chichester yacht basin

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Welcome to Chichester Marina

Chichester Marina

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Chichester Harbour, Chichester Marina’s premium facilities and relaxed environment give it a special character, making it a worthy recipient of the THYA five gold anchor award. 

Enjoy the calm of a lock-entry marina with 24-hour access to the picturesque cruising grounds of Chichester Harbour. Ashore, you’ll find a friendly boating community, cradled in a scenic landscape, with a myriad of hidden creeks and quiet anchorages to explore. The harbour provides wonderful cruising grounds, enjoy the stunning sandy beaches of East Head, or venture further out to the waters of the Solent. 

Boat storage and servicing

Chichester Marina's extensive award-winning facilities include luxury toilets and shower rooms. With in-water berthing for boats up to 22 metres, the marina is home to two boatyard hoists, lifting boats up to 65 tonnes. There is also extensive storage ashore, coupled with a range of onsite marine services, while Chichester’s full-service boatyard is among the best on the South Coast.

Click to watch an aerial view of Chichester Marina. 

Wildlife and walking

Chichester Marina’s newly refurbished Boat House Café and restaurant serves locally sourced seasonal menus seven days a week, while Chichester Yacht Club also provides a warm welcome with a bar, restaurant and regular social events. Perfect for bird watchers, discover wildlife along The Salterns Way, or follow the canal path to the historic city of Chichester. 

You can follow the latest news, events and updates from the team on the Chichester Marina Facebook page . 

Get a quote

If you would like a personalised price for berthing or boatyard services at Chichester Marina you can get a quick quote online here.

Chichester Marina features

Chichester Marina has all the features you’d expect to find in a premium marina.

24-hour security

Fuel pontoon, electricity, personal bathrooms, full-service boatyard.

Boatyard services

Chichester Marina aims to set the standard for boatyards in the marine industry, with its vibrant and user-friendly facility. Premier's experienced boatyard team works alongside knowledgeable marine specialists providing year-round lift, high-pressure wash, block-off and re-launch services. 

• High pressure hull cleaning
• Lift, launch and block-off
• Boat storage

With additional companies available onsite to assist with

• Maintenance and repair
• Engine lifts
• Mast removal

Latest news

James Ketchell's global challenge

Sustainability hat trick for Premier Marinas

What's new at The Boat House Chichester?

In Our Element - the final stretch, 1000 miles to go

Chichester lock maintenance shutdown

In Our Element undertake the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge

More skills = better service

What’s on.

Getting to Chichester Marina

Chichester Marina is located on the South Coast at the eastern end of Chichester Harbour, just four miles from Chichester’s city centre. With easy road connections to Portsmouth and Southampton to the west and Worthing and Brighton to the east.

Premier Marinas Chichester Marina, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7EJ

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Chichester Marina and Harbour: a guide

• Alison Wood
• March 10, 2023

Tranquil Chichester Marina and the surrounding harbour is the perfect destination for sailors with time to explore this area of natural beauty, as Alison Wood reports

Chichester Marina is situated adjacent to the rolling West Sussex countryside. Credit: Premier Credit: Premier Marinas

Surrounded by countryside, Chichester Harbour in Sussex is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), covering almost 7,400 hectares.

Distinctive tidal channels lead to a maze of inlets that criss-cross expanses of saltmarsh and mudflats.

Aerial view out to seaward taken from Bosham. Credit: David A Easterly/Alamy

The shoreline is fringed by oak trees and vegetation, and there are centuries-old villages to explore, with mills, fishermens’ cottages and maritime traditions.

With 56 miles of shoreline walks, you can discover Chichester Harbour by foot as well as by boat, especially at low tide when much of the harbour is drying.

Chichester Marina

Chichester Marina was one of the first marinas to be built in the UK, opening in the mid-1960s, with a state-of-the-art boatyard being rebuilt in 2014.

Despite being the UK’s second largest marina its rural setting and low-key architecture add to the tranquil vibe, with nature walks right on the doorstep.

Holder of a Five Gold Anchors award, Premier Chichester marina is home to 1,100 berths, a boatyard with two boat hoists, slipway and boatshed.

Chichester Marina sits comfortably in its natural surroundings. Credit: Charlie Ross

On-site services include a chandlery, brokerage, rigging , cosmetic work, valeting and engineering.

The Boat House offers indoor and outdoor eating with harbour views and has a pizza oven which sells out on summer days.

Nearby Chichester Yacht Club is open day and night for food and coffee, and marina berth-holders and visitors have guest access.

A nice walk from the marina along the wooded, harbourside path takes you to Dell Quay, where you’ll find the traditional Crown & Anchor pub.

Facilities at Chichester Marina

Boats can be accommodated up to 22m length, 7m beam and 2.3m draught. Versadock (drive-on floating dock) is available as well as trailer sailer options for smaller craft.

Credit: Maggie Nelson

The marina offers secure berth holder parking, luxury toilets and showers and free wifi. For family and friends, or owners not wanting to stay overnight aboard, Premier has nine New England-style apartments ‘The Salterns’ situated within the marina.

Approach to Chichester Marina

Approach by sea is via the west pole beacon – cross Chichester Bar located at the entrance to the harbour. Once inside the harbour, head north-east past East Head and towards Itchenor.

The marina approach channel is dredged to approx. 0.5m below CD – vessels entering the marina should keep to the starboard side of the channel.

Chichester Bar is located at the entrance to the harbour and is dredged to approximately 1.5m below chart datum giving a depth of 2m at mean low water Springs; however, the bottom can vary up to 0.75m.

One to keep an eye on – tidal gauge indicates sill depth at the entrance to Emsworth harbour. Credit: Tony Cortazzi/Alamy

With an ebb tide and strong southerly winds, exercise caution and cross the Bar between three hours before and one hour after high water Springs.

As you approach Longmore Point ensure your VHF is on Ch80; on passing Birdham Spit pile call the marina using your boat’s call sign, advise your position and request lock entry.

View of Bosham from across the creek which mostly dries. Credit: Paul Weston/Alamy

The lock keeper will acknowledge your call and either instruct you to proceed to the lock on a green light or, in busy times, join the back of the queue for the lock and enter in turn upon a green signal light.

Day cruises

The Solent is just on your doorstep offering easy access east or west to some of the UK’s most popular cruising grounds.

Within a day’s sail of Chichester Marina you can visit the Isle of Wight or take a long leisurely cruise to picturesque Beaulieu River (with Buckler’s Hard and Beaulieu Motor Museum) and Lymington Harbour.

Weekend cruises

Chichester is an excellent start point for cross-Channel cruises and trips to Premier’s Gosport, Port Solent, Swanwick, Brighton and Eastbourne marinas – where berth holders can use their 42 free visitor night credits.

Longer distance

A little further afield you’ve got the West Country, Channel Islands, Cherbourg and the Brittany coastline.

Local attractions

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, Chichester has many sandy beaches, fishing villages and family attractions including Goodwood House and Racecourse.

Chichester Marina is just four miles from the historic city of Chichester, with its theatres, galleries, 900-year-old cathedral, and the Novium Museum, charting 500,000 years of life in the city.

A Southerly 49 takes the ground on the beach at East Head. Credit: Michael Austen/Alamy

A short drive away is the village of Fishbourne, with the remains of a Roman Palace and gardens.

Further around the harbour takes you to the quaint village of Bosham with its village green and arts and crafts centre.

In addition to the small beach by the marina – where you can swim at high tide – there are the sandy beaches of East Head and The Witterings, with long unspoilt coastline stretching from West Wittering Beach to Bracklesham Bay.

• Chichester Marina, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7EJ. VHF Ch80. Tel: 01243 512731, premiermarinas.com
• Chichester Harbour Conservancy, conservancy.co.uk

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Local Knowledge about Chichester Marina and harbour

Peter Draper has a Dunkirk Little Ship

If you’ve a high-speed powerboat, Chichester Harbour isn’t for you. If you have a yacht or like to potter it’s ideal.

