Lucky enough to encompass sweeping Sussex countryside and windswept coastline, Chichester and surrounding areas makes a wonderful natural playground. It’s also in one of the UK’s sunniest spots.
High-octane watersports
Adrenaline junkies and watersports enthuasists make a beeline for the beaches at West Wittering, East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey, the neighbouring beach to East Wittering. For beginners and the experienced alike, you’ll find plenty of options for equipment hire and expert tuition helpful in getting you out into the waves whether you’re surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, SUP or even wing foiling.
A destination for sailing
In the picturesque villages of Bosham and Itchenor, perched on the shores of Chichester Harbour you’ll discover a hive of sailing activity. The area is well known as a sailing destination, largely thanks to the sheltered waters of the harbour which make it perfect for day sailing and racing, and also sailing tuition, whether learning the basics or honing your skills. Bosham Sailing Club, Itchenor Sailing Club and Cobnor Activities Centre offer a wide range of sailing courses for adults and children with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited instructors.
In August, thousands of boats take to the water as part of Chichester Harbour Race Week, organised by the Chichester Harbour Federation. Chichester Harbour is one of the busiest locations for dinghy and keelboat racing in the UK, and Race Week is so well attended it’s one of the most popular open regattas in the country. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the harbour and see if you can spot Olympic Sailors in action.
If all that activity sounds too hectic, join a skippered sail around the harbour and beyond as you relax on board. A great day out to celebration an occasion.
Guided Tours
Local operators run regular guided kayak or SUP (Stand Up Paddle board) tours around Chichester Harbour. There are a great way to get to grips with manoeuvring but also offers a different, and sometimes closer perspective of the wildlife that calls the harbour home. If you’re lucky you might encounter the local of group of harbour seals, though harbour users should ensure to give the seals plenty of space (at least 50 metres) to avoid disturbing them.
