Beautiful Chichester is the only city in West Sussex and has more history than you can shake a stick at! It dates back to the Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods when there were settlements here, and was also a significant settlement in Norman times. It’s been an important market town ever since. If you’re looking for things to do in Chichester, you are completely spoilt for choice whether you’re a lover of the arts, one for water ports, a keen historian or just looking for a great day out.
Chichester Cathedral
Whatever your religious beliefs, a visit to the city has to start with the cathedral. The original cathedral was built in Selsey (it’s no longer there but there is a Selsey Pilgrim Trail). But the Norman had other ideas, and in 1075, work started on Chichester Cathedral. It took 32 years to complete. Some parts had to be rebuilt following two fires in the 12th century and in 1400 the spire, cloisters and Bell Tower were added. The cloisters are charismatic and evocative and a visit here includes Tudor paintings, Roman mosaics and modern art. In short, the cathedral has presence as well as the wow factor and there is always something going on. 2025 has been a year of celebrations and events to mark 950 years since work began and last year they launched spire tours so that you can see the city from above.
Bishop’s Palace Gardens
In between the Cathedral and the city walls you’ll find the Bishop’s Palace Gardens, a public park maintained by the city. The gardens date back to 1147-1148 and are a wonderful pocket of tranquillity and a place to reflect before you head off to explore the city.
From the garden, you will also catch a glimpse of The Bishop’s Palace which houses a 12th century chapel. Unfortunately, the palace is not open to the public but they do occasionally have visitor days.
Chichester’s city wall
Another must-do is a walk around Chichester’s Roman wall which encircles the city and which you can walk nearly all the way around (there are a few gaps) by way of a tree-lined trail. It’s just shy of 3 km to walk all the way around the centre although there are gaps in the wall.
When you’ve finished, head into the centre for the obligatory photo of the city’s Market Cross (thought to have been built in 1501). And look out for the sculpture of Admirals Murray and Nelson, by local artist Vincent Gray. It’s easy enough to find your way around here, as the four streets that emanate from Market Cross are called North, South, East and West Street respectively. Here you’ll find shops, cafés and restaurants, although do carry on down East Street to The Hornet and Needlemakers where you’ll find a collection of independents and vintage shops.
The Romans
In the heart of the city, is the Novium Museum which was built on the remains of a Roman bath house. It is packed with different exhibitions and artefacts. Of course, there is a section dedicated to Chichester’s Roman heritage with archaeological remains and ancient mosaics discovered in the area. They have lots going on here and it’s a great visit for history lovers and those with children to entertain. If it’s Romans you’re after, then head out to Fishbourne Roman Palace to the west of the town. It is one of the largest known Roman residence north of the Alps and dates to about 75 AD. Stroll around formal gardens, view stunning mosaics and get a real feel for what life would have been like back then in this little corner of what was later to become Sussex.
Chichester Canal
Chichester Canal links the city to the sea, starting at Basin in the south of the city and arriving at the harbour at Birdham. At the Basin, a short walk from the city centre, there is a café and heritage centre, well worth a visit. For those who want to explore more, you can walk along the canal tow path (and carry on all the way along the Selsey Tram to the sea) or you could take a boat trip.
The Arts
Chichester has a fantastic creative scene. Chichester Festival Theatre is a distinctive building in its own right and hosts a year-round programme of really dynamic and interesting productions. A must for culture vultures.
For art, make your way to Oxmarket Gallery, a modern exhibition space in a Medieval deconsecrated church, which has existed since the 13th century. They also have a year-round programme of exhibitions by local artists and admission is free. And of course, Pallant House is one of the UK’s leading modern art galleries (described by The Guardian as second only to the Tate) and set in a beautiful Grade I listed 18th century townhouse (with a contemporary extension). It opened in 1982 and for any lover of the arts, this is yet another must-visit. They also do a rather fabulous afternoon tea.
South Downs Planetarium
A personal favourite and something a bit different, this 96-seat auditorium projects 4,500 stars and other celestial objects onto the dome. They have different shows on at different times and professional commentary. If you can’t get to the top of the South Downs on a dark night to stargaze, this is an excellent alternative!
Aqua Park and Water ski
To the south and east of the city is a network of lakes. Here you’ll find an Aqua Park, with wakeboarding, waterskiing, paddle boarding, open water swimming and kayaking. There are also giant inflatables on the water and for all you water babies, it’s just brilliant fun!
The Chichester Foodie
Chichester has its own Farmers Market which meets on the first and third Friday of the month. The stallholders are required to “grow, rear, bake, and/or preserve all their produce” and must be based within 50 miles of Chichester so it really is a local affair. Here you’ll find all the market essentials such as meat, fruit, fish, dairy products, honey, cakes, chutneys and plants.
For Michelin standard dining head to Cassons at Tangmere which gets a mention in the Guide but other well regarded eateries include Purchases, the Harbour Hotel and Brasserie Blanc. The city also has The Ivy, Bills and plenty of other top notch restaurants.
Chichester Harbour
Rather than being a quaint little harbour town, Chichester Harbour is a large natural harbour of outstanding natural beauty and special scientific interest. It’s mainly undeveloped and is a mixture of wide expanses, tidal flats and intricate creeks, with lots of wildlife and footpaths. You can walk from Chichester should you choose or park at one of a number of harbourside villages including West Wittering, West Itchenor, Birdham, Dell Quay, Fishbourne and Bosham. There is also a marina where you can enjoy the gentle sound of sailboat rigging and watch yachts enter and exit the Chichester Canal.
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