Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>A slice of traditional coastal living, the pace of life feels a little slower in Emsworth – which is just one of its many charms. Once a small fishing village, this Hampshire town in the Southeast corner of the county straddles the West Sussex border on the shore of Chichester Harbour, close to the South Downs National Park. In the centre of town, Georgian and Victorian architecture lines narrow streets filled with independent shops and cafés. For locals, strolls around the famous Mill Pond and an ice cream or coffee from the café kiosk are a weekly ritual. Longer scenic walking paths take in beautiful countryside and marshlands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/36-on-the-Quay.jpg" alt="36-on-the-Quay restaurant Emsworth" class="wp-image-27470" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/36-on-the-Quay.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/36-on-the-Quay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/36-on-the-Quay-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/36-on-the-Quay-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/07/36-on-the-Quay-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: 36 On the Quay</figcaption></figure>



<p>Emsworth has no shortage of places to eat well. The Michelin Guide-recommended<a href="https://www.36onthequay.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;36 On the Quay</a>&nbsp;combines fine dining with beautiful views.&nbsp;Housed in a former fisherman’s cottage, <a href="http://www.fatolives.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fat Olives</a> is a popular independent with a very well-priced set menu.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedeckemsworth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Deck</a> in Emsworth Yacht Harbour always has plenty of very good seafood on the menu. Locals also rate <a href="https://www.nicolinoss.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicolino&#8217;s</a>, Emsworth’s traditional and lively neighbourhood trattoria. </p>



<p>Café culture is strong here. You might need to wait a few minutes for a table at <a href="https://driftwood-cafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Driftwood</a> but the coffee, tasty cake and plentiful salad bowls are well worth it. The <a href="https://www.crosskitchenemsworth.com/our-menus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cross Kitchen</a> in the Old Clock Tower is another good bet, especially when you’re in the market for a blowout weekend brunch. And in the square, <a href="https://www.heidispatisserie.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heidi’s Patisserie</a> is a local favourite for coffee and treat-yourself cream cakes (naughty).</p>



<p>Pubs-wise, <a href="https://www.bluebellinnemsworth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Blue Bell Inn</a> close to the harbour is well known for its fish and chips. Sunday lunches at The King’s Arms come highly recommended. <a href="https://www.shiplangstone.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ship Inn at Langstone Harbour</a>, another popular spot on the waterfront, is also in easy striking distance. Part of the Heartwood Hotels group with Raymond Blanc as it&#8217;s culinary lead, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-the-ropemaker-emsworth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ropemaker</a> is Emsworth’s newest pub-restaurant with beautiful rooms and a strong following.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Untitled-design-34.png" alt="Emsworth Deli Hampshire cheese on counter deli shelves behind" class="wp-image-35369" style="aspect-ratio:1;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Untitled-design-34.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Untitled-design-34-800x800.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Untitled-design-34-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Untitled-design-34-768x768.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Untitled-design-34-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Emsworth Deli</figcaption></figure>



