72 Hours in Bosham

Spend a sensational 72 hours in Bosham, West Sussex - one of the most picturesque locations in the south of England. Bosham is perched on the shores of Chichester Harbour, which is a National Landscape and an important site for wildlife, and is just a short distance from Chichester, West Sussex's only city.

Bosham village is the perfect location for a short break. Escape the 9-5 while enjoying beautiful scenery, exploring fascinating stories and soaking up the best of West Sussex hospitality. Come and explore our guide to an unforgettable stay in Bosham. Bosham is just a small village but this quaint, photogenic destination is home to an intriguing history, beautiful landscapes, welcoming hospitality and lesser-known locations to discover.

Hotels in Bosham, West Sussex

For this mini break, you’ll be based at the welcoming Millstream Hotel in Bosham, which sits prettily at the heart of the village. The Millstream Hotel began life as three 17th century workmen’s cottages and sits beside the ‘millstream’ – a fast-flowing stream from which the hotel acquired its name, and which runs through the hotel gardens still today making its way to Chichester Harbour. This welcoming hotel is one of the most popular hotels near Chichester and prides itself on exceptional service and attention to detail to ensure you have an unforgettable stay. The hotel is just moments from Bosham Quay, from where you can soak up the harbour views.

Getting to Bosham

Bosham village is reachable by train directly from London Victoria with a journey time of around 1h 45 minutes or by driving. In this three day itinerary you’ll get the chance to explore some of the highlights of West Sussex without travelling far at all and, if you wish, without using a car. Cycling enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that secure cycle storage is available if you wish to bring your bike ready to explore the area.

Day 1: exploring Bosham
Day 2: visit Chichester
Day 3: exploring Chichester Harbour
Day 4: more West Sussex exploring and home

Day 1: exploring Bosham

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Morning

an exterior view of The Millstream hotel in Bosham, West Sussex

Arrive at the Millstream Hotel in Bosham. Once you’ve checked in, stop for coffee or enjoy a delicious lunch at the Millstream Hotel. The relaxing surroundings of Marwicks Brasserie will revive you from your journey. Walk the short distance from the hotel to Bosham Quay where there is usually activity on the water to watch. Walk the shoreline, being careful of high tide times which often cover some of the footpaths. See the resident swans and ducks and soak up the peace and tranquillity of the location. While you're in Bosham, we recommend an ice cream from Bosham Sweets and Ice Cream which is situated in Bosham Walk, an art and crafts centre with a variety of shops.

Afternoon

After lunch, set a course for Bosham's Holy Trinity Church - the oldest known place of worship in West Sussex. Pop in and purchase a guide to the church’s fascinating history which includes its beginnings in the 5th Century, the story of King Canute and Bosham’s appearance in the Bayeaux Tapestry. Keen photographers will want a full battery in your camera for this afternoon - this is one of the south coast’s most picturesque villages.

Close by is also Shoreside Café in an enviable position on the waterfront from which you can sit with a cup of tea and piece of cake and enjoy the views.

It’s worth lingering for the sunset here, or for those dedicated to hunting down the best snapshots, the views from Chidham on the opposite peninsula are among the most photogenic pictures of Bosham you will find.

Bosham with Holy Trinity Church above the skyline

Evening

Sea School Restaurant

It’s time to relax with a delicious dinner at the Sea School, the Millstream Hotel’s 2 AA Rosette restaurant where you’ll enjoy modern British dining with a focus on seasonal produce. The perfect end to the first day of your West Sussex stay.

Day 2: visit Chichester

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Morning

After a leisurely breakfast at the Millstream (did we mention this breakfast has won awards!?) take the train to Chichester. Walk from the Millstream Hotel to Bosham railway station (around 20 minutes walk). The journey to Chichester takes between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the time of day and which service you catch.

Walk north from the station towards the centre of Chichester where you’ll find Chichester Cathedral and main shopping streets. We recommend joining a guided tour of the Cathedral which lasts around 45 minutes to explore some of the Cathedral’s stories during iconic points of English history. If you’ve a head for heights why not book a spire tour too and see a unique perspective of Chichester with fabulous panoramic views onward across West Sussex countryside, Goodwood and beyond.

