Explore a historic waterway with boat trips, canal-side walks, wildlife spotting, and a welcoming cafe in Chichester's city centre.

Chichester Ship Canal offers families a picturesque waterfront destination combining heritage, outdoor activities, and relaxation. The venue features daily scheduled boat trips aboard the Kingfisher, along with themed cruises including Fish & Chips, Cream Tea, and takeaway dining experiences. The 4-mile canal towpath is perfect for walkers, runners, and cyclists, offering excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife including kingfishers, egrets, foxes, deer, dragonflies, and rare plants. Beyond boating, visitors can enjoy canoeing and paddleboarding on the water, fishing for various fish species, and model boat activities. The Canal Cafe provides a charming place to relax with refreshments overlooking the water. A Heritage Centre documents the canal's history, and the venue regularly hosts special events and educational trips. The canal is dog-friendly and pushchair-accessible, making it welcoming for families with young children and pets. Whether seeking adventure on the water, peaceful countryside walks, or simply a pleasant outdoor cafe experience, Chichester Ship Canal combines natural beauty with recreational opportunities suitable for visitors of all ages.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

E

elaine abbott

2 months ago

Such a lovely, peaceful walk that is flat and easy, although it's about 4 miles from beginning to end. At this time of the year there are all kinds of baby birds to be seen. At the end , in the marina there is a lovely little restaurant that has a good menu, good food and is not overpriced.

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Nick Duck

3 months ago

Fabulous really nice and quiet lovely trip down the canal and back seeing the wildlife really enjoyed it the two volunteers who ran it informative about the wildlife highly recommended thank you

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Dot Ramadan

4 months ago

Lovely walk along a very well kept pathway. Interesting wildlife. Great little museum and very friendly staff.

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terry “Tezza400” greenwell

9 months ago

Beautiful for walking, great little coffee shop too

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Szymon Malecki-Willis

10 months ago

We had a nice day out in Chichester and visited the Ship Canal. We were excited to the a boat ride and support this great cause. Despite the fact that the setting for the experience are nice, the boat ride could do with a bit more. Some basic commentary about the history of the canal and some facts about nature would be appreciated. As a result of lack of engagement during the ride, whole felt a bit flat and long (and boring).

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026