of Chichester.
It’s so remote it is almost entirely cut off from the mainland apart from one road in and out.
Locals and tourists hit Selsey’s two beaches on hot summer days to relax and take in the gorgeous coastlines.
Both Selsey Beach and East Beach are pebbled but beautiful sandy stretches of the coast are revealed during low tide.
To get a little taste of the seaside paradise, which has been compared to the South of France, you can only get to it via the B2145 which briefly becomes a bridge which is known locally as “the ferry”.
The bridge spans the water inlet at Pagham Harbour and it got its name because previously there was a ferryman who took people across to the island and into Selsey.
To the west of Selsey there is Bracklesham Bay and to east there is Pagham Harbout while to the north there’s Broad Rife, rife being the local word for a stream or creek.
Just walking around the town there’s lots of pretty and picturesque houses to admire which give off quaint village vibes.
While most visitors come to sunbathe and a swim in the sea there are lots of other attractions too.
Even though it’s just a little town there are lots of little places for food and refreshment.
The Seal Bar and Restaurant has picked up glowing five-star reviews online for anyone wanting a meal out.
It also offers highly-rated B&B rooms for anyone looking to stay longer than just a day.
Just a short walk up the coast is the Waves Café and Sandwich Bar which is popular with both locals and tourists.
Anyone wanting to quench their thirst has a number of pubs to choose from, including The Neptune, Fisherman’s Joy and The Hope Inn.
For those looking for something a bit more lively can head over to The Crown Inn, a popular pub which serves delicious food and then at 10pm it turns into a nightclub.
But if you want something more peaceful, the town has four 19th century churches which are dotted about the town centre.
Visitors can also go for a round of golf at its nearby course.
Plus you can’t beat the Medmerry nature reserve for some peace and quiet.
It was manmade in 2013 as part of Europe’s biggest coastal realignment scheme to protect surrounding towns and villages from flooding.
There is also a second RSPB nature reserve and both make an ideal place for a leisurely walk, run or cycle which offer stunning views as you pass by.
Carl, 56, told Sussex Live: “These are the best moments when you live here, even in winter the beach is the place you want to be to take in the view when you’re doing something like the dog walk.”
Kevin Daymond, a local estate agent at Henry Adams who has worked in the town for 15 years, said: “One of the main reasons why it’s such a great place to live or visit is that despite being a town on paper it is, and has, a village feel and way of life.
“You can walk down the street and get a friendly ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’.
“Selsey has a real community spirit which I’m led to believe you don’t get in other local areas like the Witterings because it’s mainly second home owners there.”
