This looks like a good place to go for a nice holiday, on boat or ashore.
The Chichester Canal
Chichester
- Address:
-
Chichester Canal Basin, Canal Wharf Road, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8DT
- Contact us:
-
01243 771363
- Opening hours:
-
The basin and footpath are open 24/7.
The Canal Trust's shop is open daily:
Jan-Mar: 9.30-15.30
April-Dec: 9.30-17.00
See website for details of boat trips.
| User's info |
|
5 reviews of The Chichester Canal in English
Suits me and my buddy for a great day out for either sketching or photoshoots….we don’t mind either. Often we take a bite for midday, but more often than not….we end up in a local hostelry. Very nice boat ride, ….we don’t do self propelled any more.
Once you’ve done this then you’ll want to do the harbour ….
Great day out if the sun is shining, i sometimes cycle alongside the canal and stop for a picnic, have also cycled to the Witterings from here, but its not for the faint hearted and make sure you’ve got a comfy saddle. Don’t forget your picnic. Great wildlife spotting along the way also.
Comment Be the first to comment on this review for The Chichester Canal
On a sunny day in Chichester there is no better day out for couples or a family than Chichetser canal.
For about £10 you can hire a rowing boat and head out of the basin and up the canal as far as Hunston!!.
I would recommend taking a picnic and a chilled bottle of wine(or two) and heading up the canal. There are plenty of places to more up and enjoy the sun, sights and chilled wine.
About half way up the canal there is an excellent view of the cathedral.
Even though the canal is a popular spot for people on day outs and walks, the canal never feels crowded.
There is a some parking by the canal itself but it is limited. There is however a large cinema/gym complex across the road with ample and free!! parking.
A great day out!!
Comment Be the first to comment on this review for The Chichester Canal
1 review
nice place 2 have some picnics and stuff beautiful place 2 be
Comment Be the first to comment on this review for The Chichester Canal
The Chichester Canal was opened in 1823 as a branch off the Portsmouth to Arundel Canal. Built to provide an alternative inland route to the vulnerable sea passage between Portsmouth and London during the Napoleonic Wars, most of the canal became derelict by the mid 1850s, when competition from coastal traffic and then the railways became too great.
However, the sections from the sea at Chichester Harbour to Hunston and from there to Chichester survived as a working canal until 1906, partly because they were built to accommodate larger ships of up to 100 tons. The canal brought in building materials and (especially) coal, and took away manure. Abandoned in 1928, the entrance lock and a short length at Salterns were retained as yacht moorings (prior to the building of Chichester Marina alongside), and the lock is still capable of operation. The remainder of the route to Chichester was leased to the local angling club and gradually silted up over the following half-century. Two main road bridges were later replaced by unnavigable culverts, blocking the canal.
In the 1970s a trust was formed to reopen the canal, and the section from Hunston to Chichester now sees regular boat trips by the Chichester Canal Society. The various Councils are committed in the long term to opening the canal right to the sea once again. The Canal Society has a small exhibition and shop at Chichester Canal basin, and in summer operates boat trips along the navigable section.
The canal towpath is popular both with anglers, walkers and cyclists and forms part of a cycle route into Chichester from Hunston. The canal is important for wildlife, and a wide variety of birds and insect life can be seen in the summer months.
Comment 2 comments on this review
-
vilmoskörte, 16 June 2008:
-
dmj1962, 17 June 2008:
Well, the canal itself is fairly short, so it would be a bit limited for a boating holiday. But nearby Chichester harbour has superb facilities for boating and sailing.
The area around has plenty to see and do. Chichester was originally a Roman town, and there is a splendid Roman palace a few km west at Fishbourne to go and see, with mosaic floors still in situ. There’s Chichester Cathedral (12th century), and of course in 30 minutes one can get to Arundel (castle, churches), Portsmouth (naval museums and ships galore), and various beaches.
Maybe I should get Chichester to pay me for all this promotion!
Write your review of The Chichester Canal
Places nearby The Chichester Canal
weald and downland Weald and Downland Open Air Musem, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1QF
![]()
John Green: “Just a nice place to be…. Plenty of photographic opportunities for landscape and will also give you chance to do some “macro” w...” more...
Chichester Festival Theatre Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 6AP
![]()
kittybardot: “Fantastic theatre. The main theatre is modern, with a large arena stage which acts as a perfect blank canvas for any performance. The train station...” more...
English








Comment Be the first to comment on this review for The Chichester Canal