Birdham Pool Waterside & Marina

A quiet spot that’s full of character

For a chilled-out break by the water, come moor up with us at Birdham Pool Waterside & Marina. Tucked away on the calm waters of the Chichester Harbour, this marina has something really special about it. Expect still waters, loads of wildlife, friendly staff and uninterrupted views across the harbour.  

This marina’s got a long history behind it, so it’s full of character. Opened in 1937, it’s one of the oldest marinas in the country – but you’ve still got all the modern stuff you need to enjoy life on the water. It’s a real mix of the old and new here – we think that’s what makes it so unique.  

When you’re done relaxing by the water, Chichester is only a few miles away – there’s loads of transport links from Birdham, so it’s really easy to get to.  

Things to do in the local area

Birdham Pool Marina is a super tranquil spot – but there’s still loads to do nearby. A 20-minute walk will take you to Birdham village, where you’ll find a Nisa shop and a garden centre. As well as plants, the garden centre’s got a farm shop and a homeware section – there’s some really nice nautical stuff in there.  

There’s also a bunch of nice places to eat around the village – our favourites are 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’re 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’s always loads of water sports going on down there, but if that’s not your thing, there’s also some really great cafés and bistros.  

We’ve got all your practical needs covered with a full array of Aquavista brilliant basics that you’d expect from modern waterside living including: 

Safety & security 

• A secure marina with gated access to jetties and CCTV 
• All jetties are well-lit at night 
• 24-hour emergency call out  

Facilities 

• Toilet & shower facilities, open 24/7 
• Laundrette, open 24/7 
• Customer lounge and sun deck 
• Ample free car parking 
• Free WiFi in the marina for browsing  
• Refuse and recycling facilities 
• Seasonal on-site Cafe 

Services 

• A lock that is manned three hours before and four hours after Portsmouth high water  
• Fully serviced jetties with metered electricity and water 
• Boatyard 
• Marine trades for all areas of maintenance and repair 
• Crane/boat mover with 30 tonnes lifting capacity 
• Undercover storage  
• Winter storage afloat and ashore for up to 14m 
• On site Boat Brokerage 

Boatyard

Birdham Pool’s Boatyard forms part of a marine service centre with many skilled craftsmen and engineers onsite. Marine trades for all areas of boat maintenance and repair. Birdham Pool is a popular and busy boatyard. We offer the following services for boats wishing to come ashore: 

• Lift and scrub 
• Antifouling and painting
• Stepping / unstepping and storage of masts 

There are laying up facilities in the yard with space for approximately 90 craft plus limited covered storage. 

Lifting Capacity - We have a new crane capable of lifting boats up to 30 tonnes and a boat mover capable of transporting boats of up to 30 tonnes 

Maintenance and Repairs - A number of skilled craftsmen and engineers operate from Birdham Marine Service Centre. From wooden boat specialists to marine engineers. They are available to help you with restoration, repair and maintenance projects on your boat and will be pleased to discuss your boating issues and requirements. 

The Old Boatshed  GRP Specialists in fabrications, bow thrusters, holding tanks, polishing, rib repairs. 
Kevin Horn Tel: 07766 521575 

Nelson Engineering  Independent Volvo specialists, installations, repairs, service, maintenance. 
Tony Nelson Tel: 07803 047863  http://www.nelsonengineering.co.uk 

Tim Gilmore Ltd  Repairs, restoration and maintenance of wooden boats. 
Tim Gilmore Tel: 01243 513872  http://www.woodenboatsforever.co.uk  

If you are looking for a boatyard for your boat, offering a great service at competitive prices contact Birdham Pool Marina on 01243 512310 or email us at birdhampool@aquavista.com. 

Contact our friendly Waterside Crew: 

Birdham Pool Waterside & Marina office is open 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am - 4pm on Sunday 

You can call us on 01243 512310 and we will be more than happy to help you or arrange an appointment to view the marina.

During seasonal and bank holidays our typical office hours may vary, please call the waterside office before making a visit. 

Navigating into Birdham Pool 

Birdham Pool can be found on the southern edge of Chichester lake, inside Chichester Harbour and is a non-tidal basin except at high water springs, when the lock is operated on free flow at the top of the tide. The lock is available three hours before and four hours after Portsmouth high water within the locking hours below. 

The duty Lock Keeper can be contacted on 07831 466815 or 01243 511482 during the normal operational times and VHF Channel 80 for locking instructions. Locking at other times is available by prior arrangement with the lock keeper. 

Tidal gauges are located on the seaward side of the channel to Birdham Pool Waterside & Marina and on the Channel Piles. 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 line of posts leaving them 4 metres to starboard. 

Lock landline: 01243 511482 Lock Mobile:   07831 466815 VHF Channel:  80 (Call Sign - Birdham Pool Marina) 

Lock Times 2022 

• 1ST JAN 2022 – 26TH MAR.  07:00 – 18:00.  7 DAYS 
• 27TH MAR 2022 – 29TH OCT.  06:00 – 22:00.  7 DAYS 
• 30TH OCT 2022 – 31ST DEC.  07:00 – 18:00.  7 DAYS 
• CLOSED 25TH AND 26TH DECEMBER