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Emsworth harbour and waterfront, Hampshire
© Paul Gillett / Geograph / CC BY-SA 2.0

Emsworth Harbour and Waterfront: A Local Guide

The harbour and tidal waterfront are the heart of Emsworth — a working sailing harbour with a beautiful mill pond walk and some of the best views in Hampshire.

Emsworth.co4 July 2026

Emsworth's harbour sits at the head of Chichester Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in Europe and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The harbour is tidal and primarily used for leisure sailing and small craft, with the Emsworth Sailing Club — one of the oldest in the area — based on the waterfront.

The mill pond walk is the best way to experience the waterfront. Starting at the town square, the path follows the edge of the tidal mill pond, past the old tidal mill building, and around to Slipper Pond and the seafront. The circuit takes around 30 minutes at a leisurely pace and offers views across the harbour to Hayling Island and beyond.

Chichester Harbour is an internationally important wildlife site, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Birdwatching is excellent along the waterfront, particularly in autumn and winter when wading birds are plentiful.

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