Chichester is a cathedral city with a rich history and culture. The remains of the original Roman town have been carefully preserved as well as the listed buildings that grew up within the ancient city walls of this important market town.
The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside in the foothills of the South Downs to the North and in the South the Chichester Harbour Conservancy and Manhood peninsula.
Centrally situated in West, the city provides excellent road and public transport connections to London and the South Coast
There are a number of excellent state and private schools as well as the Chichester College. The University of Chichester offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and is one of the top universities in the UK.
The Chichester Harbour Conservancy is an area of outstanding natural beauty full of wildlife and activities to suit all ages and abilities. Boating and sailing are popular with a host of local yacht clubs and sailing courses available. Walking paths around the harbour, shoreline, saltmarsh and mudflats showcase the sea bird habitat. The coastal path at East Head adjoins the famous Blue Flag award winning West Wittering beach.
Only a short walk from the town centre, the canal is a pleasant place to spend time hiring a rowing boat, booking into an organised canal boat tour, canoeing, fishing or walking. Chichester also has plenty of sporting clubs covering everything from cricket, football and golf to martial arts, swimming and hockey.
Good food is easy to find in the city, with many pubs, restaurants, cafes , bars and takeaway shops. Whether its Indian cuisine at Masala City, Turkish delicacies at Reina Kitchen or tantalising tapas at Viento De Levante, there is no shortage of superb restaurants providing food from around the world. Venturing out of the town to eat presents the opportunity to visit a cosy country pub with traditional food and real ale.
North, South, East and West Streets around the city’s market cross is the main shopping areas. These streets host popular high street brands and independent stores where you can buy fashion, books and gifts. There is also the modern Portfield supermarket and retail shopping complex.
A farmer’s market is held twice a month offering produce that traders must grow, rear or bake themselves within a 30-mile radius of the city.
Dating back to early Roman times the city is steeped in history and has a rich in culture. With its Victorian spire, original Norman features and striking stain glass windows the Cathedral is over 900-year-old. There are free guided tours for anyone interested in the medieval carvings, tapestries, tombs and cloisters. Situated within the City Walls, next to the Cathedral is a peaceful retreat for all to enjoy. The Bishop’s Palace Garden is maintained by the Council, together with the Friends of Bishop’s Palace Garden who have worked closely with the council to develop the project. New planting, improved access, and the creation of a wildlife friendly area are all included within the project. Water features, seating and a pergola walk have also been introduced.
Large-scale musical and theatrical productions take place at the Chichester Festival Theatre which is recognised nationally. The Pallant House Gallery houses modern art inside a listed early 18th century building. A fine collection of Modern British Art by Lucien Freud, Henry Moore and Peter Blake is on show as well as temporary visiting exhibitions that showcase national, international and contemporary art.
The Goodwood Estate provides fantastic entertainment and events throughout the year. It has a race course, organic farm, four restaurants, two 18-hole golf courses, The Kennels private members’ club, an aerodrome, a health club and a hotel. The most prestigious events held at Goodwood are the famous Festival of Speed, held over 3 days to celebrate motor racing, and the Qatar Goodwood Festival, 5-days of thrilling horse racing action.
