Emsworth

About

Emsworth, with its narrow streets, Georgian houses and walled gardens, is a picturesque fishing village popular with sailors, artists, naturalists and walkers.

Situated east of Havant and Hayling Island at the top of Chichester harbour, its past and present are linked with the sea.  

Emsworth is now mainly a yachting town but has Saxon origins and in the Middle Ages was a busy port. Emsworth’s history is connected with oyster fishing and boat building and the town still has traditional shipwrights and chandleries.

The nearest beaches are at West Wittering or the blue flag award winning Hayling Island Beachlands. Walkers can enjoy the views around the tidal mill ponds to the east and west, on the shoreline and through Brook Meadow while nature lovers can revel in the variety of visiting and native wildlife. 

Migrating birds visit the salt marsh on Emsworth’s foreshore every year and several conservation groups are dedicated to protecting the natural environment.

Emsworth also has tempting pubs and restaurants and a wide selection of specialist shops.

Emsworth resident PG Wodehouse used many local place names for characters in his novels and you can find out more about the town’s literary connections at the Emsworth Museum.  Discover more about businesses in Emsworth, visit the South Downs or Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or head to nearby attractions including Staunton Country Park.