Guide to the best things to do in Chichester Harbour

Image: Richard Gatley

Chichester Harbour in West Sussex is a National Landscape (formerly an AONB, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It is one of the few remaining areas of undeveloped land on the South Coast yet is just four miles from the beautiful historic city of Chichester. It is not what you might think of as a typical harbour, being made up of several creeks - you will want to allow plenty of time to explore here, whether walking, cycling, wildlife spotting, taking part in one of the many water-based activities available here, or simply sitting and watching the world go by in this stunning location.

Chichester Harbour is a beautiful natural harbour and comprises four estuaries stretching into the mainland. Each of these creates inlets with wide expanses and pretty creeks with opportunities for coastal walks, water sports and bird-spotting. Picturesque harbour side villages are scattered around the coastline, each with their own unique character: East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay and West Wittering (well known for their beaches), Fishbourne, Bosham, Chidham, Itchenor, Southbourne, Nutbourne, Prinsted, Birdham, Thorney Island, Dell Quay, Apuldram, Hunston and Emsworth.

Chichester Harbour is the largest natural estuary in South East England, comprising a total of 74km².

The area appeals to both sailing and wildlife enthusiasts. With 14 sailing clubs, over 55,000 resident and visiting water fowl thriving on the mud flats and salt marshes, and an established seal colony (comprising grey seals and common seals) living within the harbour, it draws in visitors of the human, furry and feathered variety.

Added to this, Chichester has also been named the sunniest place in the UK!

However, as well as sailing and birding, there are so many things to do in the area. Here are our top suggestions to make the most of your visit to Chichester Harbour.

Did you know that West Sussex is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best foodie hotspots in the country?

With organic grass-fed meat, locally grown fruit and veg, slow-roasted coffee and inspirational gin (have a sip of Chichester Harbour’s own Chichester Harbour Gin), it is no surprise that so many our farm shops, restaurants, vineyards and breweries are award-winning.

A great place to pick some of West Sussex’s highly acclaimed fruit and veg is Dell Quay Pick Your Own. You’ll find family-friendly Easter events, strawberries and raspberries to pick in the summer, followed by an autumn pumpkin patch and Christmas festivities later in the year, at this all-weather coastal fruit farm.

When you are finished fruit picking, indulge in a pick-me-up cup of tea, coffee, slice of homemade cake or Jersey cream ice cream from the on-site traditional ice cream trailer at the farm.

Image: SeaCampion

Cycling is possibly the best, and certainly the most sustainable, way to travel Chichester Harbour. Perfect for both keen cyclists, novices and family-friendly, the flat and easy 12-mile Salterns Way is a great way to see the area and explore the harbour villages on the way.

Start your day in Chichester city centre and have in your sights the white sands of West Wittering beach (where the Beach Café will provide the idea spot to refuel), the route runs along the length of the harbour on safe and mostly car-free paths. You’ll also spend some time cycling quiet scenic lanes through pretty harbour side villages with little traffic.

Not only does this cycle path (managed by Chichester Harbour Conservancy) offer a fascinating insight into day to day life alongside the harbour, but it also offers a close up view of this National Landscape. 

Download the route here, and for bike hire, check out Southern E-Bike Rentals.

Image: Janet McMeekin

It might appear at first glance, that Chichester Harbour is a little tricky to navigate on foot. However, if you have five or six hours to spare, including a quick hop over the water on the Itchenor Ferry, then the Chichester Harbour Six Harbour Villages Trail is a great trek to do. And if that’s too much in one go, you can tackle the route in stages if you prefer.

You’ll start in Itchenor, from where you’ll take the foot ferry to Bosham to begin the circular Six Harbour Villages trek. As the name suggests, you’ll pass through six villages dotted about the harbour: Itchenor, Bosham, Fishbourne, Apuldram, Dell Quay and Birdham, which will cover a distance of 10 miles.

If you have longer to spare you can add in a few of the points of historic interest and eateries on the way, including the historic Holy Trinity Church in Bosham (famous for its representation in the Bayeux Tapestry) and the nearby Anchor Bleu pub on the waterfront, Fishbourne Roman Palace with The Woolpack pub just a short stride away, or Chichester Marina’s Boathouse Café.

Download the route here.

However you choose to ride the waves, there is a sailing option to suit everyone in Chichester Harbour. 

With the South Downs National Park as your backdrop, Cobnor Activity Centre Trust clings to the edge of Chichester Harbour for a spectacular sailing experience. Now an independent charity, youth sailing first began at Cobnor in the mid 1950s. It provides highly-regarded sailing courses for young people from the age of eight, with plenty of other courses available, some for adults and families too. Whether you’re seeking sailing summer camps for the kids, want to try your hand at canoeing, kayaking or powerboating in Chichester Harbour, or looking to make the most of the other outdoor pursuits including cycling, climbing and archery, you’ll find it all at Cobnor.

If you prefer to try your hand at power-boating, check out Chichester Sea School which offers Royal Yachting Association-recognised powerboat courses for all levels, including a one-day introduction-to-powerboating course. They cater for all levels, from beginners to advanced day and night courses, with all courses leading to RYA-backed qualifications.

Image: Chichester Harbour Conservancy

Did you know that a colony of both harbour and grey seals call Chichester Harbour home?

