Chichester Harbour National Landscape – Tidal Creeks, Low Shores, and Working Harbours

A Sheltered Coastal Landscape Shaped by Tides, Agriculture, and Maritime Use

The Chichester Harbour National Landscape — formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — lies on the border of West Sussex and Hampshire in South East England. Centred on one of England’s largest natural harbours, the landscape is defined by tidal creeks, saltmarsh, mudflats, low farmland, and a deeply maritime character shaped by centuries of sailing, fishing, and coastal life.

Walking  here is defined by calm, openness, and constant connection to the water. The terrain is almost entirely flat, making the area especially well suited to gentle, self-guided journeys that favour scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere over distance or elevation. Routes follow shoreline paths, sea walls, and quiet lanes, with expansive views across water, marsh, and sky.

Unlike exposed open coast, Chichester Harbour offers sheltered walking throughout the year. The intricate shoreline creates ever-changing perspectives, with paths curving around creeks, crossing causeways, and linking peninsulas that feel quietly remote despite their proximity to towns and cities. Light, tide, and weather shape every walk, giving the landscape a subtle but constantly shifting character.

The harbour’s network of public footpaths forms the backbone of walking here. Routes link waterside villages, historic quays, and nature reserves, often passing working boatyards, old mill sites, and long-settled farmland. Walking is slow and immersive, with frequent pauses encouraged by birds, boats, and wide, reflective views.

Village-based walking is central to the Chichester Harbour experience. Routes connect settlements such as Bosham, Itchenor, West Wittering, Emsworth, and villages around the harbour’s inlets, allowing walkers to build flexible loops directly from village centres. These places provide natural stopping points rather than destinations, reinforcing the area’s peaceful, lived-in feel.

Longer routes give structure to multi-day exploration. The Chichester Harbour Path forms a complete circuit of the harbour, offering a continuous walking route that links shoreline, villages, and viewpoints while staying close to the water throughout. Shorter sections are ideal for day walks, while the full circuit suits relaxed, multi-day walking adventures.

Beyond walking, the National Landscape is exceptionally well suited to nature-led outdoor adventures. Birdwatching is a constant presence, with internationally important populations of waders and wildfowl using the harbour’s mudflats and saltmarsh. Cycling follows flat lanes and coastal roads, and paddling routes allow walkers to combine time on foot with time on the water.

Accommodation is spread across villages and towns around the harbour, from coastal inns and guesthouses to countryside B&Bs and small hotels. Bases near Bosham, Emsworth, Itchenor, and Chichester provide excellent access to footpaths, rail connections, and waterside routes, making the area especially suitable for car-free exploring.

For walkers seeking quiet coastal scenery, wildlife-rich routes, and one of southern England’s most peaceful waterside landscapes, the Chichester Harbour National Landscape offers a deeply rewarding walking destination shaped by tide, light, and maritime tradition.

Where to Walk and Explore

Chichester Harbour Path

‍A full circular route around the harbour, following shoreline paths, villages, and creeks with constant waterside views.

Bosham & The Upper Harbour

‍Gentle walking around tidal inlets, historic quays, and village paths at the head of the harbour.

Itchenor & West Itchenor

‍Waterside routes linking marinas, saltmarsh, and open views across the central harbour.

Emsworth & Thorney Channel

‍Flat walking along the harbour’s eastern edges, with strong birdlife and quiet shoreline paths.

West Wittering & Chidham Peninsula

‍Open coastal walking where harbour waters meet the edge of the English Channel.

Adventure Highlights

• Flat, accessible waterside walking around tidal creeks
• Long-distance harbour circuit on the Chichester Harbour Path
• Exceptional birdlife and wetland habitats
• Quiet village-to-village coastal routes
• Gentle cycling on flat lanes and shoreline roads
• Excellent rail access for car-free walking holidays