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What's the story here?

Bosham is situated on a broad peninsula that projects into the northeast section of Chichester Harbour. It is located about three miles up the Chichester Channel, which stretches north-westward up through the harbour, and is accessed by branching off into the Bosham Channel. From there it is about a mile to the quay.




Bosham offers mooring maintained by the Manor of Bosham, with short-stay (up to 3 hours) and overnight visitor moorings in the channel. Mid-channel swinging moorings in the lower reach provide all-tide deep water (>0.5 m below Chart Datum), with depths decreasing steadily towards the head of the creek. The upper channel and quay dry out completely to soft mud and gravel at low water. Visitors using Manor of Bosham moorings may use their Ferry service or come into the Quay and dry.




The quay dries to 2 metres chart datum. However, it has a depth of 3 metres at high water and easily accommodates vessels drawing up to 2 metres within a window of roughly 2 hours either side of high water on spring tides. The ideal time to approach and come alongside is high water, plus or minus two hours. Vessels of all sizes and shapes are readily accommodated alongside. However, you will ideally need to use a fender board or have very large, heavy fenders that will not slip into the gaps between vertical quay pilings. Likewise, the quay wall is exposed to the south-west and may become uncomfortable in developed conditions of Force 5 and above.




Moorings, including short-stay, must be booked with The Manor of Bosham in advance via their website The Manor of Bosham . You can also contact Quaymaster Michael McGrail and the Manor of Bosham Quay Office regarding swinging moorings, Manor of Bosham Quay Office quay@manor-of-bosham.co.uk, +44 (0)1243 573336, +44 (0)7793 564902, [VHF]: Ch. 06 [Bosham Ferry].

Visitor Berthing Rates [2026] (LOA inc. VAT)

• • Short-Stay Visitor Mooring (Up to 3 hours): £15.00


• • Overnight Visitor Mooring: £25.00 per night


• • Drying Out (Mud Berths): £30.00 per night

Drying out on their concrete pad must be booked in advance. Standard Chichester Harbour Conservancy dues also apply and must be added to the above rates.

Visitor Berthing Rates [2026] (LOA inc. VAT)

• • Up to 3.00m | 7-Day £16.00 | 48-Hour £8.50 | 24-Hour £7.00


• • 3.01m – 4.00m | 7-Day £16.0 | 48-Hour £8.50 | 24-Hour £7.00


• • 4.01m – 5.00m | 7-Day £16.00 | 48-Hour £8.50 | 24-Hour £7.00


• • 5.01m – 6.00m | 7-Day £19.50 | 48-Hour £9.50 | 24-Hour £8.00


• • 6.01m – 7.00m | 7-Day £19.50 | 48-Hour £9.50 | 24-Hour £8.00


• • 7.01m – 8.00m | 7-Day £19.50 | 48-Hour £9.50 | 24-Hour £8.00


• • 8.01m – 9.00m | 7-Day £23.50 | 48-Hour £10.50 | 24-Hour £9.00


• • 9.01m – 10.00m | 7-Day £23.50 | 48-Hour £10.50 | 24-Hour £9.00


• • 10.01m – 11.00m | 7-Day £32.00 | 48-Hour £13.00 | 24-Hour £10.00


• • 11.01m – 12.00m | 7-Day £32.00 | 48-Hour £13.00 | 24-Hour £10.00


• • 12.01m – 13.00m | 7-Day £40.00 | 48-Hour £15.00 | 24-Hour £11.00


• • 13.01m – 14.00m | 7-Day £40.00 | 48-Hour £15.00 | 24-Hour £11.00


• • 14.01m – 15.00m | 7-Day £52.00 | 48-Hour £19.50 | 24-Hour £12.00


• • 15.01m – 16.00m | 7-Day £52.00 | 48-Hour £19.50 | 24-Hour £12.00


• • 16.01m – 20.00 | 7-Day £60.00 - £67.00 | 48-Hour £23.00 | 24-Hour £15.00


• • Over 20.00m | 7-Day £73.00 | 48-Hour £23.00 | 24-Hour £15.00

Valid harbour dues plaques must be displayed on craft at all times while in harbour waters. Non-display or failure to pay incurs a £100 penalty fee plus a £50 administration charge.

How to get in?

The approaches to the entrance, with its tidal flow, are detailed in Navigating Chichester Harbour . Proceed between Chaldock and past Cobnor points to the vicinity of the green Fairway Buoy, where the Bosham Channel branches off the main Chichester Channel to the north.