It’s a beautiful place: safe, secure inland cruising with many little creeks, and places to visit such as Emsworth and Bosham.

There’s a plethora of wildlife, and it’s also great for dinghy sailors.

I own a 1927 pilchard fishing boat, Caronia – which helped in the World War II evacuation of Dunkirk.

I’ve spent over a decade restoring her with my son and love to sail out of Chichester.

The harbour is a wonderful place to be. It’s what I consider the garden gate to the West Country.

Once through the gate you’ve got the safety and security of the Solent.

There’s Cowes, Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, and Lymington on the other side. Gosport is good for a night out, and then if you want to go further, have a stopover over in Yarmouth and you can do Poole or even Weymouth in a day’s sail (say 6 or 7 knots).

From there, you’re a day away from Dartmouth. Of course in a motorboat you’re in the West Country in a day.

• Peter runs Navigator’s Marine, based in Chichester Marina, navigatorsmarine.co.uk . His book Restoring a Dunkirk Little Ship: Caronia SS70 is available on Amazon

Gilbert Park has a Trusty T23 motorboat

If you can get to Emsworth Town Quay and be prepared to leave on the tide, it’s a marvellous place to visit.

There are lots of shops and lovely pubs and eateries, including a Michelin restaurant.

There’s a visitor mooring 1km away at all states of the tide, where you can dinghy in. West Head is extremely popular because of the sandy beach.

If I want to take my grandchildren there I’ll go in a boat that dries out in the morning and leave in the afternoon. It’s wonderful.

You’ve got all the facilities on the beach, and there’s an anchorage too.

For peace and quiet and a wonderful sunset, I go to Itchenor – there’s a lovely anchorage there.

If you prefer marinas, then Chichester Marina has all the facilities you need.

Traditional boats like to go to Birdham, and my grandchildren particularly like Northney Marina because it has a play area and barbecue spot.

Bosham is very pretty and dates back to the time of the Bayeux tapestry. Chichester is also a great place for birdwatchers.

We get all sorts of migratory birds stopping here, as well as lots of seals.

Adam McMenemy sails a Sabre 27

I have a fin keel boat so I have to be a bit careful about where I go. I like to explore the stretch of water from Chichester marina to Itchenor.

Bosham creek is beautiful too. There are visitor moorings there and you can stay overnight.

My favourite spot is Hayling Island Sailing Club. It’s a beautiful little club, and has sandy beaches, fantastic views, good food and the bar’s always open.

Visiting yachtsmen are welcome at the club.

From Hayling Island it’s not too far to Birdham Pool, which is a great place to have lunch. I work as a marine electrician out of Emsworth Yacht Harbour in Emsworth Marina.

It’s a really nice village.

The marina is tidal, but it has a sill, so once you’re in you’ve got water.

East Head beach is half an hour’s walk from West Wittering so it’s mostly only sailors who go there.

There’s a sandy beach with dunes around it, and you can anchor overnight.

• Adam runs ACM Marine, facebook.com/AcmMarine

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• West Sussex /
• Chichester Harbour National Landscape (AONB) /

Chichester Marina and Dell Quay Circular

• Photos (236)
• Print/PDF map

Try this 3.7-mile loop trail near Chichester, West Sussex. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 17 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

This is a lovely walk. It would have been even better if it hadn't rained all night the night before! It was very flooded and boggy but was fun getting round. Wellies would have been better than walking shoes

Very slippery and muddy .

Very muddy and waterlogged in parts. But otherwise a lovely trail.

Today (Jan 15) sections of mud up to shoelaces

Really lovely walk. We did it with a 10 & 3 year old. Nice pub half way round to stop for a drink & a little rest. Would definitely recommend

Easy walk. A little bit on a very very quiet road. Nice with pup.

It's rained a lot and the first couple of kilometres were very muddy. Would recommend boots

A bit muddy in places. But a great walk, lovely views over the water and lots of water birds to see and bird song. Had a nice bite to eat at the half way point, lots of outside tables and views across the water. Flat, so suitable for most.

Lovely views across Chichester harbour but very muddy in places. We like definitely do again.

Very muddy in places.

Very wet and muddy just now (1st Jan 2023). But this is still one of my very favourite walks for views over the estuary, wonderful variety of wading birds especially at low water. Excellent food and drink to be had at either end: the Boathouse at the Marina and the Crown and anchor at Dell Quay

Should have worn wellies!

A bit muddy but a beautiful route

It was a beautiful day for this and soon avoided busier path. Completed with my 85 year old Dad. Stunning views, look out for the hidden bench the other side of the copse. Not sure I want to do it when it’s been wet though!

Perfectly flat, with a little walk on the beach (with fallen trees to climb) and a lovely ancient woodland copse. Only 0.5 mile of roads, paths suitable for walking and cycling, buggies, and children. Loads of great views. Note, although there is one public restroom at the Marina, there is no public cafe (that we found).

Very easy walk some parts along country roads and some by the water. No hills to climb. Very flat.

Lovely walk starting in the marina with free visitor parking great food at the boat yard restaurant , also stop off for a drink at dell quay , don’t worry if the tide is in there is a permissive pathway that follows the coast. Love this walk

A really nice walk, flat and easily followable.

Gorgeous walk. Thoroughly enjoyed it and very dog friendly with some lead walking but mostly off lead - very obedient dog!

Good choice for a pre pub walk

Beautiful trail. Just be mindful that if you’re taking an off road buggy, there is a narrow kissing gate you’ll come to that you may have to lift the buggy over (baby not included in lift)

Fabulous - A really lovely walk from start to finish! Plenty to see, lots of hidey spots for children to play in…Refreshments provided by a perfect country pub about half way round. Will definitely be completing again throughout the seasons!

Very muddy.

Fantastic walk with a bit of everything. Helped by beautiful sunny day. Definitely do it again

Easy to follow level route. Lovely outward stretch leaving the marina and heading along the water’s edge, with some beautiful twisted trees and lots of birds to see while the tide was out. This part of the route was pretty muddy and slippy, so be aware if walking after it’s been raining. Will return at different times of the year to enjoy this walk again as the seasons change.

Great walk ..gorgeous scenery and a nice mix of farmland boats and water .

Frequently asked questions about Chichester Marina and Dell Quay Circular

What are some of the facilities available for chichester marina and dell quay circular, how to get to chichester marina and dell quay circular, what is the expected weather this week for chichester marina and dell quay circular.

• Tue, March 19 - 54 degrees/am light rain
• Wed, March 20 - 55 degrees/cloudy
• Thu, March 21 - 55 degrees/cloudy
• Fri, March 22 - 54 degrees/showers
• Sat, March 23 - 50 degrees/pm showers

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Harbour Villages, Chichester Harbour

Villages of Chichester Harbour

Chichester Harbour is a large natural harbour and an AONB. It remains for the most part undeveloped and is a draw for both wildlife and boating enthusiasts alike.

There are several attractive harbourside villages set around the harbour which are steeped in history and each worth a visit. Nearby country capital,  Chichester , shouldn't be missed either.

Birdwatching , sailing , fishing, boat trips , watersports , walking , cycling and the golden sands of West Wittering and East Head  mean that there is plenty to do in the area and the pubs , cafés and restaurants provide welcome pitstops after all that outdoor action. There is also plenty of accommodation options to choose from as well so why not book a holiday in sunny West Sussex? We'd love to see you!

The Witterings

On the manhood peninsula, near the mouth of Chichester Harbour, the twin villages of East and West Wittering are home to stretches of unspoilt coastline. The golden sandy beach of  West Wittering  is a summertime hot spot, hugely popular with day trippers and holiday makers keen to enjoy the wide sands and shallow waters (pre-booking  car parking here  is encouraged).

