The restored Chichester Canal and Basin showcases the waterside side of West Sussex: the canal runs along a towpath between Chichester and Birdham, with boat trips and canal-side walks on offer. You can experience the waterway from a boat or on foot—two different perspectives on the same place.
Between harbour and wetlands
Chichester Harbour also brings together landscapes and activities on the water. The area is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It provides a habitat for waterfowl, waders and a community of seals. At the same time, the sheltered waters are home to numerous sailing clubs and sailing schools, which offer sailing courses. Nature and sailing sit side by side here, so you don't have to limit yourself to just one way of experiencing the area.
At Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve, the focus is on a diverse wetland: salt marshes, mudflats, lagoons and reedbeds sit alongside farmland and a shingle beach. The reserve is internationally important. Those interested in particular species can find rare invertebrates, bitterns, reed warblers and wild waterfowl at Burton Mill Pond in Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve. Fairmile Bottom offers a different view of the landscape: this Local Nature Reserve is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and includes chalk grassland, yew woodland and beech woodland.
Houses, history and living culture
Petworth House is a magnificent 17th-century house. It houses one of the most significant art collections owned by the National Trust and sits within a 700-acre deer park. The parkland can also be explored on foot: a 3-mile (4.8 km) walk leads through the 700 acres, past ancient trees and fallow deer, with views towards the South Downs. The house, collection and landscape each offer a different way to experience Petworth.
At the Weald & Downland Living Museum, rural life over a period of 1,000 years is brought to life through more than 50 rescued historic buildings. The remains of Bramber Castle offer another historical landmark. They stand on a high natural hill overlooking the River Adur and guard a route through the South Downs. At Halnaker Windmill, several layers of history come together: the mill is a Grade II listed building, and its setting also includes a Second World War observation post and Neolithic earthworks.
Chichester Cathedral has been at the heart of life in Chichester for more than nine centuries. Visitors and pilgrims come to discover its religious heritage. For practical guidance when visiting: the cathedral is about half a mile from the railway station, and the average walk takes 10 minutes.
Routes and experiences on the water
For cyclists, Salterns Way offers a largely traffic-free, completely flat 12-mile (19 km) route between Chichester and West Wittering Beach. Bill Way offers a different option: the signposted route is about 8 miles long and runs one way from Chichester city centre to RSPB Pagham Harbour. The stated distances and endpoints help you compare the two routes by their length and course.
If you're looking for a multi-day walk, consider the South Downs Way, a walking trail with sweeping panoramic views. On the water, the Wetlands Discovery Boat Safari at WWT Arundel is a guided electric-boat experience through waterways, wet meadows and reedbeds. Dates may vary by season, so check the schedule before planning.
Goodwood: events and afternoon tea
Goodwood Estate is home to the Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival and Glorious Goodwood. The dates of each event vary from year to year. A different Goodwood experience combines a tour of the State Apartments with traditional afternoon tea, prepared using organic ingredients from produce grown at Goodwood Home Farm. As booking arrangements may vary, it's a good idea to check them in advance.
Discover more destinations
Funtington, Merston, Lindfield, Pagham, Worthing, Storrington, Steyning, Slinfold, Selsey, Rusper, Pulborough, Petworth, Lancing, Midhurst, Horsham, Henfield, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead, Crawley, Chichester, Bolney, Bognor Regis, Balcombe, Arundel, Ansty, Angmering, Albourne, Littlehampton, Hurstpierpoint, Fernhurst, Ford, Thakeham, Burgess Hill, Shoreham-By-Sea, Hassocks, Trotton, Rake, Wiston, Hunston, West Chiltington, Barnham, Amberley, Partridge Green, West Wittering, Rustington, Rudgwick, Kirdford, Birdham, East Wittering, Ferring, Wisborough Green, Stedham, Coldwaltham, Madehurst, Plaistow, Billingshurst, Lurgashall, Westbourne, Lyminster, Lower Beeding, Boxgrove, Yapton, Faygate, Ardingly, Findon, Walberton, Southwick
For the wider travel overview: South East England.
