We are back on the South Coast at a marina with a long history, and which offers boaters everything needed to enjoy time on the water.
Tucked away on the calm waters of the Chichester Harbour, this marina has a long, fruitful history. Birdham Pool originally started its days as a tidal mill pool. The characterful mill which still stands tall today, was built in 1728. However, mentions of a mill at Birdham are present in the Doomsday Book, indicating that the current building is likely to be a reconstruction of a much earlier mill.
The mill pool was converted into a marina in 1937 – making it the first and now the oldest purpose-built marina in the UK. Unlike other marinas water level is maintained within the pool, meaning that the jetties are all fixed.
During the war, the area was requisitioned for boat repairs and the construction of land craft – remnants of which can still be seen by the marina office.
Today the marina is the perfect location for a chilled-out break by the water. Expect still waters, loads of wildlife, friendly crew and uninterrupted views across the harbour. Despite being one of the oldest marinas in the country Aquavista provide all the modern amenities you need to enjoy life on the water. It is a real mix of the old and new making Birdham Pool a truly special marina.
FACILITIES & BERTHING
There are 290 leisure berths in the marina, including a mix of finger berths, alongside berths, pile berths and bow or stern-to berths. All jetties are fully serviced with metered electricity and water. Seasonal moorings are available providing a safe haven for boaters without a permanent mooring.
As to be expected at an Aquavista marina the on-site facilities cover all your practical needs for waterside living, including toilet and shower facilities, 24-hour laundrette, free customer parking and WiFi. For socialising the marina benefits from a customer lounge, sun deck and seasonal on-site café Wednesday through to Sunday.
It is a good idea to plan for the cold months ahead, especially if your boat needs essential maintenance. Birdham Pool offers professional winterisation services which include:
– Marine trades for all areas of maintenance and repair
– Lift and scrub
– Antifouling and painting
– Stepping/un-stepping and storage of masts
Uniquely, Birdham Pool also has an extensive boat yard, crane/boat mover with 30 tonnes lifting capacity, undercover storage and winter storage afloat and ashore for up to 14m. Lastly the marina offers on-site brokerage services, including free valuations.
As with all Aquavista marinas, annual account holders can also make the most of their free benefits scheme, Moor benefits, which includes a wide range of boating and lifestyle discounts.
You can also access their popular Explore 100 scheme which enables you to enjoy free stop-overs for up to 100 nights a year at any of their other 29 marinas across the UK, and for those who like to explore a little further afield there is a 50 per cent berthing discount for up to five days a year in each marina within the TransEurope network.
ACCESS
By sea: Birdham Pool can be found on the southern edge of Chichester lake, inside Chichester Harbour and is a locked marina except at high water springs, when the lock is operated on free flow at the top of the tide. Tidal gauges are located on the Channel Piles approaching Birdham Pool. These indicate the height of the water on the lock sill. The channel is approximately 9m in width and has adjacent mud banks on both sides. Follow the line of posts, leaving them 4m to starboard.
Lock landline: 01243 511482
Lock Mobile: 07831 466815
VHF Channel: 80
By road: The marina is south of Chichester, just off the A286 and a 16-mile drive along the A27 from Portsmouth.
By rail: The nearest train station is Chichester Station and is a 10-minute taxi ride from the marina.
CRUISING
There are many lovely spots to explore from Birdham Pool, some of which are only a short cruise from the marina and make for a perfect long weekend on the water. A few favourites include:
The sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour. Recognised as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964, the harbour has lots of great spots to anchor up and stop for lunch. Over 10,000 craft use the harbour and there are around 5,500 moorings and 14 sailing clubs with more than 11,000 members. Other popular activities include angling, birdwatching, walking, wildfowling, painting and photography.
Also not too far away is Aquavista’s Royal Clarence Marina, located in Gosport. It is the perfect pit stop and opportunity to catch up on the essentials whilst on your adventures. Enjoy complimentary stays with Aquavista’s Explore 100 benefits, exclusive to annual contract holders.
For a longer cruise a favourite has to be Bembridge Harbour on the Isle of Wight. You enter by passing the picturesque Priory Bay. There are a bunch of places to moor up and walk ashore to explore the lovely beaches and local village. Just make sure to check the tide heights for the harbour approaches on the tide gauge post just outside the harbour entrance when you arrive and leave as the channel does dry out at low water.
If you are looking to extend your trip whilst on the Isle of Wight, and fancy something a little livelier, you cannot miss the infamous Cowes – filled with pubs, restaurant, hotels and the annual Cowes Week event, you will not be short of things to do.
OUT AND ABOUT
Birdham Pool Waterside & Marina is a really tranquil spot – but there is still loads to do nearby. A 20-minute walk will take you to Birdham village where you will find Birdham’s local shop for all your essentials and a garden centre. As well as plants, the garden centre has a farm shop and a homeware section – there is some really nice nautical stuff in there.
There are also a whole host of nice places to eat around the village including The Lamb Inn, Thyme and Chillies Indian, The Potager Restaurant and The Cider House Kitchen. For more food options, Chichester city centre is only a short drive (or bus ride) away.
If you want to spend some time on the beach, you are only a few miles away from Bracklesham Bay and West Wittering beaches – you can get there by following the Salterns Way, which is a foot and cycle path that runs from Chichester to West Wittering.
There are always loads of watersports going on down there, but if that is not your thing, there are also some great cafés and bistros.
BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA
RBS Marine Ltd Brokerage and Rodman Dealer
With over 80 years combined experience in the marine industry, RBS provide their customers with a firm base of knowledge and a service that is trusted and valued. Assistance in every detail is offered from selecting the right boat to finance and insurance.
Tim Gilmore
(Traditional Shipwright)
Tim Gilmore has an excellent team of time-served shipwrights, who offer a personable and caring service, whilst using traditional methods and the highest quality materials to repair, restore or maintain your wooden boat.
Italian Upholstery
Everywhere Custom Canvas and Italian Upholstery is an award-winning manufacturer of quality custom marine canvas products for all types of watercraft. From covers, enclosures, and boat frames, to cushions and complete interiors, they can create a new look for your boat.
Kevin Horn
Professional GRP repairs, GRP fabrication, RIB repairs, bow thrusters, holding tanks, hull and deck polishing and boat resprays.
Dick Woodruff Marine Engineer
Marine engineer, service, repair and installations.
The Outboard Centre
With more than 32 years’ experience the Outboard Centre ensures that your outboard is maintained to the highest standard.
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
“Birdham Pool marina is a beautiful and relaxing place to be based with the boat. Unlike large, highly commercial marinas it retains its old-fashioned charm, and the staff are always welcoming. Despite cruising all-round the country, it is always a pleasure to ‘get home’.”
Georgie & Owain
“It is a beautiful place to keep my Parker 23 sailing boat. The views are what people pay millions to see. The facilities are great and there are very helpful staff in the office, lock and boatyard.”
Charlotte
Contact Birdham Pool’s friendly Waterside Crew on:
T: 01243 512310
E: birdhampool@aquavista.com
W: www.aquavista.com
Birdham Pool Waterside & Marina
Birdham, Chichester
West Sussex PO20 7BG
Monday to Saturday – 09:00 until 17:00
Sunday – 10:00 until 16:00
