Tiny coastal village nicknamed the Venice of England is home to the country’s best B&B
A TINY village often compared to Venice is now home to the best B&B in England.
West Sussex‘s Bosham is found in a small peninsular of Chichester Harbour.
Pronounced ‘Bozzum’ the history of the village dates back to the Roman times, where it is said Danish King Canute buried his daughter after she drowned there.
It also features in the famous Bayeux Tapestry, as it was where Kind Harold lived.
But the comparison to the Italian city comes from its waterways and quayside paths, reminiscent of Venice’s canals.
This means you can expect to see a number of boats especially during the summer months, ranging from dinghies to yachts.
Home to around 3,000 locals, many of them rave about it’s beauty.
One told SussexLive: “It looks completely unspoiled […] like an old fishing village you might find in Devon or Cornwall.
“It’s still very quaint and old-fashioned.”
Another agreed, calling it a “hidden gem with beautiful views”.
It was named one of the best hidden villages in the UK by HomeToGo back in 2022, as well as one of the country’s greatest villages by The Telegraph this year.
Due to it’s size, it’s main attractions are the church and harbour.
And Bosham Boathouse was named England’s best B&B in the 2024 Visit England Awards.
Inside are just four double rooms, with an outdoor garden area for breakfast dining as well as bird watching.
Otherwise there are a number of other places you can stay, such The Millstream Hotel, also home to restaurant Marwicks Brasserie, along with a number of cottage rentals.
You aren’t short of pubs either – there is the waterside The Anchor Bleu, or the cosy The Berkeley Arms.
Cafes include Pop-In as well as Shoreside Cafe, while you can enjoy some art at both The Hammond Gallery and Bosham Walk Art & Crafts Centre.
Don’t expect to see any chain stores – but you can expect lots of independent sellers instead.
Its popular with walkers, although many of the roads flood with the tide, so many are advised to plan the route ahead.
Previous tourists have raved about the village too.
One said: “Difficult to think of a more idyllic slice of old England, especially with the harbour. Many years since I was last there and it has lost none of its charm at all.”
Another agreed: “Bosham is a little piece of heaven.”
Despite being a small village, it has it’s own train station, making it easy to visit for a day trip.
Trains to Bosham from London take around 1hr40 from London Victoria, with trains to Brighton and Southampton as well.
It’s not just Bosham being compared to Venice in the UK.
A pretty UK town is often called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds.’
What else can I do in Bosham?
The Sun’s Fabulous Associate Editor Sarah Barns explored Bosham during a visit to Chichester – here’s some of the best things to do.
bring the bikes to cycle down to Bosham harbour and find ocean-inspired jewellery and ceramic plant hangers at the craft centre (Boshamwalk.co.uk).
Kids will delight at the Wonka-esque creations – like giant rhubarb and custard cables and watermelon bonbons, from £1.30 for 100g – at Bosham Sweets & Ice Cream (@timberleysbosham).
Grab coffee and a cinnamon knot, £3.85, from Pop-In in Bosham, stocking up on artisan relishes, like the excellent red-chilli jelly, while you’re there (Millstreamhotel.com/cafes).
And here’s why Cambridge is often compared to Venice.
If you fancy exploring more of West Sussex, here’s another village in the region which is home to one of the UK’s best pubs.