Chichester Harbour: A Visitor's Guide

Chichester Harbour is a stunning natural harbour located on the south coast.

One of the most picturesque and well-preserved harbours in the UK

Food lies at the core of our mission. Our menu showcases our deep appreciation for seasonal, contemporary British cuisine, with each dish crafted to bring out its unique flavours. If you’re curious about the sources of our ingredients, please feel free to ask, and we’ll gladly share. We make every effort to incorporate local ingredients into our dishes whenever possible.

The Royal Oak offers a range of accommodations, including five ensuite bedrooms, a family room, and two cottages, all seamlessly blending warmth, comfort, and rustic charm with modern conveniences like iPod docking, complimentary WiFi, and flat-screen TVs. All of our lodgings offer picturesque views, whether overlooking farmland or the beautiful Sussex Downs. Expect invigorating power showers, luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, plush bathrobes, and eco-friendly British bath and body products as part of our standard amenities.”

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF CHICHESTER HARBOUR

Chichester harbour is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring a unique blend of tidal mudflats, salt marshes, sandbanks, and gently sloping beaches. The surrounding landscape includes woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, making it a haven for wildlife and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Chichester Harbour is renowned as a sailing and boating paradise. Its sheltered waters and gentle tides make it an ideal location for various water-based activities, including sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The harbour is home to several marinas and sailing clubs, attracting enthusiasts from all over the country.

The diverse habitats in and around the harbour provide a sanctuary for numerous bird species. Birdwatchers flock to Chichester Harbour to observe migratory and resident birds, including waders, waterfowl, and seabirds.

A Natural Haven

Chichester Harbour, with its sweeping expanses of tidal mudflats, salt marshes, and secluded creeks, is a haven for an array of flora and fauna. The harbor is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Ramsar site, recognizing its importance for both resident and migratory bird populations.

For birdwatchers, Chichester Harbour presents an unparalleled opportunity to observe a diverse range of avian species throughout the year. From elegant wading birds like curlews and avocets to the majestic sight of ospreys hunting over the water, the harbour is alive with avian activity.

Sailing and Water Sports

Beyond its ecological significance, Chichester Harbour is also a playground for water sports enthusiasts. The sheltered waters and gentle breezes make it an ideal destination for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice paddler, there are opportunities for all skill levels to experience the joy of being out on the water.

Numerous sailing clubs and schools dot the shoreline, offering lessons, equipment rentals, and organized races for those eager to hone their skills or simply enjoy a day of leisurely sailing. The annual Chichester Harbour Race Week brings together sailors from far and wide for a week-long celebration of all things nautical.

Coastal Walks and Explorations

For land-based adventurers, Chichester Harbour boasts a network of scenic footpaths and trails that wind their way through picturesque villages, along the shoreline, and into the heart of the surrounding countryside. The Chichester Harbour Conservancy oversees a network of designated walking routes, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty at their own pace.

One popular route is the Chichester Harbour Circular Walk, a 13-mile loop that takes in stunning coastal scenery, historic landmarks, and peaceful countryside vistas. Along the way, walkers may encounter ancient churches, quaint fishing villages, and hidden coves waiting to be discovered.

Conservation and Preservation

Despite its proximity to urban centers like Chichester and Portsmouth, Chichester Harbour remains remarkably unspoiled, thanks in large part to the efforts of conservation organizations and local stakeholders. The Chichester Harbour Conservancy works tirelessly to protect and preserve the area’s unique ecosystem, balancing the needs of wildlife conservation with recreational activities and sustainable tourism.

Through initiatives such as habitat restoration projects, educational outreach programs, and responsible management practices, the Conservancy strives to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the natural wonders of Chichester Harbour for years to come.

DIRECTIONS TO THE ROYAL OAK FROM CHICHESTER HARBOUR

The Royal Oak is approximately half an hour by car from Chichester Harbour

Head north-west on Marine Walk towards Selsmore Avenue

Continue onto Salterns Lane

 

Turn right onto Rails Lane

Continue onto Selsmore Road for half a mile

Turn right onto Sea Grove Avenue

Continue onto Elm Grove for another half-mile

Continue onto Church Road for half a mile

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Havant Road./A3023
Continue to follow A3023 for approximately four miles

At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A27 slip road to Chichester/Emsworth

Merge onto Havant Bypass/A27
Continue to follow A27 for approximately nine miles

At Fishbourne Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Cathedral Way/A259

At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Via Ravenna/A259
Go through 1 roundabout

At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Ave De Chartres/A286

At Westgate Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Orchard Street/A286
Continue to follow A286

Turn right onto Churchside/A286

Turn left onto Broyle Road/Churchside/A286
Continue to follow A286

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Pook Lane
After half a mile the Royal Oak will be on your left.