The Bosham Channel has a port-hand red buoy off Cobnor Point and the Deep End South Cardinal Beacon on the eastern side of the entrance. The channel runs northwards first, then turns northeast and is marked with red and green withies.




The best water lies between the lines of private swinging moorings on either side of the channel. Expect a depth of about 3 metres at the entrance to the channel, which drops to 2 metres chart datum about 400 metres out from the quay. After this, it dries at low water.




Bosham Quay will be seen on the starboard side of the channel, with the traditional fisherman's shed, known as the Raptackle, near its head. A line of newly replaced wooden breakwater piles stands about 20 metres in front of it. At the end of the pile breakwater is a west cardinal beacon. A second south cardinal pile will be seen 60 metres off the end of the Quay. This marks the head of the dinghy slip that extends out from the head of the pier, creating an underwater danger as it descends.





Pick up a mooring as arranged with The Manor of Bosham. Those coming alongside should continue up the channel until the quay, lined with wooden pilings itself, and the wooden breakwater piles open up. Steer into the quay, passing about 4 metres to port of the south cardinal marking the path of the slipway. Watch out for cross-currents, especially a Spring flood, that can carry a vessel onto the slipway.





The first, longer, south-facing section of the quay has a deep, soft-mud bottom that is much better for drying out. The inner eastern end, immediately south of the Quaymaster's Office, has a purpose-built concrete grid designed to accommodate about three 10-metre yachts or fewer, larger vessels, depending on size.




The concrete pad forms a flat, level hard-standing bed right at the base of the wall, allowing vessels to rest securely against the quay timbers as the water dries out. Being adjacent to the Quaymaster's Office provides immediate access to the quay's high-pressure wash system, fresh water hoses, and shore power connections. Tucked into the north-east inner corner, this section of the wall dries out earlier and stays dry longer in the tidal cycle than the outer end of the quay, giving a full low-water window to work under the hull. It is intended for scrubbing and provides protection from channel chop while working on the boat. Therefore, it has limited availability and requires prior reservation through the Quay Office. The north side of the quay is a cobbled quay edge. The soft, forgiving mud is the best option for those wishing to go to the bottom while staying alongside.

Why visit here?

Bosham derives from the combination of Bésa and hamm, meaning 'homestead or promontory of a man called Bésa'. The name has evolved slightly over centuries, first appearing as Bosanham in Bede's 'Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum' in AD 731, and as Boseham in the 1086 Doomsday Book. Historically, it was the residence of England's Saxon Kings and among the wealthiest manors in England. Today, locals pronounce it "Bozzum", and, as a consequence of its long history, Bosham is steeped in history and mythology.




The site has been inhabited since Roman times and is near the renowned villa at Fishbourne. Here, remains of a villa have been discovered, along with a large stone head of an emperor from a statue that once stood 3 metres tall. This villa is believed to have been the residence of Emperor Vespasian, who ruled from AD 69 to AD 79. The Romans also constructed the village's Mill Stream and a basilica. In 670 AD, Irish monk Dicul and five brothers established a small monastery within the ruins of the basilica. The original village church was built on this site in 850 and was later replaced in the tenth century by the Holy Trinity Church, which now overlooks Bosham Quay. Around 1000 AD, Vikings invaded and stole the church's tenor bell, which they lost in the Bosham Channel, now known as the 'bell hole'.




King Canute, who lived near the site of the current Manor House, ended these raids. His name is often linked to the famous story of King Canute and the waves. Cnut the Great (born in 985 or 995 and died in 1035), commonly known as Canute, was a ruler of Denmark, England, Norway, and parts of Sweden, collectively known as the Anglo-Scandinavian or North Sea Empire. He governed England for nineteen years, but his legacy has largely faded. Many consider him the most effective Anglo-Saxon king, despite his Anglo-Scandinavian origins. His protection of England from Viking raids—many of which he led—helped restore the country's prosperity. Conversely, his English resources enabled him to extend his control over much of Scandinavia.




According to legend, Bosham was the place where he sat in a chair and commanded the waves to "go back"—a demonstration meant to show his overly obedient courtiers the limits of a King's power. However, there is likely more to this story in the context of Bosham. It is believed that at the time, a dyke was built across the harbour above Bosham Quay to reclaim land for agriculture. The Saxon word for dyke was "char," and earthen banks used as sea defences were called "chairs." The Bosham bank was exposed to the prevailing south-westerlies, and during a storm on a spring tide, it would be at risk. It's therefore easy to imagine a panicked community taking King Canute to the banks, begging him to use his powers to prevent what seemed inevitable.




