Best attractions and places to see around Adur include a diverse range of historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural points of interest. The district, located in West Sussex, England, is characterized by the River Adur, which flows through the region to the English Channel. Over half of Adur lies within the South Downs National Park, providing extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore ancient structures, coastal paths, and scenic viewpoints across the area.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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Popular around Adur
Explore the South Downs National Park — 15 rail to road rides
Discover the South Downs National Park — 20 rail to trail rides
So Sussex - The Living Coast by Mountain Bike
So Sussex - The Living Coast by Bike
Road Cycling Routes around Adur
Running Trails around Adur
Cycling around Adur
Hiking around Adur
MTB Trails around Adur
Gravel biking around Adur
careful at night with dog walkers and runners, some have no lights, all have headphones and some will point a torch at your eyes.
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Careful in the wet the chalk like rock surfaces at the lower end of the ride can be extremely slippery.
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This traffic-free section of NCN route 2 runs alongside two bodies of water - the sea and Widewater Lagoon. It's an area of brackish water landlocked by a man-made shingle bank. Look out for herons, swans, geese, cormorants, kingfishers, gulls and many other wildfowl. The path can get quite busy in the summer months so watch out for pedestrians and joggers. There are toilets and a water tap at the eastern end of the lagoon, and also a small kiosk selling drinks and ice creams.
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This is a beautifully kept church with Saxon origins and Norman extensions. There are four round Norman arches in the tower containing carvings of limpets, shells, wheel studs in addition to human faces. It has been suggested two of these may be either Henry I and his wife Adeliza or King Steven and his queen Matilda.
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Can get very busy but take it easy and take in the views
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The Downs Link is a 36.7 miles (59.1 km) footpath and bridleway linking the North Downs Way at St. Martha's Hill in Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning in West Sussex and on via the Coastal Link to Shoreham-by-Sea. It follows the course of two dismantled railways - the Cranleigh Line and the Steyning Line - both of which closed in the 1960s as a result of the Beeching Axe. It is a trail of regional importance supported by three local authorities - Surrey County Council, West Sussex County Council and Waverley Borough Council. It is very popular with people on foot, cycle and horseback.
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Adur is rich in history. You can explore the ancient Shoreham Toll Bridge, a restored 18th-century structure offering scenic views over the River Adur. Nearby, visit St Nicolas Church, which dates back to around 900 AD. Other notable historical landmarks include Lancing Chapel, recognized as the world's largest school chapel, and the ruins of Bramber Castle.
The Adur district boasts diverse natural landscapes. Over half of the area lies within the South Downs National Park, offering extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can visit Widewater Lagoon, a brackish lagoon popular for birdwatching, or enjoy the various beaches like Lancing Beach and Shoreham Beach. The River Adur itself provides scenic paths for walking and cycling.
Yes, many attractions in Adur are suitable for families. The Shoreham Toll Bridge and St Nicolas Church are accessible and offer historical insights. Coastal areas like Widewater Lagoon Beach Huts and Coastal Path provide space for leisure, and the Adur Outdoor Activities Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea offers various activities for all ages.
Adur offers numerous routes for walking and cycling. The Downs Link, a long-distance path, has sections like Downs Link — Adur riverside and Lancing College view (Shoreham-by-Sea) which are great for all bikes and offer views of the River Adur and Lancing College. For easy walks, you can find routes like the 'View of Shoreham Airport – Shoreham Toll Bridge loop' or 'Shoreham Toll Bridge – Heron Statue by the Riverside loop' on the Easy hikes around Adur guide. For cycling, explore routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Adur page.
Adur offers several excellent viewpoints. You can enjoy panoramic views from Downs Link — Adur riverside and Lancing College view (Shoreham-by-Sea), which overlooks the River Adur and Lancing College. Another popular spot is View of the Shoreham Cement Works from Coombes Road, offering unique perspectives of the landscape and the impressive Lancing College Chapel. For more elevated views, consider the Titch Hill Climb or Thundersbarrow Hill Descent.
Adur's coastline features several appealing spots. You can visit Widewater Lagoon Beach Huts and Coastal Path, which is part of a traffic-free coastal path and a haven for wildfowl. The district also has various beaches like Lancing Beach, Shoreham Beach, Widewater Beach, and Southwick Beach, many with dedicated swimming zones during summer months. The Beach Huts themselves are a popular feature.
Visitors frequently praise the scenic views and historical significance of Adur's attractions. The Shoreham Toll Bridge is appreciated for its rich history and stunning position. The Downs Link is noted for its great surface for all bikes and excellent views of the River Adur and Lancing College. Many also enjoy the unique perspectives offered by viewpoints like the View of the Shoreham Cement Works from Coombes Road.
Yes, for those interested in local culture and history, the Marlipins Museum in Shoreham is housed in one of the oldest secular buildings in the area and provides a good starting point for exploring the local heritage. Shoreham Airfield also holds considerable heritage significance.
Absolutely. Adur offers a variety of running trails. You can find options ranging from easy to difficult, including routes like the 'Lancing Beach Green Beach Huts – Beach Huts loop' or longer runs such as 'Brighton Palace Pier – Lower Cliff Path, South Downs loop'. For more details and specific routes, refer to the Running Trails around Adur guide.
Adur's outdoor attractions, particularly those within the South Downs National Park and along the coast, can be enjoyed year-round. However, for walking, cycling, and beach activities, the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery, especially in the South Downs.
The River Adur, which flows through the district, offers opportunities for various water-based activities. While specific activities are not detailed, its presence and connection to the English Channel at Shoreham-by-Sea suggest potential for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the riverside paths. The Adur Outdoor Activities Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea is a good resource for organized activities.
Lancing Chapel is a Grade I Listed building and a prominent landmark in Adur. It is recognized as the world's largest school chapel, having taken over 150 years to complete. Its impressive Gothic architecture can be admired from various viewpoints, including the Downs Link — Adur riverside and Lancing College view (Shoreham-by-Sea) and the View of the Shoreham Cement Works from Coombes Road.


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