Premier Marinas

Chichester Marina is the UK’s second largest marina, located at the end of the old Chichester Canal, and opening out onto Chichester Harbour. It provides berths for over 900 boats and is the largest marina on the South Coast.
History
The huge natural Chichester Harbour provides some 17 miles of pretty and sheltered channels to explore, and so has always been a popular location for sailing. Boats had begun to moor at the end of the Chichester Canal since the 1920s, when it became disused, and also at nearby Birdham Pool.
As sailing grew further in popularity, a large, purpose-​built marina was built adjacent to the end of the canal, with its own lock entry gates. This was excavated in the 1960s from the marshy remains of the Apuldram Salterns, a salt works which had been in operation from around 1730 until the 1820s.
Facilities
As you would expect from so large a marina, the facilities are plentiful: there are modern shower and toilet blocks, a launderette, state-​of-​the-​art lock control headquarters and marina reception, alongside hi-​tech security, 24-​hour staffing, two bar/​restaurants, wi-​fi access across the marina and a range of associated boat yards and chandlery suppliers for boat owners.
There is also a small provisions shop open during the summer, although the main supermarkets are avialable in Chichester, 10 minutes’ drive away. It has been awarded Five Gold Anchors — the highest award — by the Yacht Harbour Association.
Practicalities
The Marina is accessed from the A286 Birdham Road, between Birdham and Chichester and clearly signposted. There is plenty of free parking at the marina.
Details of berthings available and rates can be found on the website: day berths are available as well as longer-​term and seasonal berths, and dry berths. Some berths (mainly for houseboats) are also available on the lower reaches of the Chichester Canal.