Old Lock Cottage is a charming yachtsman cottage in the popular sailing village of Birdham, just 4 miles from historic Chichester.
The cottage is just steps from both Chichester Marina and Birdham Pool on the beautiful Chichester Harbour, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 18 miles Salterns Way runs right outside the garden gates providing a lovely hiking / biking trail to Chichester and the beaches at West Wittering and East Head.
The cottage is on a private dead-end road and is very peaceful, perfect for short breaks or longer vacations. There is a small fully enclosed patio garden with seating.
Inside, the cottage has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and can accommodate 6 people in comfort. It is well decorated with comfortable, contemporary furniture and has been recently renovated. Downstairs there is a large open plan living / dining room with a wood burning stove, French doors onto the garden, and plenty of books. There is fast speed WiFi and a large TV with EE channels.
The separate kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering and includes an induction hob, oven, combi oven/microwave, warming drawer, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and Nespresso coffee machine. The utility area in the garage (accessible through the downstairs bedroom) includes a washer and separate dryer. If you don't feel like cooking it's only a short walk to The Boathouse restaurant in Chichester Marina, or you could take a walk or short drive to one of the many restaurants and pubs nearby.
There is a small double bedroom on the ground floor with an adjacent shower room. Upstairs there are two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and in-built wardrobes. The main bedroom has a king size bed with an en suite shower room. The twin bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a tub and walk in shower. Good quality linens and towels are provided, as well as hand soap and shower gel.
There is parking for 2 cars opposite the gates, and room for one car on the drive.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Fireplace
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Chichester
Located in Chichester, this apartment is in a rural area and on the beach. Fishbourne Roman Palace and Chichester Market Cross are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre and Lakeside Superbowl. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Goodwood Motor Circuit or Fratton Park.
Chichester Harbour National Landscape - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Chichester Harbour - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
West Wittering Beach - 11 min drive - 8.6 km
Goodwood Motor Circuit - 14 min drive - 13.9 km
Goodwood Racecourse - 17 min drive - 18.6 km
Getting around
Fishbourne Station - 10 min drive
Southampton (SOU) - 53 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 10 min drive
Nando's - 8 min drive
KFC - 10 min drive
Cafe Ravenna - 10 min drive
Tenpin Chichester - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Old Lock Cottage, Birdham pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Old Lock Cottage, Birdham?
As of 7 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Old Lock Cottage, Birdham on 20 Apr 2026 start from AU$794, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Old Lock Cottage, Birdham?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Old Lock Cottage, Birdham?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Old Lock Cottage, Birdham?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Old Lock Cottage, Birdham located?
Situated on the beach, this apartment building is within 1 mile (2 km) of Chichester Harbour and Chichester Harbour National Landscape. Chichester Golf Club and Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a good holiday on our fifth visit to Old Lock Cottage. We loved the new kitchen and the newly decorated house. We appreciated the supply of logs for the cosy wood burner. The location is perfect with many restaurants nearby.
Averil M.
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted you enjoyed your stay and the new updates to the cottage. It’s always a pleasure to welcome you back, and we’re glad you enjoyed the cosy wood burner and nearby restaurants.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David M.
13 Jan 2019
A great place for NewYear
Very comfortable with lots of public space.
David M.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review.
Henry Adams Holiday Lets
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
17 June 2024
Lock cottage
Great place to stay, loads of walks from the house,Chichester harbour 2 minutes walk away, most places to visit about 35 mins away by car.
Response from VrboOwner on 19 June 2024
Thank you for your kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Old Lock Cottage and took advantage of the lovely walks and the proximity to Chichester Harbour. It's great to know that the location made it easy for you to explore the area. We hope to welcome you back soon for more relaxing getaways!
We loved the position of property near canal and marina and was close to the places we wanted to visit
maureen b.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Oct 2021
Thank you for leaving us this lovely review! We are so pleased to hear that you had a great stay with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
annette b.
22 May 2024
Great stay
We have just returned from a short break in this fabulous cottage in a great location. Excellent facilities and very homely.
Loved the garden especially as the sun shone for us . Very private and peaceful. Loved the local walks on the doorstep.
We will definitely return.
annette b.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 May 2024
Thank you so much for your amazing review about your stay at Old Lock Cottage! We are so glad that you had a wonderful stay and felt the home was very homely. Thank you for being such respectful guests we would love to welcome you again in the future
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Nick G.
