Outside Portsmouth Is A Scenic Coastal Escape With Wetlands, Fishing, And Boating

Nestled in southeastern England is a scenic body of water that's not only the biggest natural harbor in the region, but it also claims the title of the largest recreational harbor in all of Europe (in terms of the number of moorings). Homeport to over 9,000 boats, Chichester Harbour National Landscape is like something out of an old sailor's painting, featuring picturesque sky-blue water beneath ocean-blue skies peppered with an assortment of boats, sandy shores, and notable wetlands including salt marshes and tidal creeks. 

Despite these more impressive size distinctions, it's also, ironically, the second-smallest national landscape in England. It's just 29 square miles — but when the tide is high, up to 41% of it is submerged. That being said, the harbor is also much loved for its sporting opportunities, including fishing and all kinds of boating in its various wetlands. While there are more than 60 miles of walking and biking paths around Chichester Harbour, it's the water that truly draws visitors in. 

Whether you're fishing, boating, or simply plan on exploring, Chichester Harbour National Landscape is an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy one of the most photogenic places in England. Beginning about 6 miles east of Portsmouth, between scenic Hayling Island and Chichester, the area is accessible from several villages, including Bosham, Itchenor, Birdham, and Chichester itself, a delightfully artsy city filled with a stunning cathedral and parks. 

Both boating and fishing are quite popular in Chichester Harbour, even if the seascape presents its own unique challenges. Due to the natural ebb and flow of the tides, the wetlands, mudflats, and salt marshes of the harbor are submerged in seawater twice daily. With a tidal range of around 15 feet in the area, many of the shallow, winding creeks and channels dry completely at low tide. Boaters and anglers must plan their activities carefully, depending on their preferences, by checking each day's tide tables.

For anglers, there are options for shore and boat fishing throughout the harbor. The Chichester Harbour Conservancy reports that fly and kayak fishing have grown in popularity recently. Of course, even when the tide is low, the fishing opportunities do not dwindle to zero. There are still fish that call the shallow pools home. Bass and mullet are commonly caught species, as well as bream, eels, mackerel, and even the occasional wrasse or tope. Be sure to observe the hand-gathering bylaws if you plan on bait-digging, as it's only permitted in certain spots. Chichester Harbour Water Tours out of Itchenor offers fishing, seal-watching, and general harbor cruises and is a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award winner.

Kayaking, sailing, and boating are just as rewarding. There are several launches, 11 square miles of water, and 17 miles of boatable channels in the harbor, plus access to The Solent and the English Channel. You can sail to various charming small towns that line the harbor shores, such as East Wittering, a quaint village with quiet coastal vibes. In Itchenor, Fluid Adventures offers kayak and paddleboard rentals or guided tours. No matter how you choose to enjoy this national landscape, you're likely to plan a return trip again soon.