East Wittering, with its thriving community and vibrant selection of independent shops and cafes, boasts  a sand and shingle beach  which neighbours Bracklesham Bay on its eastern edge.

Both beaches are a year-round mecca for thrill seekers, with a host of  watersports  experiences on offer, as well as tuition and equipment hire. During cooler months, when dogs are welcome in all areas, the quieter beaches are the perfect location for wintry walks, with plenty of places to warm up afterwards.

Don’t miss: Goat Coffee Co , Billy’s on the Beach , The Lamb

Image: Brian Bracher/Compass Aerial

Famous as the home of the UK’s oldest and largest Roman dwelling , Fishbourne is a small village close to the city of Chichester, and perched at the top of the Chichester Channel, one of the creeks of Chichester Harbour.

The harbour can be reached from the water meadow to the south of the village and where wildlife flourishes – kingfishers frequent the stream and many migratory birds overwinter in the harbour. From Fishbourne, walkers can traverse the many trails around the harbour, exploring the neighbouring waterside villages of Bosham, Dell Quay, Chidham and Itchenor along the way.

Cyclists can take the Salterns Way cycle path which winds through Fishbourne, onto the Manhood Peninsula, ending at the golden sands of West Wittering beach. Emperor Way cycle path connects the village with Chichester.

Image: Jeanna Lee

Bosham is renowned as one of the most photogenic locations on the South Coast and is a lovely combination of being both buzzy and chilled at the same time. It can get busy in the summer months but is never packed.

 Bosham is also a village of historical significance, thanks to its reputed links with King Canute, who is said to have commanded the waves to retreat from here. King Canute’s daughter’s final resting place is thought to be below the foot of the chancel steps in Bosham’s Holy Trinity Church , she is thought to have drowned in Bosham Mill stream.

Bosham also features in the Bayeux Tapestry – the tapestry depicts the moment King Harold, who lived in Bosham, and his entourage rode to the village church before sailing to meet the Duke of Normandy in 1064.

A hive of activity in warmer months, the village is a sailing hub, providing mooring for countless boats and yachts. It is a popular place for dinghy sailing and there are sailing courses for children available most of the year.

Bosham Quay is a perfect people-watching location, and an ideal point from which to admire the views across the harbour in all seasons. There are plenty of places to buy coffee or ice cream to have in or take away as you amble by the water’s edge, watching the world go by.

Do be careful where you park your car though; when the tide comes in it usually floods the road immediately next to the harbour. There are some cautionary photographic tales to be seen on the walls of the nearby Anchor Bleu pub of cars swamped in water.

Footpaths lead along the shoreline in either direction, affording views of the village and a thrilling causeway allows walkers to cross the harbour at low tide. Keen photographers are highly recommended to experience the stunning sunsets above the coastline. 

A ferry connects Bosham with Itchenor which enables a splendid 10 mile circular walking route around Chichester Harbour area and taking in six of the Harbour Villages.

Image: Simon Carey / Chidham Creek / CC BY-SA 2.0

Chidham village lies on a loop-road, halfway down the peninsula and sits opposite Bosham on the west side of Bosham Channel on the middle of the three promontories that make up Chichester Harbour. To the ancients, Bosham Harbour looked like a sort of moneybag which filled up twice a day. The old English word for pouch was ‘ceode’, which became ‘chid’; ‘ham’ could mean ‘watery meadow’ as well as the more usual ‘village’.

Cobnor Activities Centre can be found here with all the watersporting activities the Trust offers. The only road leading out to Cobnor Point is a private road, so access to and from the harbour is limited but there is a network of public footpaths for walkers, giving access to the shore and intertidal mudflats of Chichester harbour. The land is largely flat so makes for easy walking around the Chidham shoreline. There are about twenty-five different species of waterfowl commonly seen along this shore, not including various species of gull. Look out for little egrets, now established due to warmer weather – about 200 live in the harbour complex.

Don’t miss: Chidmere Farm , The Old House at Home , Cobnor Activities Centre and Chidham Church.

Image: Chichester Harbour Conservancy

Famed for its sailing, the picturesque village of Itchenor sits on the eastern shoreline of Chichester Harbour. Itchenor is the perfect base from which to discover more of the Harbour, with the tiny Itchenor Ferry connecting the village to Bosham for endless walking and cycling possibilities.

Chichester Harbour Conservancy is based in the village, the organisation which looks after the Harbour for recreation, leisure, and nature conservation, and is responsible for the safety of navigation. The Conservancy’s Solar Heritage is a near silent, solar-powered catamaran which runs regular harbour tours, and offers a chance for visitors to get closer to the harbour’s wildlife and habitats.

Don’t Miss: The Ship ; the Quarterdeck Café

Southbourne, Nutbourne & Prinsted

Towards prinsted point.

Image: Prinsted Point by Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0

Southbourne is a village lying east of the Hampshire County Border at Emsworth  and west of Chidham. Southbourne as a place name did not exist until 1876.

At one time this small area of Sussex had 4 flour mills; three tidal mills and one windmill. Nutbourne is mentioned in the Doomsday Book as having a cornmill worked by the tides. 

Historically, the area was agricultural with market gardens, orchards, and cattle farming. Since Roman times, the main artery has been the modern day Main Road, the A259 (formerly the A27). Seeing it today, it is hard to imagine that the road was used extensively for driving cattle and taking produce to the markets in Chichester and Portsmouth. Cattle was still being moved along the road from field to field as late as the 1950's. 

The area South of the Main Road with access to Chichester Harbour is known as Prinsted. It is a pretty village with several old farmhouses, barns, thatched roofed properties and timber-framed buildings. Prinsted is also mentioned  in the Doomsday book  and was connected with and used by the Hermits of the Causeway; the word ‘hermit’ in this instance does not refer to a recluse as in the modern sense, but to one having responsibility for the maintenance of a bridge or causeway and, in this instance, the causeway to Emsworth.

A good way to explore this area is to stroll along easy paths following the Chichester Harbour shoreline from Prinsted to Nutbourne Bay with splendid views of the Thorney Channel and back through countryside and a commercial orchard. This walk is excellent for bird watching in the wintertime on the mudflats at low tide. In summer watch the dinghy sailing at high tide.

Birdham Pool Marina

Image: Maria Ryan

Birdham is a sailing village situated on the inner reaches of Chichester Harbour.

The village, which is somewhat spread out with plenty of desirable harbourside houses, gives its name to the easternmost of the four main channels that reach inland from the main part of the Harbour - the Birdham Channel.

The most notable feature of Birdham is the huge number of yachts moored at Chichester Yacht Basin and Birdham Pool. The yachts and the attractive harbour views make Birdham one of the more interesting places to walk around on the Manhood Peninsula - the flat expanse of land south of Chichester that pushes out into the sea at Selsey Bill .

At Chichester Yacht Basin, Chichester Canal reaches the sea and there are pleasant walks alongside the restored canal from here, all the way to  the canal basin at Chichester , passing Donnington and Hunston on the way.

Birdham is also very popular with holidaymakers as it's just a few miles from the lovely sandy sweep of Bracklesham Bay and West Wittering Beach.

Spring Field in Birdham is named after bare knuckle boxer Tom Spring. In 1824 Spring won the All-England boxing championship in a brutal 70 round fight with John Langan. Spring's prize was £500 - a huge amount of money back then.

Don’t miss: Scuttlebutt Café at Birdham Marina

Thorney Island

Image: Great Deep, Thorney Island, Charlesdrakew, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Thorney Island is a peninsula which juts out into Chichester Harbour and and is perhaps is best known for its military airbase, but before the airbase was built there was a small but thriving village of West Thorney. The 13th century Church of St Nicholas is the best remnant of the village.

