Why go?

Chichester is one of England’s best-preserved Georgian cities. Follow the spire of its 900-year-old cathedral as it leads you through a succession of broad streets and quaint courtyards. Walk along the ancient Roman wall (much of which has been restored) to take in the views over the rooftops before popping into the old marketplace, where the streets are packed with boutiques and cafés. If you fancy escaping to the sea, West Wittering has gently sloping sandy and shingle beaches. Alternatively, stretch your legs with a tramp across the Sussex Downs while taking in views that, on a clear day, can stretch right across to the Isle of Wight.

What to do

Linking the city’s four main streets, the Tudor Market Cross is a good point to start exploring. From this local landmark you have a fine view of the beautiful backdrop of Chichester Cathedral, which is just as impressive inside as it is out. Built in 1076, it is the only cathedral in England that still features a detached medieval bell tower. It also features a remarkable collection of art, including rare early sculptures and vivid modern tapestries. The next place to explore is the Bishop’s Palace Gardens, behind the cathedral, which is home to water features and a pergola walk. Nearby, the Pallant House Gallery (pallant.org.uk) boasts one of the best permanent collections of 20th-century British art in the UK. Take your time exploring the surrounding streets, known as the Pallants, where each building shows off different Georgian features, from exposed timber walls to sash windows with original shutters. The newly opened Novium Museum is spread over three floors and contains the remains of a Roman bathhouse as well as the Chilgrove Mosaic, dating to the 4th century, where youngsters will enjoy the opportunity to try on Roman costumes and make their own mosaics. Outdoor enthusiasts should follow the walking trails around the city’s harbour, where the wide flat expanses and tiny creeks are a real haven for wildlife.

Where to stay

Housed in a Grade II-listed building, the Chichester Harbour Hotel (01243 778 000, harbourhotels.co.uk) is within walking distance from all of the city’s main attraction and offers 36 individually styled rooms and a brasserie-style restaurant.

Where to eat and drink

No visit to the Pallant House Gallery is complete without a meal at Field and Fork (01243 770827, fieldandfork.co.uk). Chef-director Sam Mahoney sources some of his ingredients, including radishes and watermelons, from the restaurant’s own greenhouse. Expect a seasonally changing menu including maple-glazed slow-roasted pork belly or fillets of John Dory with roasted squash and chilli. A few minutes’ drive outside Chichester, The Royal Oak (01243 527434, royaloakeastlavant.co.uk) is a restaurant-with-rooms that serves modern European food alongside English classics such as roast belly of pork with onion velouté.

Time running out?

Fill your bags with plenty of handmade quiches and locally reared meat at the farmers’ market held on the first and third Friday of each month.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Chichester is one hour and 30 minutes by train from London,
or two hours by road.

Getting There

Southern Railway (southernrailway.com) has services from
London Victoria to Chichester.
National Express (nationalexpress.com) offers a limited service
to Southwick, West Sussex.

Resources

Visit Chichester (visitchichester.org) has information on the city, sightseeing, shopping, eating and events.