Chichester Ship Canal Trust

About

The Chichester Ship Canal Trust preserves and celebrates the historic 3.8‑mile (6.1 km) waterway that links the sea at Birdham on Chichester Harbour with the town of Chichester. Managed by a dedicated volunteer organisation, the Trust keeps the canal navigable for visitors while promoting its rich Victorian roots and its role in 19th‑century inland trade. Cruising the canal now offers a peaceful escape, with traditional boat trips that glide past locks, swing bridges, and scenic countryside. Visitors can explore the canal on foot from the Canal Basin in Chichester, where a small visitor centre welcomes tourists with maps, information panels and refreshments. Those wishing to experience the waterway up close board the Trust’s floating vessels—such as the Egremont and Richmond—that provide part‑day cruises, dinner cruise evenings, and charters for family trips or corporate events. Each boat journey is guided by experienced volunteers, offering fascinating anecdotes about the canal’s construction, restoration, and quirky local history. Apart from the boat tours, the canal offers a serene setting for walking, cycling, or bird‑watching. Rows of reeds, wetland habitats, and the occasional water vole add natural charm to the route, making it a favourite spot for nature lovers and photographers. The walk is family‑friendly, with plenty of benches and scenic viewpoints overlooking the sea‑harbour entrance. The Trust operates the Canal Basin and its surrounding facilities free of charge, and entry to the boat tours is the only fee‑applicable component of the experience. While the canal itself remains a free, open‑to‑all attraction, visitors interested in a guided water experience should plan ahead—especially during peak summer months—by contacting the Trust through their official website for booking and pricing details.