Explore the New Award-Winning Sussex Coastal Path

If you are looking for a fresh weekend plan this summer, a newly recognized stretch of the coast is worth a visit. A 35-mile walking route through Chichester Harbour has recently been named one of the best in England. Running from South Hayling in Hampshire to East Head in West Sussex, this path officially opened in February 2026 as part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. The trail takes you through salt marshes, mudflats, and quiet villages, offering a landscape of wild, windswept wetlands that stretch to the horizon, punctuated by historic church spires and traditional thatched roofs. During these summer months, the area is particularly active as a vital breeding ground for various seabirds and waders.

As you explore the route, the historic village of Bosham makes for a natural stop. Known for its active sailing scene, the village is home to the Holy Trinity Church, which famously features in the Bayeux Tapestry. If you plan to visit, keep an eye on the tide times, as Shore Road in Bosham is known to flood at high tide. To continue along the King Charles III England Coast Path between Bosham and Itchenor, you can use the Itchenor Ferry. This ferry operates daily from May to September between 09:00 and 18:00. The crossing costs £3.50 for adults, £1 for children, and there is an extra 50p charge for bikes. Because it is nesting season, anyone walking with dogs must keep them under control or on leads to protect the local wildlife.

This new section is part of the larger King Charles III England Coast Path, a massive project that will eventually span 2,689 miles, which was officially opened by the King on March 19, 2026. If you want to explore other parts of this coastal network closer to Brighton, there are already several established sections nearby. You can try the 33-mile stretch from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne Pier, which opened in 2023, or the section connecting Eastbourne to Rye, which has been open since December 2024. For those interested in broader hiking options, the South East region offers over 11,000 walking routes, including the famous 100-mile South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne, the classic Seven Sisters cliffs, and the 31-mile 1066 Country Walk from Pevensey to Rye.