Canute already understood that the tide would rise; his lesson was aimed at his courtiers, not himself. He used the scene to demonstrate that human authority is limited and to show that he could attempt to control the tide. Henry of Huntingdon's earliest account from the 12th century recounts Canute placing his throne by the shoreline, fully aware that the tide would not obey him. He depicted this act as a lesson to his courtiers, illustrating that earthly power is "empty and worthless" compared to God's. Canute was practising humility, not arrogance; it was only in later retellings that the moral of the story was reversed. Lessons in reclamation were not learned, as another attempt to enclose the northern part of the Bosham Channel with an embankment was constructed in 1815. Although reclaimed land was planted with corn, a storm and high tide in winter 1825 breached the wall, allowing the sea to reclaim its former territory.



Bosham was also the home village of King Harold II, and it was from here that he set out on his ill-fated voyage to France in 1064. Although there is much speculation about this journey, it is known that Harold's ship landed in Normandy. He was taken prisoner and eventually brought to William the Conqueror, who awarded him weapons and armour. Harold then joined William in battle, where he fought so bravely that William knighted him. This event marked a turning point that would change England's destiny.



After being knighted, Harold reportedly swore an oath on sacred relics to support William's claim to the English throne. William believed this indicated Harold had agreed to succeed him. However, when King Edward the Confessor died in January 1066, Harold seized the crown for himself. The Normans quickly argued that Harold's acceptance of the throne violated this supposed oath. Viewing Harold's actions as treachery, William gathered support to build 700 warships and transports for an invasion. This ultimately led to Harold's death at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066, marking the climax of William's conquest of England.


Bosham Church appears on the Bayeux Tapestry alongside the story of the Battle of Hastings. It shows Harold riding to Bosham with his retinue, praying at the church, and feasting at his manor before setting sail for Normandy. After the conquest, William maintained a manor in Bosham, the only one he held in Sussex. Harold's strong ties to Bosham and the recent discovery of a Saxon grave in the church have led some historians to believe he was buried there after his death at Hastings, rather than at Waltham Abbey, as commonly thought.




Today, Bosham is one of the prettiest harbour villages in England and a thriving centre for sailing. It combines a beautiful setting beside Chichester Harbour with several touchstones of English history. The centrepiece has to be the Holy Trinity Church, which is open today.



Its tower, the oldest section, reflects the shift of power from the Saxons to the Normans. Constructed in four phases, from the late 10th century to around 1050 AD, the first three are Saxon, with the top stage added by the Normans. Similarly, the chancel arch was built soon after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is famous for its depiction in the Bayeux Tapestry, where King Harold Godwinson is shown praying at Bosham Church before sailing to Normandy in 1064. It is the oldest place of worship in West Sussex. In 1865, workers discovered a stone coffin holding a child's skeleton inside the nave, just in front of the chancel arch. It is believed to contain the remains of Gunhilda of Denmark, daughter of King Canute, who is said to have drowned in the mill stream, originally built by the Romans.




The church still displays a number of small incised crosses on the stonework around its entrance. As Bosham was a significant English Channel port throughout the Anglo‑Saxon and Norman periods, the doorway accumulated many types of marks over the centuries. Local tradition, drawing on Bosham's association with Harold Godwinson's 1064 voyage to Normandy, holds that departing knights carved these crosses as vows, prayers for safe passage across hazardous waters, or expressions of thanks for a safe return. While it is entirely plausible that some knights and soldiers made votive marks before embarking for France, the doorway's carvings represent a far broader cross‑section of medieval life. Merchants, sailors, local worshippers, and passing travellers all left devotional or protective symbols here, rather than a single group or moment in time.




Alongside the crosses, some of the geometric scratches and interlocking circles commonly found around medieval church entrances are ritual protection marks, often called "witch marks", intended to guard the threshold against malign spirits. The deeper grooves and small hollows in the softer masonry likely formed through repeated scraping. In the Middle Ages, powdered stone taken from a church was believed to hold medicinal or sacred properties when mixed with water or oil, and parishioners sometimes removed tiny amounts for healing or blessing.




