23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Chichester (West Sussex, England)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Chichester?

Chichester is a civil parish and Cathedral city in West Sussex, England. Chichester is West Sussex’s county town and its only city. The city has about 32,000 inhabitants.

Chichester was an Anglo-Saxon and Roman settlement and a significant market town from the Norman times and medieval times to this day. 

It is also the home of the Church of England Diocese of Chichester, with a 12th-century cathedral. 

Chichester is a stunning and vibrant town famous for its gorgeous harbor area, fabulous theatre, and charming old streets. 

This city is the perfect size to explore in a day, and the best way to explore its long heritage is on foot. 

Chichester still has its original Roman Street plan, which consists of four main streets encircled by the Chichester walls. 

You can walk around some of these ancient city walls and explore the remains of Norman Castle in Priory Park. 

The town is also famous for its theatrical heritage. You can watch a production at the Chichester Festival Theatre during your time here. 

Let’s explore the top things to do in Chichester, West Sussex.

Things to Do in Chichester

1. Chichester Festival Theatre

Chichester Festival Theatre is a theater located in Oakland in Chichester and a Grade II listed building. 

Hidalgo Moya and Philip Powell designed Chichester Festival Theatre. Leslie Evershed- Martin, the theater founder, opened it in 1963. 

The first Artistic Director of the theater was Sir Laurence Olivier. It was at this destination that the First National Theatre Company was created. 

The festival season often takes place from April through early December, and its production includes classics, modern writing, and musicals. 

Aside from these festivals, the theatre holds other events to enhance your experience, including performances, family day, talks, tours, and cabaret. 

During the winter, Chichester Festival Theater presents a Christmas show and touring production staged by the Chichester Festival Youth Theatre. Its youth theater is among the largest in England, with more than 800 members. 

Chichester Festival Theatre is a registered charity, and Sir William Castell is the chairman, while Daniel Evans has been the artistic director since July 2016. 

Address: Oaklands Way, Chichester PO19 6AP, United Kingdom

2. Weald & Downland Living Museum

The Weald & Downland Living Museum was known as Downland Open Air Museum until January 2017. This open-air museum is a registered charity. 

This Museum spans 40 acres with more than 60 historic buildings from 950AD to the 1800s, along with farms, animals, a mill pond, and gardens. 

The buildings featured at the Museum were almost destroyed, and since it was impossible to protect them at their original location, they were broken down, conserved, and reconstructed in their historical form at The Weald & Downland Living Museum.

These buildings and two archaeological reconstructions depict a picture of rural life over 1000 years ago and open up for hands-on activities such as weaving, spinning, cooking, and several annual activities, including Tree Dressing, seasonal shows, and historic garden weekends. 

Address: Town Ln, Chichester PO18 0EU, United Kingdom

3. Pallant House Gallery

Pallant House Gallery is among the contemporary art museum in Britain. Exploring this Gallery is one of the top things to do in Chichester, West Sussex.

 The art museum narrates the story of British art from the 20th century to recent times through original exhibitions. 

This destination began as a modern art public gallery in 1982 when Walter Hussey, the Dean of Chichester Cathedral at that time, gave his collection of Modern British art to Chichester.

The catch, however, was that the collection had to be displayed at the stunning 18th-ranked Queen Anne- style townhouse known as the Pallant House. 

Pallant House Gallery is widely praised for its amazing exhibition and award learning and community programs which offers opportunities for everyone, regardless of age and skills, to explore art. 

Pallant House Gallery’s collection of Morden British Art is known as a “collection of collections” since it tells the story of several personal collections donated by different people to benefit the public. 

Some of the collection includes works by artists like Frank Auerbach, Michael Andrew, David Bomberg, John Piper, Graham Sutherland, and Henry Moore. 

Address: 9 N Pallant, Chichester PO19 1TJ, United Kingdom

4. Kingley Vale

Wondering what to do in Chichester, West Sussex? Then, explore Kingley Vale. Kingley Vale is a nature reserve known for its ancient and twisted yew forest, ancient monument, and incredible views. 

This nature reserve has excellent grassland and is one of the important archaeological sites in southern England. 

Kingley Vale is managed by Nature England and has a nature trail and an information center. 

The yew forest contains yews that are up to 2,000 years old, and their survival is impressive because most of the ancient yew trees were cut off after the 14th century. 

Other tree species in Kingley Vale include hawthorn, holly, and ash. You can find more than 50 species of birds at Kingley Vale and mammals such as deer, water shrew, dormouse, and yellow-necked mice. 

Additionally, Kingley Vale has 39 species of butterfly, and you will find most of them in the grassland. 

Address: South Downs National Park, Chichester, United Kingdom

5. Goodwood House

Goodwood House is a 4,900 hectares estate in Westhampnett, Chichester. The house, built in the 17th century, is the home of the Duke of Richmond. Goodwood House is a Grade I listed building. 

The Goodwood House includes a cricket pitch, two golf courses, a hotel, houses the Goodwood cricket club, and a 4,000 acres organic farm. 

The staff at this estate are more than 550 people, and it draws 800,000 visitors yearly. The estate is the headquarters of Rolls Royce Motor Cars. 

This estate has been the home to the Dukes Of Richmond for more than 300 years and is open to the public annually for 60 days from March to October. 

The house’s interior is filled with furniture, tapestries, porcelain, and a magnificent collection of paintings. 

Goodwood House is also filled with portraits of dukes, courtiers, and the King and Queen of England. 

Address: Kennel Hill, Chichester PO18 0PX, United Kingdom

6. Fishbourne Roman Palace

Fishbourne Roman Palace is the largest Roman residential site in Britain. It houses the remains of a large Roman Palace constructed in the 1st century. 