The fate of Thorney Island was determined by a chance event on 25th September 1933. A Hawker Fury biplane crashed on Thorney Island on that day, killing the pilot. When officials from the Air Ministry decided to check the scene of the accident they realised that Thorney Island would make an excellent site for an airbase. 

Thorney Island was well used by the RAF in the second world war. Bombing raids on German ports and shipping, reconnaissance flights and coastal patrol operations all took off from Thorney during the war. Once peace arrived the airbase continued in service - it had been metalled in 1942 and substantial amounts had been spent on its infrastructure. The RAF finally left Thorney Island in 1976 and the Army now have a barracks on the island. 

Life at West Thorney on Thorney Island had always been tough. Until the 20th century the island was much more remote than it is today. Thorney was a genuine island in those days - although it was possible to ford the flats between Thorney and Prinsted on the mainland at low tide, but this was a precarious business. The church records at Thorney contain details of a number of deaths caused by the sea and misjudged crossings. The remnants of those dangerous currents no longer flow through the Great Deep - the channel which separates Thorney Island from the mainland - because modern engineering and the partial silting up of Chichester Harbour means that you can now pass to and from the Island without realising that you have left the mainland.

Unsurprisingly, with such a large amount of shoreline on Chichester Harbour, Thorney Island is a valued Nature Reserve. There is a popular walk -  the Thorney Island Circular  - which takes you to Longmere Point and the sandbanks of Pilsey Island - the central part of Chichester Harbour. There are some restrictions on access to Thorney Island's interior due to the military presence but don't let that put you off, it's a wonderful walk and forms part of the Sussex Border path. There is nowhere to buy refreshments  on the island so remember to take supplies with you.

(There was once an East Thorney on the other side of Chichester Harbour near East Wittering. The parish has now almost completely been washed into Bracklesham Bay.)

Dell Quay & Apuldram

Image: Nigel Phillips

Apuldram, which is sometimes spelt Appledram, is a small, quiet village which is a little strung out along its single road. As well as a fine 13th church sitting in a lovely setting, the village contains a special manor house called Rymans. Rymans was built in the early 1400's and has an unusual design, featuring a central tower with a pyramid shaped cap, which was added to it two centuries later. Although Rymans isn't open to the public, look out for the occasional chance to have a look at the house when its gardens are opened to the public.

Apuldram village used to be a more substantial place largely as a result of its medieval port. A survey in 1433 noted that there were three main streets in the village, two of which no longer exist other than as footpaths. These lost streets ran between Apuldram Church and the what would then have been a relatively busy harbourside.

Cyclists and walkers can use the excellent  Salterns Way cycle path  which runs through fields in Apuldram before heading on to Birdham and Chichester Marinas and on towards the mouth of Chichester Harbour at  East Head .

Apuldram parish contains the old port of Dell Quay. Although Dell Quay is now only used by smaller yachts and dinghies, it used to be a fairly major port, serving Chichester. The silting up of the northern reaches of Chichester Harbour made Dell Quay's commercial viability slip away over time, just as the Roman port of Fishbourne further up the Birdham Channel had become redundant before it. 

Dell Quay today is a beautiful place and the garden of the Crown and Anchor pub is a great place to watch the sun set across the Chichester Harbour AONB, listening to the sounds of the birds across the water and the clinking of the boats moored nearby.

Don’t miss: Crown and Anchor

Image: Basher Eyre / People enjoying the canal just north of Hunston Bridge / CC BY-SA 2.0

Hunston is a small village about two miles south of Chichester , lying on the route of Chichester Canal at the northern end of the Manhood Peninsula.

St Leodegar's Church in Hunston stands away from the village by an overgrown pond in a peaceful setting and merits a visit. The Victorian church has a rare dedication which is unique in Sussex, it has also been spelt St Ledger in the past.

Don't miss: the popular annual Hunston Fireworks and Funfair held on the playfield field.

Emsworth is a picturesque small town lying at the north end of  Chichester Harbour, nestled between the South Downs and the sea and across the county border in Hampshire. With its Georgian architecture, narrow streets, waterside views, interesting independent shops and several good restaurants the old fishing village is an attractive place to visit. Emsworth has a strong fishing, sailing and boat building heritage. Until the last century, the town was renowned for its oyster beds supplying all the best hotels and restaurants in London daily with Emsworth oysters by train.

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The stunning canal walk from Chichester to the coast through idyllic countryside

The four-mile route from the canal basin to Chichester Harbour is perfect for a Jubilee weekend stroll

• 09:41, 29 MAY 2022

Situated between Chichester and its iconic nearby harbour lies a canal walk through beautiful countryside. The four-mile trek from the canal basin to Birdham village takes you through a mixture of open farmland, with astonishing views of landscapes, coastlines and wildlife along the way.

The Chichester Canal walk has to be considered one of the best ways to take in all the area has to offer. Hunston Bridge provides an incredible view of the canal against the backdrop of Chichester Cathedral and the South Downs which was painted by JMW Turner in 1828.

Historic remnants of Poyntz Bridge can also be seen near the canal basin with information boards dotted along the way which point out everything on offer. The canal was built in 1822 to service the nearby city but never proved to be a commercial success.

READ MORE: The cut-off West Sussex village with incredible views of Chichester Harbour

Today it is mainly used for boat trips, rowing and fishing while its bankside paths provide the iconic walking route. At the end of the canal lies Birdham village which definitely fits the bill of an idyllic Chichester Harbour village.

Birdham Pool is the most notable part of the village itself, with a substantial number of boats moored at the Chichester Yacht Basin. Traditional country villages scenes are on offer in Birdham, along with incredible views over the harbour towards Thorney and Pilsey islands.

If you keep your eyes peeled along the way you might catch a glimpse of some incredible wildlife. It is common to see waterfowl such as moorhens, coots, mallards, swans sharing the water with birds including the heron, kingfisher, whitethroat, common sandpiper, spotted flycatcher and woodpecker.

Refreshments are on offer at each end on the path from the Canal Cafe at the basin or the Boathouse at the marina. dogs should be kept on a lead at all times and should be discouraged from entering the water.

There is plenty of free parking at Chichester Marina in Birdham, while limited spaces are available at the canal basin. For people who do not want to walk the whole way there and back, there is a bus route which connects Birdham, Hunston and the bus station in Chichester which is a short stroll away from the basin.

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Making The Most of Chichester Harbour

Thornham marina guide to discovering chichester harbour by boat.

There’s plenty of special places to reach by boat from Thornham Marina by cruising all the creeks of Chichester Harbour. There’s something very special about exploring by boat rather than by car, where you can row ashore for a glorious walk or visit the local hostelry in this amazing Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. When boaters enter Chichester Harbour they find many charts only show a few marked anchorages such as East Head, which is often packed out on a hot summers day. However, there are plenty more places to explore which can make a great adventure, especially if you have a tender, kayak or sailing dinghy in tow.

Here’s our Thornham Marina Guide to exploring Chichester Harbour’s creeks and anchorages.

Heading up the Itchenor Channel, you can pick up a visitor mooring or beyond the Itchenor Sailing Club, you can berth on the visitor pontoons. Here you can enjoy the beautiful tree-lined shores and stunning houses, and watch the action as the classic Itchenor Sunbeams and X Boats arrive back at their moorings. Head ashore and take the footpath from Itchenor around the shore to East. Stop for a drink or book in for a meal at The Ship.

Beyond Chichester Yacht Basin the channel leads up to Dell Quay, once a busy port serving Chichester. If your boat can take the ground it’s fun to head up there on an incoming tide to anchor to the side of the channel. Keep an eye on the tidal curve and be sure to head off in good time before the tide goes out, or you can dry out if you wish and chill out. There’s excellent food at the Crown and Anchor which overlooks the harbour.

