Mill Rythe

Eastern residential area on Chichester Harbour, with the tidal creek, holiday village, harbour views towards Thorney Island, and a secluded feel.

Mill Rythe is a residential area on the eastern side of Hayling Island, facing Chichester Harbour. The area takes its name from the tidal creek that runs inland from the harbour, and the waterside setting gives it a character distinct from the more built-up parts of the island. Mill Rythe Holiday Village, a caravan and holiday park, occupies a significant site and brings seasonal visitors to this part of the island. The residential properties in the area are a mix of bungalows, detached houses, and some newer development. The eastern shore looks across Chichester Harbour towards Thorney Island and the Sussex coast, and at low tide the mudflats and channels of the harbour create a constantly changing landscape. Mill Rythe Lane provides the main access, winding through the area from the central spine road of the island. The area is quieter and more secluded than the main seafront area, and residents value the harbour views and the proximity to the water. The creek and its surroundings support wading birds and other wildlife, and the area has a peaceful, backwater character.