Chichester Ship Canal
A 19th-century canal that departs beside the railway station, with sightseeing boats and a towpath for walking or cycling out to Chichester Harbour.
The canal opened in 1822 as part of an inland waterway route from Portsmouth to London. It is now maintained by a charitable trust. It runs southwest for about 4 miles from the Canal Basin in the south of the city to Birdham, where it joins Chichester Harbour. In summer, sightseeing boats make a one-hour trip, and kayaks can be hired. The flat towpath is ideal for walking or cycling and passes the rural scenery Turner once painted. The landing stage is about five minutes’ walk from the railway station, where there is a café.
Opening hours
Causeway open all day; boats approx. April–October
Nearby sights
- Bishop's Palace Gardens
- Pallant House Gallery
- Chichester Cathedral
- Chichester Cross
- The Novium Museum
- Chichester City Walls Walk
- Chichester Festival Theatre
- Fishbourne Roman Palace