Emsworth, a borough of Hampshire, sits on the edge of Chichester Harbour (AONB). It’s a village the locals are proud to live in, everybody has a dog, and, unique to the south, you’ll get a hello and a smile from most people. Community-feel welcomes you here across most doorsteps.
The pubs are always busy and the surrounding woods, brooks, and paddocks are much loved and open for strolls and dog walks. The bottom of South Street runs right into the harbour and is amock with all the birds in the book. The mill pond hard, which damns the River Ems, works perfectly as a feeding platform for them now that Emsworth’s historic shipbuilding and boat building days are over.
History of Emsworth
Emsworth’s history is deeply connected with the sea, oyster fishing, and boat building. During the Middle Ages, Emsworth was a significant busy port, importing wine for the noble classes and bustling with activity.
Shipbuilding on West Brook was common until it was dammed to create the mill pond and tidal mills were built on either side of the town – the Lord’s Mill on Queen St (1570) and later the Quay Mill and Slipper Mill on South St and in the East respectively. Traditional shipwrights and chandleries were integral to Emsworth’s past, emphasising its historical connection to craftsmanship.
In about 1760 the quay at Swear Lane was built by Thomas Hendy and Emsworth became important in the coastal trade of goods including flour, corn, and coal, and exported sand and gravel dug from the harbour by ship throughout the country.
Fishing was always an important part of life in Emsworth and over time oyster dredging became popular until it greatly supported Emsworth’s wealth. Emsworth was once one of England’s finest oyster trading ports, relying heavily on its oyster beds.
What to Eat and Drink?
Pubs in Emsworth
Emsworth was a bit of a pub hub back in the day. 14 pubs stood on corners across the village and Emsworth was notorious among the weekend flock of drinkers and socialites from a mix of demographics and military. The Emsworth weather is pleasing and cold, this is where come into the scene. This is where friends and colleagues can catch up, chat, and even hangout during the cold weather with a nice drink. A few may have closed, but 8 good ones still stand. Loosen up on the golden mile loop with a pint in each, or stop for dinner. The 3 neighbours on South Street are ‘Bluebell’, ‘JJ’s’ and ‘The Coal Exchange’ each with an entirely different ambience. Classy pub grub is enjoyable in the Blue Bell, JJ’s flamboyant everything will blow your mind, and The ‘Coalie’ is a free-spirited joint.
World-class Restaurants
Emsworth is an amazing foodie destination, with traditional butchers, cafes, pubs, interesting restaurants, and a monthly market, plus the annual Emsworth British Food Fortnight. A few steps further toward the water on South Street you can stop for fine Michelin dining at either ‘36 On The Quay’, or ‘Fat Olives’. Book ahead to guarantee an exquisite meal.
If you’re weighing up where to eat in Emsworth, there are a couple of curry houses, but outstanding and unique is Darbar’s. This flash curry house is unconventional by British standards of Indian cuisine and you’ll notice an emphasis on specific flavour and finesse.
A local favourite and long-standing family-run restaurant, however, is the famous Italian, Nicolino’s. Little has changed on the menu over the years and it hasn’t needed to. The meals are hearty, large and rich like mama’s cooking for growing boys and girls. The service has character – no frills, (no need), they just have that Italian thing. You’ll leave here full and happy.
What to do in Emsworth and Chichester Harbour?
Hampshire Farmers’ Market
The local market has run on Saturdays in the central square since Henry III permitted it in the summer of 1239. It’s quaint, and if you’re around it’s worth a visit. Typical to markets; cheeses and meats, hot food stalls, and fresh vegetables from the rich soils of lowland farms around Chichester Harbour are all trading here. Emsworth has quite an arty influence with many art and textile shops and regular art trails showcasing the work of these talented locals whose creativity is blessed by the beauty of nature here.
Emsworth Mill Pond
The mill pond walk is a must and on it you can parade a quarter mile along the ten-foot wide hard with water on either side of you, feeling fully drawn into the harbour amongst the small fishing and sailing vessels. Swans, ducks, gulls, and geese will be with you on the water. Be mesmerised by the beautiful architectural styles of the homes near the Mill Pond and how Emsworth has preserved their home designs to the present.
Strolling around Emsworth
From the mill pond, the coastal path goes about 2 miles all the way to Langston alongside woodland and fields. It’s a good hours trek and two iconic pubs await for lunch at the other end. The path floods at highwater springs but if so, you can find your way across the fields anyway. Emsworth is located in Chichester Harbour facing the Stocker’s Lake. During low tide, residents and tourists can walk to neighbouring villages through the sandy lake. But make sure to follow the signs and directions of lifeguards to continue having fun with your family and your children.
In Emsworth’s history, the oyster industry is one of the driving economies in the area. Make sure that you don’t want to miss that opportunity and even watch master fishermen do oyster fishing in the busy port.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Named after the late Queen Elizabeth II, the country park boasts its serene environment and spacious expanse worth a visit. The park is open for everyone such as walkers, cyclists, and families. The clean air and the magnificent scenery with picnic sites are only a few of the main attractions of the greenscape. You are free to retreat, unwind, and rejuvenate with nature. To add to this, you could meet fellow tourists along the way and talk about their experience in the town and take note of additional attractions that you can explore more in Emsworth.
Emsworth Museum
It is exciting how an old village stood the test of time and how anyone can visit and learn more about this beautiful place. If you come across Emsworth, make sure to check out its museum. Emsworth Museum is dedicated to preserving the village’s past and it even houses paintings by renowned artists. Travel through time and see why Emsworth came to be one of the famous tourist attractions in the UK. See also the origin of their architectural styles and how it was maintained and adapted by modern houses and commercial centres throughout Emsworth.
Overall, Emsworth is a place of tradition and character and a keen visitor will find everything they need to leave feeling refreshed. Free to discover dozens of attractions in the village and some more. The places mentioned above are only some of the few destinations that can be seen in Emsworth.
The village is also family friendly with spacious parks perfect for kids to have fun and meet new friends along the way. Emsworth is worth visiting for someone who likes the beautiful seascape with specialist shops a town with vibrant history and dozens of attractions waiting to be visited.
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