Marlipins Museum
Marlipins Museum in Shoreham‑by‑Sea is one of West Sussex’s most distinctive heritage sites, housed in a striking 12th‑century stone‑and‑flint building believed to be one of the oldest secular structures in the county. Its unusual checkerboard façade has long intrigued historians, and the building itself may once have served as a merchant’s warehouse or even a medieval courthouse. Today, it offers a compact but engaging journey through Shoreham’s maritime, industrial and social past. Inside, visitors can explore galleries filled with archaeological finds, including Roman pottery and Saxon artefacts uncovered along the River Adur. The museum’s maritime collection is a highlight: ship models, navigation tools and photographs chart Shoreham’s evolution from a medieval port to a centre of shipbuilding and coastal trade. Local history displays reveal stories of smuggling, fishing communities and the town’s Victorian seaside development. One of the most interesting facts is the museum’s connection to Shoreham’s aviation history. The town was home to one of Britain’s earliest airports, and exhibits include memorabilia from pioneering flights and early airshows. Another standout is the collection of historic maps and postcards, offering a vivid visual timeline of how the town has changed.
Shoreham-by-Sea United Kingdom
Marlipins Museum is in the heart of Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, right on the old High Street. It is located in one of the oldest buildings in the town, a 14th century timber framed building that is hard to miss. The address is Marlipins Museum, High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 5DA. It is just a minute from the riverside and the town centre, with parking nearby and easy access from the A27. It is a lovely little museum to drop into because there is plenty to see around it. You are right next to the River Adur, so a walk along the waterfront and over to Shoreham Beach is really nice. Shoreham Fort on the beach is close by and worth a look if you like history. The town itself has nice cafes and independent shops along the High Street. For a bigger day out, you are right between Brighton and Worthing. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery and the pier are a short drive west, and Brighton with the Royal Pavilion and the seafront is just to the east. You are also on the edge of the South Downs National Park, so walks up to Lancing Ring and around the Downs are easy to reach. Arundel Castle and Cathedral, Amberley Museum and Parham House and Gardens are also not far if you want to make a day of it.