<p>For serious fashion shopping, you’ll want to head over to Chichester. That said, Emsworth does have some lovely independents to browse and stock up in town, like <a href="http://bookendsofemsworth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bookends of Emsworth</a>, <a href="https://emsworth.org.uk/listing/chalcraft-antiques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalcraft Antiques</a> and <a href="https://emsworth.org.uk/listing/blooms-wishes-an-emsworth-florist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blooms &amp; Wishes</a> florist.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Foodies are well served at <a href="https://hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk/markets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emsworth Deli</a>, <a href="https://www.treagustbutchers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treagust Butchers</a> and <a href="https://hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk/markets/">Hampshire Farmers Market</a>, which regularly comes to town. Pick up a tipple or two at <a href="https://www.vinwinemerchants.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vin Wine Merchants</a>. Upstairs, you can have a proper tasting with a couple of glasses of wine and a lunchtime cheese platters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Emsworth is right in the scenic <a href="https://www.conservancy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chichester Harbour</a> Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with miles of walking trails and wildlife to spot. <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/rh/cycling/hayling-billy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Billy Trail </a>along the former railway line runs down to Hayling Island, one of the loveliest, cobweb-blowing coastal walks or cycle rides in the country. For spa treatments, fitness classes and luxe facilities, <a href="https://www.goodwood.com/visit-eat-stay/health-wellbeing/health-club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Goodwood Health Club</a> is less than 30 mins away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>With a mix of retirees, second homeowners and families in the town there are clubs, groups and organisations for all ages, from sailing to art. <a href="https://www.emsworthsc.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emsworth Sailing Club</a> has a popular Juniors Division. Families are also well served by several large parks and recreation grounds close to the town. <a href="https://www.emsworthonline.co.uk/Christmas%20in%20Emsworth.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas in Emsworth</a> is always a real highlight, with carolling on the quayside and an amazing Christmas tree made out of lobster pots.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1373" height="1030" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House.jpg" alt="Stansted House Rowlands Castle Hampshire" class="wp-image-34835" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House.jpg 1373w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1373px) 100vw, 1373px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Stansted Park</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/guided-tour-of-stansted-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stansted Park</a> in nearby Rowlands Castle has a great tearoom, miniature railway line, play park and farm shop, with guided tours of the fascinating house by appointment. Families with young kids will want a membership at <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/staunton-farm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Staunton Farm</a> just up the road in Havant, with its animals and brilliant play equipment. The <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/staunton-farm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goodwood Estate</a>, famed for the Festival Of Speed, Revival and horse racing events is also close by. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Artists and art lovers will be in good company in Emsworth, which has the popular <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emsworthartstrail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emsworth Art Trail</a> and <a href="https://www.emsworthgallery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emsworth Gallery</a> and art shop. The volunteer-run <a href="https://emsworthmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emsworth Museum</a> help bring to life the history of the town and its famous former residents – including PG Wodehouse. Locals tend to head to Chichester for the <a href="https://www.cft.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festival Theatre</a>&nbsp;and independent&nbsp;<a href="https://chichestercinema.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chichester Cinema at New Park</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>The closer to the shoreline, the more you can expect to pay in Emsworth, where average prices flirt around £455,637. Detached homes average £613,777, semis go for £406,653, with terraced houses fetching £348,615.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="996" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Emsworth-house-for-sale.jpg" alt="House for sale in Emsworth Hampshire Best Places to Live" class="wp-image-38082" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Emsworth-house-for-sale.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Emsworth-house-for-sale-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Emsworth-house-for-sale-1000x664.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/08/Emsworth-house-for-sale-768x510.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This 4-bed detached family house is <a href="https://www.treagustandco.com/properties-for-sale/property/12602671-woodlands-avenue-emsworth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the market for £759,950</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Parents have lots of well-rated options in this family-friendly locale. Nurseries include <a href="https://www.daisy-chain-nursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daisy Chain Nursery,</a> <a href="https://www.little-explorers.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Explorers Nursery School</a> (both rated good by Ofsted), <a href="https://clcemsworth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Children’s Learning Centre</a> (Ofsted outstanding) and <a href="https://www.green-roots.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Roots Nursery &amp; Pre-School</a> (Ofsted good) in nearby Southbourne.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Schools in Emsworth include <a href="https://stjems.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emsworth Primary</a>, <a href="https://stjems.org.uk/">St James&#8217;</a> school and <a href="https://www.southbourneinfants.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southbourne Infants</a> and <a href="https://www.southbournejuniors.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juniors</a> &#8211; all are rated good by Ofsted. At secondary level <a href="https://stjems.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bourne Community College</a> is also rated good by Ofsted and there’s <a href="https://glenwoodschoolemsworth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glenwood</a>, a specialist school for children with additional learning needs. Parts of Emsworth also fall into the catchment area for Chichester&#8217;s Ofsted outstanding Church of England <a href="https://www.bishopluffa.org.uk/about-us/admissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bishop Luffa</a> co-ed secondary. Nearby independents include <a href="https://oakwoodschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oakwood</a>, a co-ed Prep on the outskirts of Chichester.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Tucked away on Platform 2 of the train station, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/queeniestravellingteapot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queenie&#8217;s Vintage Tearoom</a> is a lovely spot for a cuppa – and also holds vintage fashion sales and speakeasy music evenings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Access to Chichester and Portsmouth (20 mins) is pretty good, although a daily commute to London from Emsworth is a bit of a stretch. Services to London Victoria or London Waterloo from Emsworth’s station take around 1 hr and 40 mins. The A27 connects to the A3 heading up past Petersfield and Guildford.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Emsworth

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