Beyond Itchenor is the delightful Birdham Pool and in easy reach when cruising from Thornham Marina. It’s one of the UK’s earliest marinas. Enter via a lockgate with opens approximately three hours either side of high water. Berthing is often between ‘old style’ mooring posts, rather than modern finger pontoons, although there are some pontoons and a hammerhead pontoon. Book ahead to stay the night there. The friendly lockgate staff are often happy to take a line.

Birdham is one of the harbour’s most snug and sheltered marinas, with delightful walks from the beautiful Pool towards Itchenor and the beach at East Head or towards Dell Quay. Chichester Yacht Club welcomes visiting yachtsmen for dinner. Press on further into the wide open Chichester Lake where it’s possible to anchor on the edge of the channel in the Lake, although watch out for dinghies racing from Chichester Yacht Club. 

Bosham Channel & Quay

Coming back down the Itchenor Channel take a right turn northwards up the Bosham Channel. You can pick up a free mooring for lunch and watch out for the Cobnor Activities Centre Trust boats and kayaks teaching schools and youth groups how to sail. Be ready to slip your lines if the mooring owner comes back. Or head up to Bosham Quay and moor up here. It’s best to approach on a rising tide and use plenty of fenders against the old Quay. The village and church are worth exploring and so too is the Anchor Bleu pub and charming tea room in the high street.

Heading west towards Langstone Bridge, if your boat can take the ground, anchor on gravelly mud between Conigar Point and Langstone, for views of Warblington Church the Castle and the stunning Langstone Mill. Both the Royal Oak and The Ship Inn can be reached by boat on a spring tide for a quick pint before the tides goes down. Or anchor off and tender ashore for a more relaxed visit and food. Watch out for the Langstone rowing gigs, which are often out and rowing hard up towards Marker post and beyond.

Mengham Rythe

Possibly the most hidden haven, Tournerbury Pool, can be found at the very top of the Creek beyond Mengham Sailing Club. Sitting in a heavily wooded site, the pool is part of the former Tornerbury Fort and thought to be a Celtic settlement responsible for salt production. Best approached on an incoming tide, keep a wary eye on your depth gauge as it can get very shallow! This magical little pool is brought to life in the wonderful historical novel Dick Burgess of Bosham by Keith Vignoles.

Although prone to being busy at weekends and during holidays, East Head remains a special anchorage. On a quiet weekday evening watch the glorious sunset over Portsmouth’s Emirates Tower and take in the panoramic views across the South Downs, Goodwood and Chichester Cathedral.

Pilsey Island

If you are short of time or don’t wish to go too far, then closest to cruise to/from Thornham Marina is the peace and serenity of Thorney Channel. Sheltered by the beautiful Pilsey Island and ancient broken walkway and mudflats extending from Chidham. You can anchor safely overnight between the ‘goal post’ channel markers and to the south of the TISC mooring buoys.

For a bigger day out from Thornham Marina, on the west side of the Harbour up the Emsworth Channel, you can anchor overnight on either side of the creek between Mill Rythe and Sweare Deep. Sit there long enough on a quiet evening and you might be lucky to have a visit from the harbour seals – or watch them sunbathing on the mud at half tide! Beyond Marker the Emsworth channel splits at the NE Hayling port hand marker. Heading to Emsworth you can pick up a space on the visitor pontoon off Fowley Island. Tender ashore to the Emsworth Quay, where fabulous pubs and restaurants in South Street and the village square await. Alternatively, the Chichester Harbour Master offers a launch service 2 hours either side of HW on weekends and Bank Holidays from 0830 to 1700 from Easter to end September. Call Channel 14 or 07864 915247.

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“A 7 mile walk around thorney island and a lovely church. Free parking but security gates etch. Stunning views across to IOW and to Hauling and Portsmouth….”

Rosalind Cooper View more review

Thornham Marina, Thornham Lane, Prinsted, Nr. Emsworth, Hampshire, PO10 8DD

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Home » On The Water » Facilities

Anchorages | Car Park Itchenor | Dinghy Chains | Emsworth Water Taxi | Fuel | Itchenor Ferry | Jetties | Launch Sites | Maintenance Piles | Showers | Visitor Moorings | Waste | Water Quality

Chichester Harbour offers a number of facilities for sailors and visitors. Details of anchorages, public jetties, launching information, weather and tides is available below.

Information for Mariners

This annual publication contains tide times, navigation guidance, information about our facilities and more. As well as the online version , you can find printed copies in locations all around the harbour.

• West of Fairway Buoy on the southern side of the channel
• East of Pilsey Island (this is a restricted area – no picnicking above the MHW line)
• North of East Head (swimming can be dangerous because of the strong tide) – do not anchor in the main channel which is very crowded at weekends

When at anchor vessels must display a black ball during the day and an anchor light at night. Anchoring is prohibited in or near mooring areas or in the vicinity of navigation and racing marks. Vessels are not to anchor in the centre of channels and are to exhibit a black ball or white light. Vessels are not to be left unmanned at anchor for periods of more than four hours (Byelaw No. 12)(LNTM 4/00).

Car Park – Itchenor

There is a pay and display car park at Itchenor where trailers can be left and long stay is permitted.  For information and charges please see the Getting Here page.

Reduce speed and give a wide berth to vessels flying International ‘OQ’ (red/yellow over yellow) – compass adjusting; ‘A’ (blue and white) – diving operations; ‘RY’ (yellow cross on red over red and yellow diagonal stripes) – harbour maintenance; a black ball, diamond, ball, hoisted vertically – a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.

Dinghy Chains

There are Dinghy Chains located around the harbour, where tenders can be secured. These chain facilities are not for the long term storage of vessels however, and are only for the use of mooring holders as a means to store a tender that is used to access a vessel on a mooring.

Dinghy Chains can be found at:

• Itchenor (Hard)
• Itchenor (Westlands)
• Emsworth (South Street)
• Emsworth (Nore Barn).

Emsworth Water Taxi

During the sailing season, a Water Taxi operates in Emsworth, running from the T-head jetty on the millpond wall, out to the Emsworth area moorings and the visitor pontoon. This service is free for all Conservancy maintained moorings holders that hire a mooring in the Emsworth area. For private mooring holders and visitors, a fee of £2 per person per trip is payable. Contact ‘EMSWORTH WATER TAXI’ on VHF 14, or by calling 07864 915247.

Fuel and packaged lubricants may be obtained at Chichester Yacht Basin, Birdham Pool, Northney Marina, Sparkes Marina, Emsworth Yacht Harbour and some garages and chandlers at Emsworth.

Itchenor Ferry

The Itchenor Ferry is runs throughout the year. You can contact the ferry on VHF 08 or by calling 07970 378350. Please  click here  for the schedule.

Emsworth Jetty is available for 3.5 hours each side of high water, neap tides (assuming 1.0m draught). Waiting is restricted to 2 hours. Itchenor Jetty is available at all states of the tide with a depth of approximately 2m at mean low water springs. Fresh water is available along with a free pump-out station. Waiting is limited to 20 minutes only because of congestion and maintaining access for the emergency services. Please note that water from the jetties is not to be used for washing vessels. An overstay penalty of £30+VAT per hour, or part thereof, is payable by vessels exceeding the jetty waiting limits.

Launch Sites

Vessels can be launched at the Conservancy slipways at Itchenor at any state of tide (charges apply) or at the bottom of South Street in Emsworth at high water (no charge). For launching at a marina or boatyard, please contact the premises directly.

Maintenance Piles

Maintenance Piles are available at Itchenor and Emsworth. These should be booked through the Harbour Office, Itchenor at a cost of £22.00 per workable low tide.

Three showers for yachtsmen have been installed at the Harbour Office, Itchenor. Tokens for their use are available from the Harbour Office, the patrol staff or the Itchenor ferry.

Sailors should be aware of the strong tides in the Harbour entrance. The flood tide may run at 2.8 knots and the ebb tide at a rate of 6.4 knots at Springs, which can be dangerous for the inexperienced. Tide times for the next seven days.