In order to preserve vulnerable wildlife, it is important to keep a respectful distance from the shy creatures, to protect their peace. To learn all about their habits and the habitat they frequent, it is best to take a seal watching tour with Chichester Harbour Water Tours, or climb aboard Chichester Harbour Conservancy’s Solar Heritage boat. 

Solar Heritage is a specially designed, solar-powered, quietly-operating boat captained by wildlife experts who can tell you everything you might think of asking about seals. The elevated deck accommodates 50 passengers, is fully accessible, and gives a great vantage point when looking out for the animals. Trips depart from Itchenor in the summer and Emsworth in the winter.

• Harbour discovery tour - 1 hour, adults £15, children £5, private charters available
• Seal safari - 3 hours, private charters available

Chichester Harbour Water Tours offer boat trips from Itchenor Harbour for seal watching and bird spotting available until October, and fishing trips which run from mid March to mid December. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!

• Harbour tours and bird watching – 45 minutes, from £15.90, private charters available
• Seal watching – 1.5 hours, adults £27.56, children £22.26, private charters available
• Winter bird spotting – 2 hours, November to February

You have a good chance of spotting seals and even, if you are lucky, their pups, as the colony increases year on year – a shining example of how well looked after this Site of Special Scientific Interest is.

*Prices correct summer 2026

Image: Chichester Harbour Conservancy

It’s not just about the marine life at Chichester Harbour either; the harbour is also the most important site on the South Coast for waterfowl and wading birds. 

Many different British sea birds inhabit the harbour, while there is the arrival of Brent geese in the winter and passing through of ospreys during April and September. The migrant waders settle in Chichester Harbour during the autumn months and stay until early spring. You can catch a glimpse of oyster catchers, dunlin, red shank, turnstone, green plover, curlew and more. If you are lucky, you might also spot peregrine falcons hunting over the mud flats seeking out the smaller wading birds. It is likely that these birds are the same pair that nest on Chichester Cathedral. 

Chichester Harbour Conservancy offers occasional birdwatching tours from Itchenor and Emsworth on their solar-powered boat, the Solar Heritage, which is a great opportunity to explore the plentiful wildlife here. Chichester Harbour Water Tours run charter tours from Itchenor for any type of bird watching trip within the harbour, their main birding season being November to February.

Another great place within the harbour to spot these birds is RSPB Medmerry, one of Europe’s largest managed coastal realignment schemes. With footpaths, cycle tracks and bird hides all on offer in this wildlife haven, as well as the popular Bracklesham Beach and the Beach Café (formerly Billy’s on the Beach) just a 50 minute walk away, there’s plenty to see and do all day.

Image: Fishbourne Roman Palace

It is not just beaches and wildlife that Chichester Harbour has to offer. Amazing history awaits with the opportunity for a hands-on exploration of Roman remains at Fishbourne. The Roman Palace is the UK’s oldest and largest Roman dwelling, and it is a stone’s throw from the water.

Fishbourne is home to the largest collection of early Roman mosaic floors in Britain (more than 20), and there are Roman artefacts to be admired at the same time: jewellery and a rare image of the Emperor Nero as a child, not to mention Roman gardens which have been replanted to their original design.

Fishbourne is on the South Coast cycle route, which connects to the Centurion Way. It is also home to the picturesque Bull’s Head pub just a 10 minute walk away, with excellent food, ale and a warm welcome.

Image: West Wittering Beach - Stephen Tattersall

Chichester Harbour has some of the best beaches in West Sussex, even in the UK!

While there are plenty of fantastic beaches within the harbour (West Wittering and Bracklesham Bay are very popular), the National Trust’s East Head is one of the last surviving pieces of natural coastline in West Sussex and of huge ecological importance.

Located at the eastern side of the entrance to Chichester Harbour and joined to West Wittering beach, dog-friendly East Head is a 10 hectare sand dune spit of great environmental interest. It’s a unique example of a natural and dynamic coastal feature, prone to constant daily change at the mercy of the wind and tides and the resulting effect of the waves.

While East Head is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Ramsar site (a wetland site of international importance), it is not off limits. With white sands, patches of shingle and dogs welcome, not to mention the West Wittering Beach Café and facilities a short walk away if you should need them, you will have everything you need for a perfect beach day.

Parking for East Head is at the West Wittering beach car park and we recommend you book your space in advance.

More of the best things to do in Chichester Harbour and West Sussex

Find inspiration for even more things to do in the West Sussex area here.

Is Chichester Harbour worth visiting?

Yes, Chichester Harbour is well worth visiting with sailing, birdwatching, walking, cycling and boat trips on offer in a beautiful natural setting.

Can you walk around Chichester Harbour?

You can walk the Six Harbour Villages Trail which will take you on a 10-mile circular loop around Chichester Harbour.

Is Chichester Harbour free to visit?

Yes, Chichester Harbour is free to visit.

Where can you see seals in Chichester Harbour?

You can see seals in their natural habitat if you take a boat trip around Chichester Harbour. If you choose to kayak or explore the harbour on your own please keep a safe distance from the seal colonies to avoid stressing the seals.

What are the best beaches in Chichester Harbour?

Some of the best beaches in Chichester Harbour are West Wittering & Bracklesham Bay, East Head and East Wittering.

Can you cycle around Chichester Harbour?

You can cycle the Salterns Way or the Chichester Harbour cycle route which will take you around Chichester Harbour.