9 July 2023
Family holiday
Excellent, comfy house for our family get together. Plenty of space for 3 couples. Lovely location with great walks from the door along the coast and choice of fine, nearby pubs. We will be coming back!
Nick G.
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2023
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely review of Old Lock Cottage. We are thrilled to hear that you had an excellent and comfortable experience during your family get-together. It's wonderful to know that the house provided plenty of space for three couples and that you enjoyed the beautiful location. We are delighted to hear that you plan on returning and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
We found the house to be very comfortable and well equipped. The location was perfect for us with interesting walks straight from the house, the coast and Chichester within a short drive and some good pubs nearby. Can recommend The Boat House Cafe at Chichester Marina, The Lamb Inn on the road to West Wittering and the Crown & Anchor at Dell Quay.
Sarah W.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2021
Thank you for your 5* review!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Georgina H.
6 July 2025
A Perfect Holiday Home
Wow! what a beautiful house, Old Lock Cottage is, so comfortable and well equipped. Everything you could want is provided, so clean and well equipped. it was a pleasure to return to the house each day after our excursions. Lovely secluded patio and garden to relax in and just a short walk to the marina and refreshments at The Boathouse. Wonderful holiday in a beautiful home.
Georgina H.
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your stay at Old Lock Cottage and found it comfortable and well-equipped. It sounds like you had a fantastic holiday—come back anytime!
The cottage was spacious and in a lovely area. There was everything you needed in the cottage.The boat house cafe was only a 5 minute walk away. We would definitely go again.
Very comfortable clean property with everything provided for a home from home stay. Beautiful location , very private and quiet with lots of walks on your doorstep. Short drive to West wittering beach and also to Chichester . Good base for explring the surrounding area.
Mieke M.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for you lovely review. Please do get in touch if you are in the area again.
Such a lovely place and quiet secluded location. So enjoyed the ability to easily walk into Chichester Harbour from Old Lock Cottage. The house was comfy and well appointed. Will definitely return!
Simon G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Liza T.
5 Sept 2024
Perfect House
This was our 2nd time at Lock Cottage.
We were working at Goodwood Revival.
The house was wonderful to come back to each evening. Comfortable, well equipped kitchen, great bedrooms, and bathrooms for each one.
The beds are So comfortable, great showers.
Wonderful quiet location.
We hope to return next year.
Liza T.
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that Old Lock Cottage provided a comfortable retreat for you after your busy days at Goodwood Revival. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed the well-equipped kitchen, comfy beds, and peaceful location. We’d love to welcome you back next year!
Gorgeous cottage only metres away from the start of the Chichester canal, with a lovely coffee shop and restaurant a few minutes walk away. The cottage was tastefully decorated and perfectly equipped. We loved the coastal theme throughout. The lovely courtyard garden was the perfect spot to enjoy a good book. Highly recommended.
Great house, such comfirtable beds, super bathrooms, very well equiped kitchen.
Great books and games.
A really lovely house to stay in.
Great location near the water, and only 5-10 mins from the beach. We all swam in the evenings after work at Bracklesham.
Which was great, had take away wood fired pizza from the van there.
It made our working holiday lovely!
Liza T.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Paul W.
7 June 2025
3 night break
Excellent property at the heart of Chichester harbour at Birdham pool. Good walks around the harbour, the marina and to local hosteleries. Chichester just 3 miles or 2 hour walk along the canal. Henry Adam’s good to deal with. 3 bed 3 bath property well appointed. Suggestions – please leave instruction manuals visible on arrival, no can opener! Thoroughly enjoyed the break.
Paul W.
Response from VrboOwner on 12 June 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback – we’re really glad you enjoyed your stay at Old Lock Cottage! We appreciate your suggestions too and will make sure the instruction manuals are easier to find and a can opener is added. Hope to welcome you back again soon!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Elaine L.
22 July 2024
Returning family and we love it ❤️
Third year coming to Cottage and it just suits us so well. Six adults can share this property easily and it works.
Kitchen is a little dark but lights on - no issue. Love the fact that we can cook there and everything available- just take a photo of how the "beastie" in the kitchen works and all will be well.
Such a comfortable home from home, thank you. Next year - a real possibility - hee hee .
