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What's the story here?

Chichester Marina is a large, modern facility with 1,071 berths, managed by Premier Marinas Limited in Hampshire. It is a rural location approximately 4½ miles from the Chichester Harbour entrance and within 3 miles of the historic city of Chichester. Positioned on the east side of the shallow Chichester Lake, the marina is accessed behind a lock gate, and approaching it often requires a rising tide to ensure sufficient draft for safe entry.




Chichester Marina can accommodate vessels up to 27 m LOA with a maximum draught of 2.1–2.3 m, depending on the source and berth type. Approaches to the marina are deep throughout the harbour area but shallow in the final lengths about a ½ mile before the marina approach channel. Charted depths show a minimum of 0.1 after Lognmore Point, but a good working assumption is a conservative sounding of 0.0 m CD, which will not be far off. So vessels must time their transit with the tide. The final approach in the marina approach channel is dredged to approximately 0.5m below Chart Datum (0.8m at MLWS). Once inside the locked basin, there is a stable water depth of at least 2.0 m to 2.3 m.




Chichester Marina does not carry specific visitor berths but, whenever possible, accommodates visitors in unoccupied berths. It is advisable to call the marina ahead of your arrival, Chichester Marina (Premier Marinas) chichestermarina@premiermarinas.com, +44 (0)1243 512731, [VHF]: Ch. 80 [Chichester Marina], Chichester Marina .

Daily Visitor Berthing [2026]

Visitor Rates


• • 8.0m to 12.5m LOA: £4.65 per metre, per night


• • 12.6m to 16.0m LOA: £4.90 per metre, per night


• • 16.1m to 20.0m LOA: £5.50 per metre, per night

Short-Stay Berthing (Up to 4 hours)


• • All Vessels: £1.48 per metre flat rate

Premier Marinas has introduced a strict 8-metre minimum billing length for overnight stays across the network. If your vessel is less than 8 metres (approximately 26 feet), you will still be invoiced for a baseline 8-metre length (£44.00 per night in high season). Electricity is charged at 32.75 pence per unit. At Chichester Marina, daily Chichester Harbour Conservancy harbour dues are factored into the visitor berthing rate.




An anomaly is the tidal curve for Chichester. There is a stand of up to 45 minutes whilst the Winner at the entrance covers and uncovers. These stands are followed by a short period of accelerated rise and fall. Those working the margins of the tide for access may encounter problems timing their access to the lock, and it is highly advisable to take advice from the lock gate manager, Chichester Marina Lock Office, +44 (0)1243 512731, [VHF]: Ch. 80 [Chichester Marina Lock].




The relatively small single lock, which can accommodate up to 6 small vessels or one large vessel, serves this large-scale marina. Being tide-bound and with such an extensive marina, this can prove a congestion point at peak times (summer weekends, bank holidays and school summer holidays), especially on fine days. At these times, there can be a wait of up to 1.5 hours to lock in or lock out. Departing under these conditions can be tedious, but arriving presents more significant issues. This means that it is possible to ground on a falling tide whilst waiting, and that a return to the visitors' pontoons in the Itchenor reach is advisable until the tide turns to the flood.

How to get in?

The approaches to the entrance, with its tidal flow, are detailed in Navigating Chichester Harbour . Call Chichester Marina as you pass Birdham starboard Pile Beacon, which includes a tide gauge, to report your position, boat details, draft, and request lock entry at Chichester Marina Lock Office, +44 (0)1243 512731, [VHF]: Ch. 80 [Chichester Marina Lock].

It is advisable to stay between 1 and 2 boat widths out from the lines joining the Birdham and Chichester SHM marks and the SHM piles in the approach channel to achieve the best depths. Although there are PHM withies NW of this area, do not approach them, as they are in shallow water.




The channel to Chichester Marina commences at the Chichester Marina Starboard light-beacon, Fl G 5s. Five substantial starboard marker piles flank the south side of the approach channel. This leads into a waiting pontoon located outside the marina's lock gate.




The approach channel is 12 metres wide, and entering vessels should keep close to the starboard marks, venturing no further than 6–8 metres from the posts. Pass outgoing vessels port to port, pulling in closer to the marks where possible, and do not overtake unless specifically requested to do so by the duty lock keeper.




The waiting pontoon is situated immediately outside the lock. It has minimum depths ranging from 1.2 metres Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS) to 2.8 metres Mean Low Water Neaps (MLWN). However, it is subject to silting and depths may vary.




Visitors should come alongside the outer waiting pontoon if waiting for the lock cycle. Approach the Marina Reception for locking and berthing instructions.




The lock operates 24/7, and during High Water Springs, the lock gates may be held open to allow free-flowing movement. Be prepared with fenders on both sides before entering, as rafting alongside other vessels is common during peak hours. Secure bow and stern lines to the floating pontoons within the lock chamber.

Traffic Light Signals

• Red Light: Lock in use / do not enter. Hold position or secure to the outer waiting pontoon.


• Green Light: Proceed slowly into the lock chamber.

Upon exiting the lock into the main marina basin, maintain a dead slow speed (maximum 5 knots with no wash) while proceeding to your assigned berth.

Berth as directed by the lock master.

Why visit here?

The name Chichester is derived from Old English, meaning "the fort or town of Cissa." It combines the personal name Cissa with ceaster, a word used for a Roman fort or town, forming "Cissa's ceaster," which later evolved into the modern name.




Cissa's exact historical reality remains uncertain, though he was likely a local warlord or early king active in the area during the late 5th or early 6th century. The name suggests that the former Roman town was associated with him—perhaps as a stronghold, administrative centre, or seat of power—at a time when the Anglo-Saxons were settling and renaming the former Roman landscape.




The first settlement on the site was established by 'Cogidubnus', the king of the 'Regnenses' and a Roman ally. Situated on the plain between the South Downs and the sea, it provided the tribe with an ideal power base. Its extensive development dates to the Roman era, around 44 AD, when it was established as 'Noviomagus Reginorum', serving as a vital regional hub for the local Celtic tribe, the Regni. The town featured a distinctive cruciform street layout, enclosed by substantial flint defensive walls built between 280 and 350 AD, much of which survives today, though the gates do not.





After the Roman withdrawal from Britain, Chichester remained an important Saxon settlement and later became a fortified burh under Alfred the Great. Its prominence was further enhanced after the Norman Conquest by the construction of its Cathedral, begun in 1075. The Cathedral remains a defining feature of the city's skyline and is unique in England for its freestanding medieval bell tower.




Throughout the medieval period, Chichester thrived as a market town and a centre of the wool trade, becoming an official staple port in the 14th century. After a period of relative quiet, renewed prosperity in the 18th century left the city with a fine legacy of well-preserved Georgian architecture. In the modern era, the canal's opening in 1822 and the railway's arrival in 1846 connected Chichester directly to London and the south coast, encouraging its growth as a residential and cultural hub. Today, Chichester is West Sussex's only city and its county town. It is renowned for its rich heritage, including the Chichester Festival Theatre, the nearby Fishbourne Roman Palace, and its enduring role as the administrative centre of West Sussex.




Chichester's city centre lies about 2 miles (3.2 km) from Chichester Marina, typically a 10–12-minute drive, 20–25 minutes by bike, or just under an hour on foot along the canal. The marina was conceived as part of a major post‑war development push to expand leisure boating on the south coast, and construction began in the mid‑1960s. It was created by flooding former marshland north of Birdham Pool, and it first opened in 1966 with eight pontoons. It quickly proved popular, prompting the addition of more pontoons in 1968 and 1970.




Chichester Marina is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) from Chichester city centre, usually a 10–12 minute drive, 20–25 minutes by bike, or just under an hour on foot along the canal south of the marina. The large marina was created by flooding former marshlands north of Birdham Pool. It opened in 1966 with eight pontoons, with additional pontoons added in 1968 and 1970. It now accommodates 1071 boats, making it the second-largest marina in the UK. Today, it is a prominent south-coast boating hub, equipped with a full-service boatyard, fuel berth, chandlery, restaurants, and a locked basin that maintains stable water levels regardless of tides.




In addition to the canal walk to the historic cathedral city of Chichester, the marina itself has an interesting sealed circular walk that provides access to a wonderful northern circular walk to the tiny village of Dell Quay. This walk passes the site of the original medieval village of Apuldram, of which all that remains today are its church, the Manor, and the Grade 1-listed Rymans building. It also passes Saltern's Copse, adjacent to the shoreline near the marina. The copse is the largest remaining ancient woodland on the Manhood Peninsula and is of great ecological interest. The path utilises a small part of the 18 km cycle route 'Salterns Way', which also connects the centre of Chichester to the East Head.




Chichester Marina truly has it all. Its prime location is nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty, surrounded by waters and lush countryside. It provides an ideal blend of city, coast, and rural scenery, all within easy reach. Sailing enthusiasts can enjoy access to the seventeen miles of channels in Chichester Harbour, offering numerous interesting destinations to explore. Additionally, nearby, on foot, are scenic walks with stunning views of the harbour, the Cathedral, and the South Downs, showcasing Sussex's countryside at its finest.




From a purely boating standpoint, Chichester Marina is an ideal place to explore all of this. Likewise, it is an excellent location to come in from the harbour to avoid bad weather in complete comfort, attend to repairs, or simply allow a vessel and its owner to enjoy the full five-star experience.

What facilities are available?

The pontoons provide power and water. All domestic requirements, including WiFi, are available within the marina. A coin-operated launderette is situated behind ‘H’ block ablutions and is open 24 hours a day. Diesel and unleaded petrol are available at the fuel bay, located immediately inside the entrance.




The fuel dock is open from 0800-2000 in the summer and 0800–1800 in the winter. Vessels should contact the marina in advance of coming into the fuel bay. Gas cylinders are also available at the Marina Reception. A post box is located close to 'H' block ablutions. The marina provides general waste disposal and full recycling facilities. Arrangements can be made for the disposal of waste oil.




The marina has a fully serviced boatyard with two hoists – a 65-tonne hoist on the south side of the marina and a 35-tonne hoist on the north side. There is a chandler on site and a wide range of specialist services, including rigging, marine electronics, GRP repairs, cosmetic work and engineering. There are two restaurants, including bars and cafes, overlooking the marina.




Buses operate every twenty minutes between Chichester Bus Station (South Street), about 3 ½ miles from the marina. Chichester City provides fast trains to London Victoria station. Private aircraft may land at Goodwood Aerodrome, five miles from the marina.


Dining Options Near Chichester Marina
The Boat House Cafe (Waterside café and bistro located directly inside Chichester Marina)
chichester@theboathousecafe.com | +44 (0)1243 513203
Address: Chichester Marina, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7EJ.

Chichester Yacht Club Bar & Restaurant (Clubhouse dining and bar with harbour views open to visiting boaters) | office@cyc.co.uk | +44 (0)1243 512918
Address: Chichester Marina, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7EJ.

Cider House Kitchen (Rustic Italian restaurant and pizzeria located at Crouchers Orchards near marina)
+44 (0)1243 815697
Address: Crouchers Orchards, Birdham Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7EH.

The Crown & Anchor (Historic harbourside pub and restaurant with waterfront terrace at nearby Dell Quay)
+44 (0)1243 781712
Address: Dell Quay Road, Dell Quay, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7EE.

Other Local Useful Contacts
Chichester Marina (Premier Marinas) | chichestermarina@premiermarinas.com | +44 (0)1243 512731 | [VHF]: Channel 80 (Call sign Chichester Marina) | Chichester Marina
Address: Chichester Marina, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7EJ.
Chichester Marina Lock Office | +44 (0)1243 512731 | [VHF]: Channel 80 (Call sign Chichester Marina Lock)
Address: Lock Office, Chichester Marina, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7EJ.
Itchenor Harbour Office: +44 (0)1243 512301 | [VHF]: Channel 14 (Call sign [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?

The Marina is manned 24 Hours. Access to the marina and its facilities are controlled by key fob. CCTV cameras are located throughout the marina, including car parks and shoreside.

With thanks to:

Becky Watts of Chichester Marina, Phil Walker Deputy Harbour Master Chichester Harbour.