Beautiful Bosham, the perfect West Sussex daytrip..
Every now an then you come across a place, not that far from where you live, that you wished you’d discovered years ago. For me, Bosham is that place. A small seaside town in West Sussex Bosham feels more like Cornwall than Sussex. An idyllic location that’s just an hour and a half from my home in Uckfield perfect for a day trip of total escapism. Since first visiting a few years ago, I now find it hard to drive along the A27 without detouring. It’s just too lovely not to! Easy parking, local ice creams, cute craft shops and of course the Anchor Bleu pub… and that’s before we even reach the waterfront.
History
Pronounced Bozum, Bosham is a delight to explore. Historically, the village has connections with The Bayeaux Tapestry and a legend rumouring that this is where King Canute held back the tide. Factually, we know that the remains of Canute’s daughter are likely to be buried at Bosham’s Holy Trinity Church. There does seem to be a sense of stepping back in time here. The vibe is slow paced and relaxed. Life is dictated by the sea and her tide times. Tea rooms, pubs and shops are friendly and independent. Throw in a few deep breaths of salty sea air and the tonic effect of Bosham hits home.
Harbour
When the tide is low you can walk along the Shore Road towards Bosham Hoe, admiring some incredible waterfront homes as you go. When I last walked this route in the summer we spotted jelly fish, an abundance of bird life and pretty rowing boats stranded on the mud flats. The walk follows the coastline weaving back into land along country lanes and past cute cottages. You do need to be wary of tide times however, we were nearly cut off on the return leg!
Refreshments
As any walker knows, once completed the walker must quench their thirst at a worthy drinking establishment. The Anchor Bleu is a must visit. This 16th Century pub sits right on the waterfront with waves lapping against the walls when the tide is high. With low ceilings, open fire and flagstone floor it has that time-softened charm of a harbourside fisherman’s pub, familiar and unhurried. The welcome is warm and the food outstanding!
What more is there to say.. I’ve googled house prices and they’re way out of my league, but being only a skip and a hop away over in West Sussex at least I can visit whenever to mood suits. It does leave me wondering where else I’ve not yet discovered.. answers on a postcard!
