Pagham Harbour
Children will enjoy The Discovery Centre with pond and other habitats for wildlife spotting.
A tunnel of blackthorn on the way to Sidlesham Quay
The Basics
Time: 50 mins
Distance: 2.63 km
Terrain: Flat historic tramway and field paths
Pushchair: See information boards for how to cut this walk short for a pushchair friendly walk (missing out Sidlesham Quay).
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in the discovery centre as the paths are not public footpaths
Refreshments: Ice creams and hot drinks available from the visitor centre where there are also picnic tables or have a picnic on the grassy quayside at Sidlesham
Toilets: At the visitor centre during opening hours
Public Transport: The 51 Link service from Chichester Bus Station to Selsey stops outside the Visitor Centre. The bus station is 2 minutes' walk from Chichester train station.
Parking: Visitor centre car park is £2 for up to four hours and £3 after, PayByPhone App (Postcode: PO20 7NE - W3W: ranches/fidgeting/dined)
Approaching Sidlesham Quay
Pagham Harbour is a nature reserve on one of the few undeveloped stretches of the West Sussex coast and it is an internationally important wetland site for wildlife.
The Route
This walk starts from the visitor centre where there are toilets, refreshments and often RSPB volunteers who enjoy chatting to you about what wildlife you are likely to spot. Take the path between the visitor centre and the road. This will take you straight to The Discovery Centre where there is a large nature pond, undercover picnic area and other wildlife habitats to explore.
Once you are finished at the pond, take the gate at the opposite side from where you entered and and the path will soon lead to a bird spotting hide over Ferry Pool.
From here, take the left hand path, keeping the ferry channel to your right all the way to Sidlesham Quay. This path was once a tram way and information boards will tell you about its history.
Sidlesham Quay is a picturesque spot with a grassy lawn and benches where you can stop and admire the view and tranquillity. From here, with your back to the water, turn left along the road, heading towards the village. As the road bends right, take the footpath to the left between a group of houses and into Yeoman’s Field.
Follow the path across the field and go through the gate at the other end. Follow the path back to the visitor’s centre.
Did you know?
During the school holidays there are special family events, from pond dipping, bug hunting and arts and crafts, to seashore safaris, mud-sifting and seasonal themed events. Keep an eye out on the Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve Page for more information.
If you enjoyed this walk…
….try our other walk in Pagham Harbour to Church Norton.
