Chichester Ship Canal
A haven of tranquility in beautiful West Sussex.
Chichester Canal is a leisure waterway linking historic Chichester to the sea. The canal runs 4 miles from the Basin to the Harbour at Birdham and, today, the 2 miles as far as Donnington are navigable.
This tranquil haven starts within easy walking distance from the railway station, bus terminus and city centre. The canal has sections bounded by mature trees and also travels through open farm land with good views of the cathedral and South Downs. It is valued by local residents and holidaymakers who enjoy the many activities – narrow boat trips, rowing, canoeing, rambling, fishing, and cycling. The tow path is a designated public footpath, now part of the extended Lipchis Way.
Management of the activities and maintenance of the canal is the responsibility of Chichester Ship Canal Trust, which leases the canal from West Sussex County Council. The Canal Trust is a registered charity with around 800 members. A major aim of the Trust is to preserve, maintain and improve the navigation between Chichester and the harbour – a historical monument to the transport revolution in Britain in the 19th century. A further objective of the Trust is to provide amenities and attractions for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The Trust is entirely manned by volunteers who crew the boats, run the shop, bailiff the angling and carry out maintenance and restoration work.