- The city is built upon the site of the Roman town Noviomagus Reginorum, and remains of the ancient city walls still border the city center.
- Chichester is the only city in the United Kingdom where the street layout is still based on the original Roman grid pattern.
- The city's main market cross stands at the convergence of the four original Roman cardinal streets, a rare surviving example of a medieval market monument.
- Chichester Cathedral is unique among English cathedrals for having a detached 15th-century bell tower, standing separate from the main church structure.
About Chichester
Chichester is a historic cathedral city in West Sussex, characterized by its Roman grid layout and well-preserved medieval street plan. The city serves as the regional hub for the South Downs, anchored by the iconic spire of Chichester Cathedral. Residents and visitors frequently gather around the 15th-century Chichester Cross, which marks the intersection of the original Roman roads. Art and local history are preserved at institutions like the Pallant House Gallery and The Novium Museum, while the surrounding landscape features unique heritage sites like the Weald & Downland Living Museum.
Highlights of Chichester
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
View the uniquely detached 15th-century bell tower and Marc Chagall stained glass windows.
Museums
Explore a collection of over 50 rescued historic buildings spanning 950 years of regional architecture.
Museums
Built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse, this museum displays regional archaeological finds.
Museums
This gallery holds one of the most significant collections of 20th-century British art in the country.
Historical places
Admire this intricate 15th-century limestone structure standing at the intersection of the city's four main Roman streets.
Museums
Discover a collection of historic military aircraft and aviation artifacts housed on a former Royal Air Force base.
Parks
Hike through one of the largest and oldest yew forests in Britain, featuring trees estimated to be thousands of years old.
Parks
Enjoy a tranquil walk through these historic gardens situated behind the Bishop's Palace, featuring ruins and period plantings.
Top things to do in Chichester
The 94 highest-rated places in Chichester, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
South Downs National Park spans over 1,600 square kilometers of protected chalk landscape in Southern England, stretchin...
2
Museums
The Weald & Downland Living Museum is an open-air site featuring over 50 rescued historic buildings relocated from the S...
3
Temples
Chichester Cathedral is a unique medieval structure that integrates ancient Gothic architecture with a collection of pro...
4
Parks
Hotham Park is a 22-acre Grade II listed landscape park centered around a historic Georgian manor house built by Sir Ric...
5
Museums
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is located on the historic site of RAF Tangmere, a frontline fighter station that play...
6
Parks
Priory Park is a historic public park situated within the ancient Roman city walls of Chichester, encompassing approxima...
7
Parks
Haven Church Farm Holiday Village is a coastal holiday park located directly on the edge of the Pagham Harbour Local Nat...
8
Museums
Fishbourne Roman Palace is the largest known residential Roman structure in the United Kingdom, built in the first centu...
9
Parks
RSPB Pagham Harbour is a 1,500-acre sheltered tidal inlet and saltmarsh located on the West Sussex coast. It serves as a...
10
Museums
The Novium Museum is built directly over the remains of an ancient Roman bathhouse in Chichester. The glass-fronted buil...
11
Parks
The Bishop's Palace Garden is a historic, tranquil green space located directly behind Chichester Cathedral, dating back...
12
Museums
Pallant House Gallery occupies an 18th-century Grade I listed Queen Anne townhouse integrated with a modern wing designe...
13
Parks
Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is a 183-hectare site in West Sussex known for one of Europe's most significant anc...
14
Historical places
Chichester Cross is an elaborate late-medieval market cross located at the precise intersection of the city's four cardi...
15
Parks
Marine Park Gardens is a landscaped seaside park located along the Bognor Regis esplanade, noted for its diverse floral...
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Venues
17
Historical places
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Venues
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Museums
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Venues
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Parks
22
Places of interest
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Places of interest
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Beaches and ponds
25
Temples
26
Museums
27
Temples
28
Historical places
29
Parks
30
Temples
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Chichester on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Chichester
Late spring to early autumn, as the mild coastal climate and proximity to the South Downs are best experienced when outdoor trails and garden attractions are in full bloom.
2-3 days, allowing enough time to explore the compact city center and take short trips to surrounding nature reserves and living history sites.
The city center is highly walkable, while local bus services connect to nearby coastal areas and rural heritage sites.
Staying within the city walls provides immediate access to the main historical landmarks, while the area near the railway station offers convenient links for regional travel.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs reflect the city's status as a popular destination in the affluent South East of England.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 94 curated attractions in and around Chichester, ranked by traveller ratings.
South Downs National Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Chichester right now.
The largest category is temples, with 50 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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