Another unusual historic oddity where the private estate owns much of the foreshore and seabed in the area, alongside The Crown Estate. The majority of the 200+ moorings in the Bosham Channel are owned and operated by The Manor of Bosham. Consequently, moorings in the Bosham Channel are primarily managed and purchased separately from Chichester Harbour Conservancy (CHC), albeit the statutory CHC Harbour Dues still apply to all vessels moored there.




From a boating standpoint, Bosham is a must-visit harbour, though it can become crowded with tourists on weekends. It dries at low water, making it no friend to the fin-keeled visitor and better suited to vessels that can take to the bottom; however, larger boats should not be discouraged. It is just over a mile by tender from the Chalkdock Point anchorage or Itchenor's moorings. Alternatively, the Itchenor ferry runs from the jetty to Ferry Hard at Smugglers Lane's foot. From there, you can enjoy a scenic 20 to 30-minute walk through the forest or along the foreshore at low tide. As the village approaches, Shore Road offers a spectacular view of the village.

What facilities are available?

Fresh water from a tap, plus electricity. The quay master provides fender boards recommended for any vessel intending to dry out alongside. There is a 2-ton crane on the quay that can be used to lift masts and engines. The sailing club allows visiting yachtsmen to use its shower and toilet facilities. A pressure washer is provided as part of an all-in scrubbing fee. Launching and landing are available from the slipway extending from the head of the pier at any state of the tide.

Bosham has the usual tourist selection of tea shops, restaurants, and a single pub. The nearest shop for essentials is The Southern Co-operative Mini Supermarket in Delling Lane, about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the quay. There is a large Tesco supermarket available by bus or taxi at the Fishbourne roundabout.

The Manor of Bosham
Manor of Bosham Quay Office | quay@manor-of-bosham.co.uk | +44 (0)1243 573336 | +44 (0)7793 564902 | [VHF]: Channel 06 (Call sign Bosham Ferry / Edith) | The Manor of Bosham
Address: Manor of Bosham Office, The Quay, Bosham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 8HR.
Manager's Office (Bosham Walk Art & Crafts Centre)
Address: Bosham Lane, Bosham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 8HX (Open Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun).

Dining Options Near Bosham
The Anchor Bleu: Traditional harbour-side pub directly on the waterfront offering local seafood, real ales, and channel views.
+44 (0)1243 573956 | theanchorbleu@gmail.com
Address: High Street, Bosham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 8LS.

Shoreside Café: Licensed waterfront café situated on the quay edge, serving breakfasts, barista coffee, artisan pasties, and light lunches with harbour views.
+44 (0)1243 572697
Address: 1 High Street, Bosham, West Sussex, PO18 8LS.

The Berkeley Arms: Historic village pub located a short walk inland, offering cask ales, classic pub meals, fresh fish specials, and a beer garden.
+44 (0)1243 573167
Address: Delling Lane, Bosham, West Sussex, PO18 8HG.

The Millstream Hotel (Sea School Restaurant & Marwick's Brasserie): Country house hotel featuring fine dining and modern British brasserie menus in a garden setting.
+44 (0)1243 573234 | reception@millstream-hotel.co.uk
Address: Bosham Lane, Bosham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 8HL.

Pop-in Café: Village café and delicatessen along Bosham Lane serving hot drinks, toasted sandwiches, pasties, and snacks.
+44 (0)1243 574205
Address: 1 Broadbridge House, Bosham Lane, Bosham, West Sussex, PO18 8HT.

Bosham Sailing Club: Harbourside sailing club located on the quay wall, offering bar and catering facilities for visiting sailors with reciprocal privileges.
+44 (0)1243 572341 | office@boshamsailingclub.com
Address: The Quay, Bosham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 8HG.

Other Local Useful Contacts
Itchenor Harbour Office: +44 (0)1243 512301
[VHF]: Ch. 14 [Chichester Harbour Patrol]

Harbour Office, The Street, West Itchenor, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7AW.
Hayling Rescue (for boats): +44 (0)7748 997105

Sea Start: +44 (0)800 885500

Environment Agency: +44 (0)3708 506506

HM Custom and Excise Portsmouth: +44 (0)23 8079 7000

Chichester Police Station: +44 (0)845 6070 999

Solent Coastguard: +44 (0)23 9255 2100

Hospital Chichester: +44 (0)1243 788 122

Dentist: +44 (0)844 5769 676

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel at Bosham.

With thanks to:

Bosham Quaymaster Michael McGrail.