Chichester

About

West Sussex’s only city, Chichester is a contrast of ancient and modern, from Roman walls and the striking Chichester Cathedral to modern art at Pallant House Gallery. Just a 90 minute train ride from London, Chichester is ideally placed for exploring the glorious coastline and the stunning surrounding countryside of the South Downs. 

Things to do in Chichester

• Chichester Cathedral has dominated the skyline around Chichester for nearly 950 years. The iconic building is home to many notable treasures that visitors won’t want to miss including Marc Chagall’s stained-glass window, John Piper’s incredible tapestry and the Roman mosaic. Guided tours explore the stories of this astonishing Cathedral, including new for 2024, Spire Tours, allowing visitors to climb to the Lantern for astonishing panoramic views.
• Browse amazing independent stores as well as high-street favourites, not forgetting to explore the quaint side-streets 
• The Roman city walls – an almost complete circuit of 1.5miles - offer an incredible raised perspective on the city.
• Uncover Chichester’s heritage at The Novium Museum, where you can also see the astonishing remains of a Roman bathhouse. Nearby Fishbourne Roman Palace boasts the largest collection of early mosaics in Britain.
• Head to the glorious sands of West Wittering, one of the UK's most beautiful beaches and winner of a European Blue Flag Award.
• Explore important modern British art at Pallant House Gallery set inside an 18th Century Queen Anne town house with AN AWARD-WINNING modern extension.
• See historic England brought to life at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, this 40 acre site allows you to get up close and personal to history, whether you explore the milling of grain for flour in the watermill, the production of bricks at the brick drying shed or bread from the bakehouse.
• Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the UK’s flagship theatres, renowned for the exceptionally high standard
• Walk the towpath at Chichester Canal.  The calm waters of the canal can be enjoyed in a rowing boat (available for hire) or take a scenic canal boat trip (available February to November).
• Pop into the Chichester Tourist Information Centre for all the latest news, a map to help you explore the city and find those local hidden gems. You can find it inside the The Novium Museum