Visitor Moorings

For visitors moorings, please see the information on the Visiting Vessels  page.

The Weathercall recorded forecast for Mid Channel is available on 09068 226 457. Detailed local weather information on the area ‘Chichester Harbour and Eastern Solent’ is displayed at the Harbour Offices at Itchenor and Emsworth.

Changes to the Shipping Forecast

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who are responsible for broadcasting UK maritime safety information, have announced that the UK marine weather service (Shipping Forecast) will change for the foreseeable future.

From Monday 30 March 2020 the BBC Radio Four bulletins will be broadcast as follows:

• 00:48  LW, FM Gale Warnings, Shipping Forecast, weather reports from coastal stations and the Inshore Waters Forecast
• 05:33  LW, FM Gale Warnings, Shipping Forecast, weather reports from coastal stations and the Inshore Waters Forecast
• 12:00  (weekdays only) LW, FM Gale Warnings, Shipping Forecast
• 18:00  (weekends only) LW, FM Gale Warnings, Shipping Forecast

Real time wind, wave and temperature is available from weather stations in and near Chichester Harbour. This information is also displayed outside the Harbour Office at Itchenor.

Facilities for yachtsmen’s landed waste are provided at all main landing points around the Harbour. Many provide facilities to dispose of glass, paper, card, plastic bottles, tins and oil. We strongly encourage yachtsmen to separate their waste and make full use of the recycling facilities. A free pump-out station can be found at Itchenor public jetty.  

Pump Out Facilities

There are several pump-out facilities in Chichester Harbour. Further information can be found here .

Water Quality

Details of the water quality in Chichester Harbour, and the latest sampling results can be found here .

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Boat House Cafe - Chichester Marina

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

This is a lovely waterside restaurant which we have visited many times. However, when we visited today, a lot had changed post-Lockdown. Not only had the prices gone up quite considerably, with the Boathouse English breakfast now £11 (was £9.50) plus tea for £3 or... coffee for £2.80, but the portions had clearly decreased quite noticeably and the bacon and single sausage tasted much lower quality than we had enjoyed previously. Before Lockdown, we had breakfast with friends from London who messaged us later to say how nice the breakfast was, but the same cannot be said based on our visit today. If price was the main consideration, there are plenty of cheaper places to eat but I doubt anyone will appreciate the reopening menu or prices as we were left feeling a bit ripped off to be honest. Sadly, a big step back for what was a favourite place to eat. I appreciate the fact that businesses need to recoup lost revenue since Lockdown but they won't do that by putting off regular patrons by charging more but delivering less. More

There aren't many better locations on the South coast. We've eaten here many times, but not since lockdown was eased. Very disappointing. We requested a table days in advance. On arriving we were told we had requested a table, but it hadn't been confirmed, so... there was none for us! No contact from them before this. We were offered a table on the lower deck, on pebbles. We could only order via an app. OK, but we ordered 2 "small plates" to start, to share, then a "large plate" each. All 7 came together. When we questioned this we were told the app didn't have a facility for requesting starters to come before the mains. Is it beyond the wit of man to work out that, since this is not a tapas bar, 7 dishes for 5 covers includes starters and mains? The mains were taken away and brought back again later, not too warm. The manager blamed the app, saying they couldn't offer "table service." At least 4 members of staff were doing table service in this area, i.e. serving tables, albeit not taking orders. No cutlery with the starters, we had to ask for napkins, condiments. Staff wore no masks and seemed content to handle glasses and bottles: not usual in other cafes/restaurants who are serious about Covid-19 measures. Come on Boathouse, you can do better than this. More

When we arrived, having booked an outside table, we weren’t told table service was provided inside the cafe only, so sat there for a while waiting to be served until another diner explained to us. Anyway, once we had ordered and the food arrived it... was fine, nothing special, but fine. However beware the desert. We ordered 2 ice creams at £6 each and both of us literally received a single scoop in the middle of a bowl, nothing else, just a single scoop. That’s £12 for 2 scoops of ice cream!!!!! It wasn’t even Ben and Jerry’s or Haagen-Dazs. We would return, maybe for breakfast next time, as the setting is lovely and we’re unlikely to order ice cream at breakfast! More

Hi Andy, Really sorry about this but it seems there has been an issue when ordered either at the till or at the point of paying. Our scoops of ice cream are locally sourced from the amazing Carolines Dairy and we charge £2.50 for the... More

Having spent a really good NYE at the Boathouse 4 yrs ago, we booked a table for 6 people back in November & supplying our choices for the meal 5 weeks in advance. With wonderful memories of our great evening 4 yrs ago we all... arrived in full expectation of the same. How wrong were we! The place seemed only one third full throughout the evening. Our meal was most disappointing with the vegetarian broccoli dish just consisting of broccoli!! The 4 meat eaters had the sirloin steak which was almost inedible with the meat being undercooked & very grissly. There was no vibrant, festive spirit from the staff or elsewhere in fact! The disco started whilst everyone was eating making conversation difficult over the loud noise of the music & no welcome greeting from the DJ , & hence only one couple dancing during our stay. We were all so surprised & greatly disappointed with the evening so far that we left at 10.45 to spend a more cheerful ending to 2019 elsewhere!! What a great shame & at a cost of £50 per person for the tough & uninteresting food. We shall certainly not be returning for another supposed NYE celebration! More

Tried to have breakfast at the Marina Café with my boyfriend. Given the pandemic and the lovely hot weather we wanted to eat outside, which we were told was possible if we ordered from the app. It meant we couldn’t get the 50% government discount,... which seems strange given restaurants should surely encourage eating outside rather than inside at this time. Anyway, we didn’t mind this so we downloaded the app only to find there was no food ordering option on there. When I spoke to the waiter he then informed me they in fact couldn’t serve food outside - again, surprising given we’re in the middle of a pandemic. I then spoke to the manager, who told me that the only way we could eat outside was by sitting inside to order and wait for our food and then carry it outside. A poor solution for someone who is shielding from the virus, given inside was packed, with staff not wearing masks, gloves, or keeping their distance! Overall this was a very disappointing visit - would not return. More

What a disasterous visit! From the minute we arrived we were made to feel unwelcome by the rudeness and laziness of the members of staff. We were disgustingly mislead when we were unable to claim the government scheme “EAT OUT TO HELP OUT”. Don’t even... get me started on the portion sizes - I have seen a sparrow eating more food than was present on the avocado with poached eggs, I was flabbergasted at the size of the dish! In addition, we were made to wait An hour and a half for the underwhelming food we were served and left extremely disgruntled with the whole experience. I will do my utmost best to never return. More

If you sit outside you are forced to use the app. We ordered drinks, starters and mains only to find that the starters and mains came together!!!! Even though we were paying the SAME price as sitting inside, we were told by the waiting staff... that everything came together and that was how it was. After a frustrated discussion they agreed to take everything back to keep warm. How do you keep a prawn linguine warm without ruining it? The Manager was very unhelpful and distinctly lacked customer service experience. The young waiting staff needing training, especially in distancing, cleaning, and providing cutlery/condiments in a timely fashion. And the app needs to work for the CUSTOMER and not the restaurant. Won't be going again unless booked inside. Very disappointed and it spoilt a £27 meal ahead with friends . More

The Boat house cafe is situated in Chichester marina. It offers an excellent selection of coffees, cakes and cooked meals and snacks. As well as this are ‘specials’ & Sunday lunches. Music plays in the background creating a very pleasant ambiance. There is plenty of... seating both inside and out. The cafe is open, and offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner from 8am to 9pm. It is very clean and the staff friendly. The prices are reasonable. An example is afternoon tea for £12.50. All this and very attractive views over the harbour. More