Afterwards cross the street to find The Novium Museum, a free-entry museum exploring the history of Chichester from the Stone and Iron Ages, through the Saxon and Tudor eras, right up to the present day. Don’t miss the remains of the Roman bath house on the ground floor.

While you’re here

Coffee stops: Strobilus Cafe, Common Grounds, and Cloisters Kitchen & Garden.

Lunch stops: The Barn Little London, Robin’s Nest and Luckes

Chichester Cathedral

Afternoon

Bishops Palace Garden, Chichester

There’s lots to choose from for your afternoon in Chichester. Explore the city’s green spaces like Bishops Palace Gardens, walk the 1.5-mile circuit of the city walls or take in some modern art at Pallant House Gallery.

Browse the pretty shopping streets where you’ll find some of your favourite stores, along with fabulous independent shops. The side streets - often called Twittens in Sussex - are worth exploring too, for interesting shops and boutiques off the well trodden path. Pause for a cup of tea or you might even treat yourself to afternoon tea at The Ivy or Joanna’s Boutique tearoom.

While you're here: art lovers shouldn't miss Oxmarket Contemporary, a free to enter art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions and works from local artists - you might even find a souvenir to take home.

Evening

You have the perfect opportunity to take in a show at Chichester Festival Theatre while you’re here. Enjoy a pre theatre dinner at local favourite, Purchases, followed by an evening production. 2026's programme includes productions like Atonment, My Fair Lady and Midsummer Nights Dream. Whether you're enthralled by drama or enjoy something lighter or musical, this is a theatre to remember.

Take the train back to Bosham for a restful night’s sleep, ready for exploring again tomorrow.

More dinner spots: The Ghost at The Feast - Chichester's food hall where you'll find street food from around the world and craft drinks. Piccolino, where you'll find authentic italian dishes in a chic setting. Turkuaz Social, for mediterranean flavours to savour.

Chichester Festival Theatre

Day 3: exploring Chichester Harbour

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Morning

Solar Heritage boat trips | Chichester Harbour

You won’t need a car for today as you’re exploring Chichester Harbour by boat. Walk from the hotel to board the Itchenor Ferry which leaves Bosham from Smugglers Lane.

Good to know: If the Ferry is across the water, you just need to wave towards the opposite shore and the ferry will come to pick you up. From May to September the ferry runs daily while October to April it only operates at weekends. An adult fare is £3 per person each way with bikes an extra 50p.

Upon arrival at Itchenor, find your Chichester Harbour tour aboard Solar Heritage which will explore the stunning scenery of the harbour, help you spot the birdlife and other wildlife which lives here, including the seals - Chichester Harbour is home to the largest seal population in the Solent. You’ll learn more about history of Chichester Harbour and the important work of the Conservancy.

The length of your trip will depend on the tour you have booked. Harbour Discovery Cruises last 1.5 hours, Nature and Birdwatching trips are 2 hours, while Seal Safaris last 3 hours.

Lunch: Once you’ve disembarked at Itchenor, we recommend lunch at either The Ship in Itchenor or Quarterdeck Café.

Afternoon

Enthusiastic walkers or cyclists might like to spend the afternoon exploring an 11-mile loop from Itchenor, taking in West Wittering beach and East Wittering. Alternatively, you could do the stretch as far as East Head at West Wittering then retrace your steps – this walking route is now part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. This new path will eventually circumnavigate the entire country. You’ll find the Café at West Wittering beach perfectly positioned for afternoon refuelling.

You might also choose to take the ferry back to Bosham and take a train to Fishbourne to see Fishbourne Roman Palace. Here you’ll explore the remains of the largest Roman home found in the UK to date. Marvel at the incredible craftsmanship of the huge number of mosaics which remain here and walk the recreated Roman gardens. After your visit explore some of the harbourside footpaths for views of Chichester Harbour.

Finish your Chichester Harbour themed day with dinner at the excellent Anchor Bleu in Bosham, located not far from Bosham Quay. Reservations are recommended here as it’s extremely popular.

Mosaic at Fishbourne Roman Palace