Situated at the top of Chichester Harbour, Emsworth is popular with sailors, artists, naturalists and walkers. The two tidal millponds to east and west are host to a variety of wild life. Emsworth has a long history connected with oyster fishing and boat building and still boasts traditional shipwrights and chandleries. Its attractive streets are lined with a mixture of architectural styles and high walled gardens and a walk around the town gives a genuine feel for the past, with exceptional harbour views.

History
The first record of Emsworth was in the reign of King John when Aguillon paid the King " a pair of gilt spurs yearly" as rent. Henry III granted Emsworth a charter to hold a market in 1329 and whenever the king invaded France, boats and soldiers left from Emsworth, thus developing the shipbuilding and fishing industries

During the 18th century, Emsworth was the main port in Chichester Harbour, and prosperous village merchants began to build larger houses in Queen Street, King Street and Tower Street. Many pubs in the town originated as coaching inns, and flourished until the railway's arrival in 1846.

Fishing became so important that over 50 fishing boats were based in Emsworth by 1870, and J D Foster built some of the finest fishing vessels ever seen. He also revived oyster fishing in Emsworth and at low water, various structures can be seen where the oysters were stored and sorted. In 1902, disaster struck when oysters were served to the Bishop of Winchester's guests, several of whom died of food poisoning, and the oyster industry was ruined.

The famous fishing smack 'Echo' is featured on the village sign on the roundabout at the approach to the village. See News.
'Echo' was 110 feet long and the largest sailing fishing vessel to operate from an English port.

The author PG Wodehouse lived in Record Road, and his house has recently been recognised with a blue plaque. His stay in the area is marked by his use of local place names in his Jeeves and Wooster novels.

The local history museum is above the Fire Station in North Street and is open at weekends during the summer.

The Harbour
The harbour is a good reason for visiting Emsworth throughout the year, but especially in spring and summer when the sheltered, almost landlocked, Chichester Harbour provides an ideal summer base for sailors and windsurfers of all levels. The views from the foreshore to the Downs and to Hayling Island and Thorney Island are a superb backdrop to the activity on the water.

In winter, the harbour acts as a temporary home for migrating birds - many coming from Siberia, such as Brent Geese Shelducks and Bartailed Godwits, which join the many wading birds feeding on the salt marshes around the foreshore. In recent years Egrets have become frequent visitors.

Seals are occasionally seen in Chichester Harbour where they can find undisturbed haul-out beaches at low tide around Thorney Island.

Walks
There are walks to suit everyone, the Solent Way to Christchurch and the Wayfarers Walk to Newbury both start or end at Emsworth, and the Sussex Border Path and the Chichester Harbour Walk both start from the town. Part of the Solent Way passes through Warblington Cemetery with its grave watchers' huts and makes an attractive 3.5 mile walk, or it can be extended as far as Langstone Mill.

Guided history walks of the town centre are arranged during the summer months.

Pubs and Restaurants
Emsworth's many public houses are either in, or within easy reach of The Square. The town has nine pubs, many dating back to the early 18th Century and there are many restaurants offering a wide variety to suit all tastes and pockets.

Shopping
The friendly shopping area radiates out from The Square and up to the railway station. Shopping in Emsworth still conjures up a taste of old rural England, with a wide variety of specialist shops, ranging from fine antiques and interior design, to independent butchers, bakers, chandlers and candlestick makers - and you can of course buy locally caught fresh .