Prebooked lunch today for myself, my wife and some visiting friends. When we arrived, we were advised to use a table outside and irder via their App. We registered on their very clunky and intrusive app (it charged us £1.01 to register for a ‘loyalty... card’ I didn’t want and required loads of information but was not for track and trace. It wouldn’t work and the waitress stated that it was a regular problem, so we eventually went inside as we had booked the table. As a long term patron of this eatery, I was extremely disappointed by the attitude of the rude staff, the increased prices and reduced portions, and the overall production line feeling of it all. It’s not the restaurant it was pre COVID. When we’d eaten, we sat on the Biathouse seating across the road and as it’s a hot day, we tried to buy drinks from the bar, only to be told that we could only have soft drinks from the outside kiosk once we’d paid for our meal and gone outside. At the kiosk, we were charged £2 each for cans of coke or Fanta which is a bit expensive compared to elsewhere. The feeling we were left with was that the staff don’t really care anymore, they want to get patrons through as quickly as possible, serving less food for more money. The service bordered on rude and several patrons around us seemed to be of the same opinion. The staff were not wearing gloves either and were hopping between lots of tables so not sure how much emphasis the put on COVID security. My wife and I would normally eat there around 6 or 7 times a month but we won’t bother again. We’ll still visit the marina but we’ll use the Yacht clu or take our own food and drink with us. Sadly, what was our favourite eatery has changed so much, we will find another favourite place. My recommendation is that if you like being charged lots of money for very modest portions, treated rudely and interrogated for your private information, this is the place for you. If not, try somewhere else where they care more about their patrons and their reputation. More

We have been using the Boathouse for many years calling in after a lovely walk with our dogs. We round our walk off with a tea/coffee and a cake or scone. We always sit outside as the inside is always too crowded and stuffy. It... is always very enjoyable but not today. I was aware that they were using an app and had already downloaded it and we had found an outside table. I then proceeded to try and use the app, after 15 minutes I had given up, either there was no signal or no WiFi, either way it didn't work. Being somewhat naïve, I thought I will just go to the café just like I have always done in the past, and simply ask someone for two teas, a coffee and three scones. This I found was not possible, the waitress on the door told me I could only place an order for an outside table using the App, I told her I couldn't get it to work and could I just order the old fashioned way by talking to someone. Not possible, she told me to go and sit at a table and she would show me how to use the app. I pointed out that I knew how to use it but it wasn't working I also had no intention of taking any indoor seats in this crowded, hot and poorly ventilated room. After 25 minutes trying to place our order we gave up and left along with a number of other people who also found the "APP" totally useless. On the plus side, we had a lovely coffee back at home instead, however this does not seem to be a very good way for the Boathouse to make money !! More

It was once a good place to visit but terrible now. You can pay for a coffee inside with a card but to sit outside you have to pay using their app. Makes no sense. Lazy service. Bypass it and go the the Anchor at... Dell Quay More

Every time I go here I leave disappointed/frustrated today being no exception!! Because of the Covid-19 operating system you now need to download the app for the boathouse and add a payment card , then for the inconvenience of using the app they charge you... £1.01 !!! So eventually order two coffees being a Tuesday and a “eat out to help out “ day I foolishly think the coffee would be half price, silly me I wanted to sit outside so paid full price had I sat inside no problem 50% off. With reference to the staff I’ve got to agree with other reviews, there needs to be some retraining in customer service starting from the manager down. On another occasion I went inside to order a pint of cider, was told because I was outside I had to use the trailer shed !! Which didn’t have the cider on draught. If it wasn’t for the fact it’s a short walk away from my house I wouldn’t be going back, complaceny will ruin a business it’s happened before at the marina!! More

The new system of booking on an online app is completely ridiculous. We arrived wanting to sit outside to buy two coffees and two teas but were told that to do that we had to download an app on a smartphone. We suggested we were... happy to just buy the coffees and teas and have takeaways but this was not slowed. Staff were totally unhelpful. The whole system is quite honestly ridiculous and will lose the cafe a lot of business. We then went to the gift shop two doors away and bought cold drinks and suggested she started up selling takeaway coffees! We won’t be returning to the Boathouse Cafe as the app prohibits this! More

claim they use the eat out to help out but didn’t give it to us in the garden but probably claiming it off the government. booked a table the night before it got cancelled. waited an hour and a half for the food. when we... called up to ask about the eat out to help out they said that we was given false information. manager said they can’t do anything. we’re encouraged by the government to be outside but they don’t use the eat out to help out outside apparently which is not allowed to happen. would not recommend it’s an awful place and the staff are even worse. the portion size wouldn’t fill up a baby i was mortified. was overpriced and there was no masks or social distancing during a pandemic which is ridiculous and just was an appalling trip to the cafe which i will never return to as i’d rather starve. More

After a 7 mile walk on a hot July Sunday afternoon we stopped here to get some refreshments. We were shown to a table and a member of staff said that she would be back to take our order. After a 15 minute wait no... one had returned and when one of our party went to the front desk to ask he was told that only takeaways were being offered but we wouldn’t be able to sit were we had been seated. We decided at this point not to spend our money somewhere that obviously doesn’t value it’s customers. We will definitely not be returning and will be warning friends and relations to give this place a very wide berth. More

Hi Andy, It sounds like this was a case of miscommunication, which I can only apologise for, I will ensure that this is fed back to the team, but generally unless there is a host station outside (on the wood bar in the gravel area),... More

BOAT HOUSE CAFE - CHICHESTER MARINA - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

• Service: 3.5
• Atmosphere: 4

Waterside dining & drinks in an area of outstanding natural beauty

At a glimpse

Immerse yourself in the culinary haven of Boat House, nestled within the scenic Chichester Marina, where breath-taking views of Chichester Harbour set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. Perched on the waterfront, Boat House treats you to panoramic scenes of the harbour, allowing you to witness the gentle sway of boats and feel the invigorating sea breeze, all while being surrounded by serene beauty.

Our menu is a dedication to the vibrant flavours of the region, with each dish carefully crafted using the finest ingredients sourced from nearby farms and waters.

A magical way to spend your day

Whether you’re in the mood for a casual breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a romantic dinner, Boat House offers the perfect setting. Our brasserie-style menu is inspired by the wealth of produce from our region, both from the land and sea. The contemporary yet cosy atmosphere invites you to unwind and create cherished moments with your friends and loved ones.

Our well-stocked bar, featuring a comprehensive wine list, caters to all wine enthusiasts, while our terrace and garden provide an idyllic spot to watch the sun set over Chichester Harbour, all while savouring one of our delicious cocktails.

Opening Hours

Opening hours

Opening hours 

Food service

The Boat House Café

Our coffee shop is the perfect spot for relaxation and friendly gatherings, or a delightful pitstop during your stroll.  Indulge in a diverse array of sweet and savoury breakfast and lunch delights, and a choice of beverages, including the exceptional taste of Mozzo® coffee and refreshing cold-pressed juices. Plus, for your convenience, everything on our menu is ready for takeaway.

Open every day 10:00 – 15:00.

Summer only

Lobster Hatch

Our fabulous new Lobster Hatch is open every weekend throughout the summer from 12-8pm, offering a relaxed outdoor dining experience with a menu packed with delicious, fresh, locally sourced seafood and succulent burgers to enjoy by the waterside or take away. With our seafood arriving daily by local boats, we can guarantee quality and freshness.

Perfect with a cold beer or a crisp glass of wine or bubbles!

A quintessential British experience

Afternoon Tea

Immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of Chichester Harbour as you treat yourself to a delightful array of culinary delights, featuring a curated selection of finger sandwiches crafted with the finest fish, meat, and vegetarian fillings, each thoughtfully paired with our in-house baked brioche scones and an assortment of delectable cakes, that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Sip and savour with your choice of unlimited Birchall tea or delicious Mozzo coffee. For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, enjoy a glass of bubbly that adds a sparkling touch to your afternoon retreat.