Elaine L.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that Old Lock Cottage has been a perfect fit for you and your group for the third year running. It's great to know that the kitchen setup works well for you and that you find the cottage so comfortable. We look forward to welcoming you back next year for another delightful stay!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
4 May 2024
Lovely cottage in a great location
I spent the week at Old Lock Cottage with my parents. The cottage is one of the best we have ever stayed in. Very spacious and well equipped. The ground floor bedroom and bathroom were ideal for my mum as she has mobility issues. The kitchen had every item/appliance you can think of. Lovely quality towels, linen, hairdryers provided and even hot water bottles if you get cold!
The location was excellent - a very short walk to Chichester marina in one direction and Birdham Pool in the opposite direction. A great base for visiting Chichester, Arundel Castle, the Witterings etc. We would definitely consider coming back.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
debbie t.
5 July 2021
Location was amazing
The house spacious and the location perfect for us. The only small criticism I would have is that the property is a little tired in areas, namely the showers, some paintwork and the front garden could do with an update. The cover over the pond did not seem adequate, especially if small children were running around the garden. The garden furniture could also be revarnished and cleaned. The house is amazing just a little tender care required.
we had not rented a property before so were unsure what to expect. The cottage came with everything you could think of. Attention to detail with the small things was superb.
Was there anything we didn't like, There were 3 of us all in our seventies, we found the very modern sofas and chair uncomfortable otherwise it is tens all the way
John S.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Elaine L.
17 July 2023
Just had to return
Lovely property and fantastic location, private road and parking for three cars. Minutes walk to The Boathouse Cafe and Restaurant in Chichester Marina so took full advantage of this aspect.
6 adults and 3 three great sized bedrooms with either en suite or right next to on the downstairs room. Good sized kitchen with a beast of a cooking range, once you get the hang of it's really good. Everything that you could need for a more than comfortable stay is provided, living room space again great for all of us and worked really well.
Only slight downside (sorry ) was the garden or lack of , paved over but could do with a little TLC. Saying all of this we are looking to book again so very happy with the house .
Elaine L.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2023
Thank you for your lovely review! We're thrilled that you enjoyed your stay at our Old Lock Cottage. It's wonderful to hear that you found the property lovely and the location fantastic. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic stay in the future!
From a partner site
8/10 Good
4 Oct 2023
A perfect base to explore Chichester Harbour
Old Lock Cottage is in a stunning location next to the lock which leads over to the Marina. We were a party of 4 and 2 of us were celebrating our birthday! The cottage has good accommodation sleeping 6 people - but as we were 2 couples it would have been better if the 2nd bedroom upstairs had a double bed - the bedroom downstairs with the double bed is quite small. We all felt very comfortable there - it was just a shame that there is no welcome pack - I.E. basic provisions - and took a while to find the information pack - we never did work out how to operate the TV! But our stay was perfect with lots of great pubs and places to eat locally. It was a joy every morning to be able to walk out and look at the water and have swans flying over your head!! I hope to return.
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2023
Thank you for your kind words about your stay at Old Lock Cottage. We're glad you enjoyed the beautiful location and your special celebrations. Your feedback is valuable, and we'll consider your suggestions for improvement. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Liza T.
5 Sept 2024
Perfect House
This was our 2nd time at Lock Cottage.
We were working at Goodwood Revival.
The house was wonderful to come back to each evening. Comfortable, well equipped kitchen, great bedrooms, and bathrooms for each one.
The beds are So comfortable, great showers.
Wonderful quiet location.
We hope to return next year.
great location. the property itself was really lovely but the bathrooms all need replacing. that said we had a great holiday.
lindsey g.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
From a partner site
8/10 Good
8 Aug 2022
Great value - exclusive location
Our family loved this house. It's in a great exclusive location - just next to Chichester Marina. Great summer accomodation with two large, light and airy bedrooms upstairs. Southern England's best beach (West Wittering) is just on your doorstep too. Best holiday wi-fi we've ever had. Would definitley consider booking this cottege again.
Verified
8/10 Good
Elaine L.
27 July 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Lovely location
The positives......Property is tucked away down a private road with access to Chichester Marina 10 mins walk.
Ideal for 3 adult couples as bedrooms are en suite or one next door. Plenty of living space indoors.
The negatives... property had a few maintenance issues which we highlighted to Agent , dealt with promptly. The house and garden could do with a touch of TLC as a little dated , especially showers. Outside space is limited as no back garden .Kitchen was dark as high wall outside of window.
Would suggest having a house instruction book as never used a range before , bit daunting.
In saying this we have booked for next year so not so bad then.
Elaine L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
About the host
Hosted by Laura Nix
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests