As you drive into the historic village of Bosham, you pass a picturesque dwelling that may not boast quite the millennia of history of Bosham Church but is a Bosham landmark in its own right.

The Millstream Hotel is one of the most recognisable buildings in Bosham; a vision of understated calm set back across a small croquet lawn from the pretty ‘millstream’ that flows past it. 

The hotel has welcomed guests for over a hundred years and, significantly, has been in the same family ownership for 50 years this August! Since its purchase in 1976 it has been owned and run by the Wild family. 

Family ownership began under John Wild, whose upbringing was spent immersed in the hotel industry. His parents owned the Highcliff Hotel in Bournemouth (historically the setting for the Conservative party conference) and the Royal Court Hotel in Chelsea (now the Sloane Square Hotel) which hosted the Beatles as regular guests.

The Millstream Hotel started life as three 17th century workmen’s cottages. The Sea School and two cottages in the garden were added in 1980 to create the 31 bedroom property we know today. Over the past 50 years the hotel has been extensively renovated, updated and landscaped to create an idyllic oasis offering every luxury a traveller could wish for.

If you are lucky enough to be staying at the Millstream Hotel, you will undoubtedly pop into the beautiful Bosham Holy Trinity Church where you will learn of its many claims to history. Dating from Saxon times, it is believed King Canute once lived in Bosham and that his young daughter is buried there after drowning in the millstream.

Most famously, Bosham Church is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, and is where King Harold II sought a blessing before feasting in the adjacent manor house prior to sailing to Normandy to meet with William, Duke of Normandy. There, Harold stated his claim to the English throne, which angered William and precipitated the Battle of Hastings. The chancel arch of the church is Norman and was built in the 11th century shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Bosham continues to adapt to modern times and is now a pleasant stop on the King Charles III England Coast Path, which currently stretches for 35 miles along Chichester Harbour from Hayling Island to West Wittering. Not only will walkers enjoy the beautiful scenery of the harbour, they will get to see a range of wildlife thriving in its natural habitat, and if they are lucky, a seal or two! 

There are a number of delightful lunch spots to be found in Bosham, from Marwick’s Brasserie at the hotel, to the Anchor Bleu pub on the waterfront, the Pop In Café (sister company to the Millstream Hotel) for delicious deli snacks or the Shoreside Cafe for breakfast, light lunches and mouth watering teas. While you are visiting, browse the arts and crafts in Bosham Walk, or treat yourself at Bosham Sweets and Ice Cream.   

Whether you are fortunate enough to indulge in an overnight stay at the Millstream Hotel or you enjoy following in the footsteps of the kings of England, Bosham is a village that boasts a wealth of attributes far beyond its diminutive size. The Millstream Hotel and the Wild family are very much a part of the history and fabric of this picture-postcard village.  

Congratulations to the Millstream Hotel on your 50-year anniversary!