£22.50 or £27.50 with a glass of Prosecco

AFTERNOON TEA MENU

Special events

Private parties & events

Looking for a unique venue for a party, celebration, wake or corporate event? Celebrate your special event in style with us!

Our talented chefs can provide a variety of food and drink packages to match your requirements and budget, from nibbles and canapes to sit-down dinners and buffets.

Get in touch with our friendly team to make your party plans today!

hosting wakes and celebrations of life 

New parking controls

From  Monday 16th October 2023 , Premier Marinas will be implementing barrier access controls at Chichester Marina to monitor access and enhance round-the-clock security at the marina.  All visitors to the marina will be entitled to  2 hours FREE parking , any additional hours will need to be paid at one of the two pay stations.  The tariff will be as follows:

Up to 2 hours – FREE (no need to validate ticket)

2-3 hours – £1.00

3-4 hours – £2.00

4-5 hours – £3.00

5-6 hours – £4.00

6-24 hours – £6.00

Unique Experiences, Expertly Delivered

Our exciting calendar of events offers guests the opportunity to experience the unique hospitality of our collection of venues. It’s a chance for our talented teams to show you what they can do.

Live Music Every Friday Night

Our location.

Follow us on Instagram to see the memories made and shared at our unique venue.

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Ancasta Chichester Boat Sales

• T: +44 (0)1243 885 380
• F: +44 (0)1243 885 310
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Meet the chichester team, sam roberts.

Tansu and I would like to express our appreciation for the very professional manner in which the sale of the yacht was achieved.We look forward to a new adventure and wish you and Darcy every success in your careers. Kind regards.

Hi Darcy - just a brief note to say thank you for your help in selling the boat. I really appreciated your calm and professional approach to the process. You kept me informed at every step of the way and made sure I could input when necessary whilst really taking the lead on pushing the sale through and taking all the practical steps needed to secure the sale. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and I’d have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Ancasta to anyone considering selling their boat Very best regards.

I came to Ancasta Chichester to enquire about an Island Packet 485. As the deal progressed it became increasingly complicated due to factors from the survey and a sadly departed owner. Without much knowledge of the intricacies of the boat and the probability of an extensive project, it was certainly difficult. But thankfully, due to the level of professionalism, knowledge and attentiveness to both parties from Jamie and Darcy, the deal came to fruition. The real value of using a broker is not always evident but when things go badly, they are priceless. Thanks, guys. We are convinced that the sale was only successful due to your hard work and professionalism.When the time comes, Jamie and Darcy will certainly be my first port of call.

‘When we went to Ancasta Chichester to enquire about a pre-owned boat it was akin to being reacquainted with some old friends. I was with my family and we were made to feel very welcome. Both Jamie and Darcy knew the boats history and had clearly had in depth conversations with the then current owner. The presentation photographs and inventory were spot on. Subsequent viewing and the presentation of the boat was a pleasure and we were confident to proceed with the purchase and survey. Jamie and Darcy kept communication flowing and coordinated the lift out and dates with my selected surveyor. The entire process was directed by the office and we had a fantastic handover experience. This is the second positive experience and yacht we have purchased from Ancasta. It is not all about the boat, as the prep, the detail and the documentation are super important and this will stand you in good stead when you wish to sell and/or replace. All in all, we could not have asked for anything to be different; it was perfect thank you Ancasta and in particular Jamie and Darcy.’

I am semi retired and received an offer to return to work Overseas so I decided to sell my Nimbus 280, which I had purchased Sept 2221.I discussed the potential sale with Jamie Allwork and decided to go head, the advice was true, non pressured and professional and I felt well advised and in good hands.Along with his colleague Darcy my boat was put on the Market during May 22.My boat was sold in under a week, the price exceeded what I had paid for it six months ago further which indicated the valuation in current market was correct. The handling of the sale by your two employees was totally professional and seamless.Thank you Ancasta [Chichester Office] 

Tillie was an absolute delight to work with in selling my boat. I first contacted her on a Wednesday and had an agreed offer by the next Sunday - a remarkable achievement. The whole process went exceptionally smoothly, thanks to her willingness to coordinate the efforts of all those involved, from boatyard to surveyor, as well as the purchaser and myself. Her communication skills and focus on customer satisfaction are exceptional. I would not hesitate in recommending Tillie to anyone considering selling their boat.

Tillie provided an excellent, professional and very helpful service when we bought our first ever boat from Ancasta Chichester. We would thoroughly recommend her and the brokerage. Gingerxela

Geraint - great result! Thank you so much for your efficient service and for making the whole selling process so pleasant. You are one of the few people I know who works as hard and fast as I used to!

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Refreshments, boat trip bookings, row boat hire, souvenirs, local produce, licences and tourist information

The cafe offers a wide range of amenities to local residents and visitors. Located at the Canal Basin, the cafe is easily accessible by public transport.

“For latest Covid guidance, please read the website news bulletins ”

This is one of the most beautiful locations in the city centre to relax and enjoy some refreshments. The cafe offers bean-to-cup coffees, a range of herbal teas, hot chocolate and cold drinks. As well as drinks, we offer light refreshments, such as sandwiches, toasted tea cakes, scrumptious cakes, ice creams and confectionery. Much of our produce is sourced from local companies, including Caroline’s Dairy, Auntie Val’s preserves and honey from Fishbourne Apiaries. There is ample indoor and outdoor seating, both of which offer outstanding views of the activities in the Basin

The cafe is manned by volunteers who are always happy to provide information on the Canal Trust and its activities.

Our booking team will be delighted to assist you in choosing a trip or cruise. You can also hire a rowing boat from the team and buy your licence for a paddleboard, canoe or for fishing. There are also souvenirs and second hand books available to buy.

As a number of our visitors may have mobility issues, we are pleased to offer a lift to the upstairs seating area and toilet facilities which offer baby changing and also access by wheelchair users.

Our doggie friends are welcome and free biscuits and water are provided for them. Please ask our volunteers about access to the cafe and seating options.

Adjacent to the cafe is the Heritage Centre . This is located in a 19th-century old stable which has been refurbished to provide information about the canal and its history. Canal users and local schools appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the canal and view artefacts recovered during excavation works.

Free Wifi and (limited) free car parking are available for visitors to the canal.

Chichester 01243 550042

Boats For Sale

Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5 WA Series 2 - £299,950

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 - £260,334

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095 FLY - £259,950

Bavaria Sport 360 Coupe - £199,995

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 - £186,842

Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5 WA - £159,950

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At Blackrock Yachting we have a wide selection of new and used Jeanneau sailboats and power boats for sale and ready to view. We have offices in Chichester marina, over 30 years experience in the marine industry and a proven track record of delivering Jeanneau boats with precision, integrity and expertise. We work across the UK, Europe and internationally, so we’re the first choice when it comes to buying a new or used Jeanneau. No matter what you’re looking for we can offer you an unrivalled personal service, the team will commission and deliver your boat anywhere in the world stress free. Whether you’re interested in the Sun Odyssey 349 , Sun Odyssey 380 , Sun Odyssey 440 , Jeanneau Yacht 60 , Jeanneau Yacht 65 or DB37 , NC37 , Merry Fisher 895 or Cap Camarat 10.5 WAS2 rest assured you’ve come to the Jeanneau experts.

Jeanneau boats offer outstanding workmanship at an affordable price and we have a selection of new and used boats for sale, in stock, and ready to view, and we can also arrange viewings of any of the Jeanneau sailboat range.

Power and sail – buying or selling – trust Blackrock Yachting Brokerage to provide the expertise and integrity for your peace of mind. With offices in Chichester Marina we’re also members of Network Yacht Brokers and have access to over 900 boats for sale at any one time. We’ll find you the boat you’ve been looking for and have all the tools to sell your boat quickly whilst maximising your return.