Itchenor Ferry History
When you choose Itchenor Ferry, you count on us to provide you with dependable and affordable ferry and water taxi services.
Our ferry runs from the public jetty at Itchenor to Ferry Hard at the foot of Smugglers Lane, Bosham, linking the footpaths. The ferry also operates as a water taxi to boats on the moorings in the Itchenor reach between Deep End and Birdham. By special arrangement and depending on how busy it is, trips can be made to Cobnor point. If you need more information about our schedule and fares, feel free to contact us.
A brief history of ferry services in Itchenor
Over the years, demand waned, and in 1964 the ferryman applied to the House of Lords to discontinue the ferry service, which until then had been operated 24 hours a day. In 1976 the ferry was brought back into service by Chichester Harbour Conservancy to join the footpath network and to provide a taxi service for yachtsmen. Today the seasonal ferry takes passengers and bikes between Ferry Hard and Itchenor Jetty, linking the public footpaths and allowing for a circular walk via Bosham and Fishbourne.
Directions
To Itchenor Jetty
Follow the road for 6 miles, taking a right fork to West Wittering and (West) Itchenor (B2179) at the small roundabout just past the Total garage. Shortly after Russell’s Garden Centre, turn right onto Itchenor Road.
Continue all the way along the pretty road. Just before the Ship Inn, there is a pay and display car park. The public jetty lies beyond the Harbour Office by the waterside in Itchenor.
Cross the water in style with the Itchenor Ferry
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07970 378 350
To Bosham – Smugglers Lane Ferry Hard
From the East: Take the A259 from Chichester (at the Tesco roundabout) and pass through Fishbourne to the first roundabout at the White Swan public house. Turn left.
Drive down Delling Lane to the T junction at the Berkeley Arms public house, and turn right to Old Bosham to look around the village. From the waterfront of Old Bosham, you can drive/walk along Shore Rd. After a mile, you leave the sight of the water and the village behind you. Continue along Lower Hone Lane for half a mile. There is a sharp bend to the left into Smugglers Lane. On this bend, there is a gravel area to park your car. Walk along the tree-lined the path and follow the path down to the Hard. There are three different landing stages the ferry can pick you up from depending on the state of the tide. Simply walk to the water’s edge and give a wave towards the opposite shore where the ferry is based. The ferryman will see you and make his way across to the appropriate landing stage depending on the state of the tide.
To Bosham – Smugglers Lane Ferry Hard
From the East: Take the A259 from Chichester (at the Tesco roundabout) and pass through Fishbourne to the first roundabout at the White Swan public house. Turn left.
Drive down Delling Lane to the T junction at the Berkeley Arms public house, and turn right to Old Bosham to look around the village. From the waterfront of Old Bosham, you can drive/walk along Shore Rd. After a mile, you leave the sight of the water and the village behind you. Continue along Lower Hone Lane for half a mile. There is a sharp bend to the left into Smugglers Lane. On this bend, there is a gravel area to park your car. Walk along the tree-lined the path and follow the path down to the Hard. There are three different landing stages the ferry can pick you up from depending on the state of the tide. Simply walk to the water’s edge and give a wave towards the opposite shore where the ferry is based. The ferryman will see you and make his way across to the appropriate landing stage depending on the state of the tide.