DDiscover AloneMapAbout

Chichester Harbour

Bay
Chichester Harbour
Photo: nick macneill, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original Geograph photograph · Report the wrong picture

This does not grant access. Check current paths, opening conditions and ownership before entering.

What do you know about this place?Tap to add a comment or ask a question

What you write will be public.

What is recorded here

Chichester Harbour is a drowned river landscape of tidal channels and mudflats where Roman trade, Bosham's royal history, sailing and internationally important birdlife meet.

How it formed

Rising seas after the last Ice Age flooded river valleys and formed branching tidal creeks, islands, mudflats and salt marsh.

People and events

Romans used the sheltered water near Fishbourne, Harold Godwinson sailed from Bosham, and later fishers, shipbuilders and sailors worked its channels.

Local stories

Bosham's church and harbour are linked with Harold's voyage shown in the Bayeux Tapestry, keeping conquest history in the local waterside story.

What can be seen

Tidal flats, salt marsh, wooded shores, historic villages, working boats and vast winter bird gatherings remain.

Why it mattered

It matters because a heavily used south-coast harbour retains both internationally protected habitats and a long visible maritime history.

Sources for this account

Sources checked 16 August 2026.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) r4085973

Places near here

Photo credits
  • Simon Carey, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Dave Spicer, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Des Blenkinsopp, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Ian Capper, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Chris McAuley, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • David Martin, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Shazz, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Hugh Venables, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Robin Webster, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Stakes IslandIsland · 692 ydNutbourne Marsh Nature ReserveNature reserve · 1024 ydCobnor PointHeadland · 1341 ydCobnor HouseListed building · 1356 ydChalkdock PointHeadland · 1488 ydStanbury PointHeadland · 1630 ydPilsey IslandIsland · 1.1 miThe Old RectoryListed building · 1.2 miItchenor Village Pond & Nature Reserve.Wood · 1.6 miQuay MeadowPark · 1.8 miPrinsted BeachBeach / strand · 2.0 miHayling Island Sailing ClubLarge sports centre · 2.7 mi

More cliffs, bays and coast in Chichester · All of Chichester

Add to this placeAdd a picture Add a detailed tip Add a story

Explore the map1,095,414 places to discover

Next place · or swipeStakes Island