Accessible Britain

Beach: Address: The Estate Office, West Wittering PO20 8AJ Web: www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk
Tel: 01243 514143 Hours: summer 6.30am–8.30pm, winter 7am–6pm Dates: year round Entry: free
An abundance of wildlife, sandy beaches and views towards the Isle of Wight and South
Downs make Chichester Harbour an attractive place to live. Indeed, people have been
settling here since prehistoric times, so visitors get to soak up not only all of the above,
but the fascinating history of the area too.
The Solar Heritage is a solar-powered boat that glides almost silently through this
area of outstanding natural beauty. The knowledgeable crew are excellent at drawing
attention to points of historical interest and wildlife – you’ll pass Roman settlements,
an abandoned village and evidence of Victorian-era attempts to reclaim land from the
sea. Binoculars are provided free of charge and come in particularly handy for children
keeping their eyes peeled for seals. After the boat trip, visit beautiful West Wittering
beach for an afternoon of sandcastle building and games, or take a stroll around the
sand dunes at East Head – this area can be approached from the far west end of the
car park, and is also the starting point for the eleven-mile Salterns Way cycle and
wheelchair accessible path to Chichester.
The Solar Heritage sails from Itchenor and Emsworth: check the website for the full
seasonal schedule. At Itchenor, it is possible to be dropped off on the slipway, or park in
the street – a Blue Badge space is available around two hundred yards from the harbour
office, where there is a wheelchair accessible toilet. The road is quite uneven and slopes
down towards the slipway. There is a short ramp with a lip to reach the pontoon, which has
a handrail and is around one hundred yards from the boat. Although the staff have not had
specialist training, they will assist with access to the boat. For wheelchair users, this is via a
THE SOUTHEAST
Chichester Harbour
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