Pack light and get ready for a weekend of theatre, Romans, quaint harbours, grand works of art, festivals and vineyards. The Chichester District of West Sussex includes the cathedral city of Chichester, idyllic Chichester Harbour and Thorney Island as well the historic towns of Petworth and Midhurst, a section of the South Downs and a number of award-winning vineyards. In short, it’s the perfect place for a 48 hours in Chichester mini break, and here’s a whistle stop tour itinerary that packs a lot in.
Friday afternoon arrival
Spend Friday afternoon and evening exploring Chichester. You can walk around the city via the Roman perimeter wall and then start exploring the city centre from Market Cross which marks the crossroads of the four main streets. You’ll see Chichester Cathedral and the sculpture of St Richard outside (the patron saint of Sussex) and check out the cathedral website for up and coming events. If you have time, visit the Novium Museum which documents the area’s Roman history or visit Pallant House, a contemporary art gallery.
Friday evening
Friday evening really has to be all about Chichester Festival Theatre, and it will be worth planning your trip around what you want to see here. The theatre also has its Brasserie restaurant so you can eat without worrying about being late. If you don’t fancy the theatre, you could head to The Duke & Rye which is an old church that serves pub grub with live entertainment or Cassons at Tangmere which gets a mention in the Michelin Guide.
Saturday morning
Start the morning exploring some of the shops and boutiques in Chichester. There’s everything from Peter Hancock’s flea market in West Street to the artisan makers in The Hornet and Draper’s Yard at the other end of town and a whole host of eclectic retro boutiques in the Almshouse Arcade opposite Draper’s Yard.
Saturday afternoon
For lunch, head out of town to Chichester Harbour and the Crown and Anchor at Dell Quay. This 16th century building has stunning views over the Marina and as you might expect, lots of seafood dishes if that is your fancy. After lunch, burn off some of the excess by exploring Chichester Harbour. You can walk all the way around Thorney Island (It’s about 12 km). Or potter around stunning Bosham (remember to pronounce it Bozzum if you don’t want to upset the locals) and don’t park on the harbour front if you don’t want to lose your car to the incoming tide.
Saturday night
When you’re ready, head north east to Petworth for the night. Perhaps coincide your visit with Petworth Literary Festival in October. There are also a few good places to eat in Petworth which include The Angel (a Medieval inn which was believed to be one of the main venues from which Sir Winston Churchill planned the Normandy invasions) or the E. Street Bar and Grill.
Sunday morning
Have a mooch around Petworth including the Antiques Market and Petworth House. Petworth House is a 17th century National Trust property with vast parklands and an incredible collection of art along with its famous staircase and grand murals. They are holding a Turner’s Vision exhibition there until the 16 November 2025 with more than 20 rarely seen pieces of his work.
Sunday lunch, before you head home
Turn your tail back south to the Tinwood Estate at Halnaker for a Tapas style lunch in their vineyard kitchen restaurant. If you have time, finish with a walk up to Halnaker Windmill with its views across the south and its famous tunnel of trees and to the ruins of Boxgrove Priory, both within a short distance of Tinwood.
Places to stay in Chichester
Harbour Hotel Chichester is a boutique hotel with spa and in-house restaurant in the heart of Chichester. Or stay in a luxury lodge at Tinwood with views overlooking the vines and a jacuzzi.
Places to stay in Petworth
Voted one of the Best English Country Hotels, The Angel Inn in Petworth has seven beautifully designed rooms.
Just outside Petworth is a former Petworth Railway Station built in 1892. You can stay in their converted Pullman railway carriages or in the main Station House itself.
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