Things to do in Chichester

Address: Chichester Cathedral, Chichester PO19 1PX. 

In the heart of the city sits Chichester Cathedral, with its rebuilt spire seen from miles out at sea acting as a useful landmark for boats. Catch a free drop-in tour of the medieval building from one of the knowledgeable guides to learn about the near 1,000-year story of the cathedral, including a series of fires, destroyed shrines, sackings and collapses. Today among the striking arches and stained glass windows lives an impressive modern art collection with masterpieces from the likes of Graham Sutherland, John Piper and Marc Chagall. When you’re ready, step out and explore the cloisters connecting to St Richard’s Walk with Bishop’s Palace Gardens. Then take the mile-long City Walls circuit which defines the shape of the city now, despite being built over 1,800 years ago to fortify the Roman town of Noviomagus Reginorum. 

Address: Coach Rd, Chichester PO18 0NX 

Up the ante at Chichester Watersports, where you can tackle a wide range of water-based activities just a five-minute drive outside the city centre. With wakeboarding off boat and cable, waterskiing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking available as well as open-water swimming and an inflatable Aqua Park, there’s something for everyone from the hardened thrill-seeker to small children.  

Address: Roman Way, Chichester PO19 3QR 

Found in the village of Fishbourne just outside of Chichester are the Roman mosaics and gardens at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Once the largest Roman residence north of the Alps, the estate dates back to AD 75 - just three decades after the Roman conquest of Britain. Discovered by local workmen in 1960, much of the palace has been excavated and preserved while there is also an on-site museum. The formal gardens have also been replanted, with raised walkways to view more than 20 stunning mosaics including the exceptional Dolphin mosaic. 

Address: Canal Wharf, Basin Rd, Chichester PO19 8DT 

Experience the Chichester Canal and take in the views of open farmland from the water whilst trying to spot wildlife like butterflies, moorhens, coots, heron and woodpecker. Catch one of the two canal boats - the Kingfisher or Richmond - along the two-mile section of the Chichester Canal between Basin and Donnington or walk the full four-mile route to the Chichester Marina in Birdham which links up to the sea. Be sure to stop at the Hunston Bridge to look back and enjoy the view of Chichester Cathedral and the Downs that inspired JMW Turner’s 1829 painting. Refuel at the Boat House Cafe at Chichester Marina before the journey back. 

Address: Oaklands Way, Chichester PO19 6AP 

The Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the UK’s most famous theatres, home to the Chichester Festival which takes place between April and September. Opening in 1962, Laurence Olivier was the first artistic director at this grand playhouse, creating the company that later merged with the Old Vic in London to create the National Theatre Company. If you get the chance, watch a production with West End transfers and new works on offer, but if you can’t just pop into the grade II listed building for a tour backstage. There’s also a wide range of food and drink options, from the Cafe on the Park and the Foyer Cafe to The Brasserie and Minerva Bar and Grill. 

Address: West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0RX 

Found six miles north of Chichester are the West Dean Gardens, exemplifying the natural beauty of the South Downs. The superb garden complex was replanted following the storm of October 1987 and now includes a 300-foot Edwardian pergola, impressive collection of Victorian glasshouses, walled kitchen garden, sunken garden and 50-acre arboretum to explore. You’ll see century-old cedars and chestnuts as well as modern fibreglass trees, before retiring to the terrace for tea and home-made cake. 

Address: Town Lane, Chichester PO18 0EU 

Just down the road is the dog-friendly Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, spanning 40 acres and encompassing more than 50 traditional rural buildings representing everyday life in England over a 950-year period. Explore the restored timber-framed cottages, a market hall, farmhouses, stables, a watermill and school, or leave the stresses of the digital world behind and try your hand at weaving, farming, milling, blacksmithing and Tudor cooking.  

Address: Kennel Hill, Chichester PO18 0PX 

A few miles north of Chichester is Goodwood, home to a host of top sporting events as well as 17th-century stately home Goodwood House. If you time your trip to attend the Festival of Speed, Glorious Goodwood or the Goodwood Revival you’ll have a great day out at the racetrack, but if you can’t then Goodwood House offers a slower-paced experience. The estate may still be private, but from March to October opens for tours allowing you to see the first Duke of Richmond and Lennox’s art collection, fine 18th-century French furniture and Egyptian dining room. Cap off your stately day out with afternoon tea in the magnificent ballroom for a selection of sandwiches, cakes, pastries and traditional English scones. 

Address: 1 Tower St, Chichester PO19 1QH 

Back in the city centre is the award-winning Novium Museum, constructed over the remains of a Roman bath house and containing hundreds of artefacts recovered and restored from around Chichester. Spaced across three floors and free to enter, the baths make up the entire ground floor with an accompanying film explaining how they were built and what role they played in Roman life.  

Only 15 minutes in the car from our Church Farm Holiday Park, driving to Chichester is simple and easy. Just follow this route: 

• Follow Pagham Road to Lagness Road/B2166 in Bognor Regis for 2.8 miles 

• Continue onto Lagness Rd/B2166 for a mile 

• At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Vinnetrow Road 

• Follow the A259 to East Street in Chichester until you reach the city centre