This destination is also remarkable for its age, going way back to AD 75, 39 years after the Romans conquered Britain. 

Today it runs as a museum with tons of information, mosaic, and artifact from the site’s history. 

The Fishbourne Roman Palace is operated by the charity Sussex past and is open to educational groups and tourists. 

When you visit, you can view the artifact, the reconstruction of the site, the remains of the North Wings, and the audio-visual displays. 

The well-preserved mosaics include the Medusa mosaic and the famous ‘Cupid on a Dolphin mosaic,’ similar to the ones at Bignor Roman Villa and Brading Roman Villa. 

The Fishbourne Roman Palace also has a reconstructed Roman Garden planted and designed according to historical evidence. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Chichester, West Sussex.

Address: Roman Way, Chichester PO19 3QR, United Kingdom

7. Novium Museum

One of the best things to do in Chichester, West Sussex, is to go to Novium Museum. Novium is an award-winning museum built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse. 

This Museum is located in the center of Chichester. The Novium Museum tells the intriguing story of the Chichester district and its rich past. 

You will find over 500,000 artifacts on display at this facility. When you enter the museum, you will be taken back in time to explore Chichester’s rich Roman past. 

The Chichester gallery features a gorgeous chilgrove mosaic from the 4th century AD, the Jupiter stone, a chunk of sculptural work from the 3rd century, and many more objects found during excavation. 

The museum’s top floor is home to a range of temporary and touring exhibitions. It offers a fantastic view of the Bell Tower and Chichester Cathedral. 

The Museum hosts interesting events all year round, including the award-winning every May half term. 

Admission into the museum is free, but donations are accepted. Additionally, the museum operates award-winning learning programs, including outreach visits, workshops, and virtual workshops. 

Each year the museum holds a well-known creative writing competition for school kids. 

Address: 1 Tower St, Chichester PO19 1QH, United Kingdom

8. Candida Stevens Gallery

Candida Steve Gallery is a curation-led gallery that opened in 2012. The Gallery makes exhibitions that explore essential themes through the valuable work of some established artists in Britain. 

The Gallery works with artists who are skilled, determined, and have the aptitude to produce successful and intriguing pieces. 

The Gallery has different interesting modern and contemporary art. The Gallery owner has an excellent knowledge of the work done, and the art is so relaxing to look at.

You don’t have to buy anything if you don’t want to, but you might end up purchasing a piece because of how beautiful they are. 

Address:12 Northgate, Chichester PO19 1BA, United Kingdom 

Also, check out the best of attractions and activities in Northampton, Ripon, and Bude for a fun vacation in England.

9. Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral is a combination of Gothic and Norman Romance architecture. In 1075, Chichester Cathedral began, and in 1108 it was consecrated. 

This English Cathedral is unique for its Campanile and twin aisles. When you visit Chichester Cathedral, you won’t have any difficulty identifying the original parts because they contain arches and Romanesque semi-circular window openings. You can find these pieces down the nave, the choir, the transept, and in the crossing. 

Additionally, you can explore a few exceptional pieces of Medieval Workmanship, like the south nave aisle, which features two unique 12th-century reliefs drawing out the tale of Lazarus and the 38 misericords in the choir made in 1330. 

Chichester Cathedral has special trails for kids and frequent exhibitions, evening concerts, and talks. Chichester Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday for guided tours. It is one of the best places to visit in Chichester, West Sussex.

Address: Chichester PO19 1PX, United Kingdom

10. Chichester Cross

Among what to do in Chichester, West Sussex, is to check out the Spectacular Chichester Cross. Chichester Cross is a detailed Perpendicular market cross in the heart of the city of Chichester. Chichester Cross is a Grade I listed building. 

Over time, the Chichester Cross has become a well-known feature of Chichester. Bishop Edward Story built the cross in 1501 and paid ten pounds to the Mayor of the town for the ground on which it is situated. 

Bishop Edward Story permitted poor people with vegetables or a few eggs to trade and sell without paying a toll under the condition that they should stand under the cross. 

Chichester Cross has undergone many changes and suffered damages throughout its existence. In 1642, the status of the cross sustained a significant blow due to the civil war.

The recent cross is an eight-sided structure made with Caen stone which is believed to have been a famous building material during that time. The cross has a central column held by eight flying buttresses. 

Address: The Crypt Restaurant, South St, Chichester PO19 1YH, United Kingdom

11. Chichester Walls

The Romans found the historic city of Chichester in the 1st century AD. Exploring the Chichester Walls is one of the best things to do in Chichester, West Sussex.

The Chichester walls date back to the 3rd century. They were built to defend the city and protect its status and trade. 

After the reign of the Romans, the city was in a state of decay until Alfred the Great and William the Conqueror discovered the city’s strategic importance as a religious, defensible, administrative, and commercial center. 

The walls and the gates were then repaired, and Chichester strengthened. Chichester wall defended the city for 600 years till the end of the civil war in the 1600s. 

After that, it grew quiet, and the walls became places to stroll and enjoy beautiful views across the city. 

Chichester walls are a scheduled monument now and well maintained for tourists and locals to enjoy an elevated walk around the stunning city. 

Address: Chichester PO19 1QZ, United Kingdom

12. Canon Lane

Canon Lane used to be an archdeaconry but is now a stunning renovated eight-bedroom house in the historic Cathedral Close. 

Canon Lane is mainly a center for education, vocation, and reconciliation but offers accommodation to groups and individuals. 

All the renovated bedrooms at Canon Lane are en-suite, providing amazing views of the garden or Cathedral. 

Canon Lane has four large twin rooms, three standard double rooms situated, and a single room with wheelchair access on the first floor. 

This ground floor is mainly for people with mobility problems. 

Address:4 Canon Ln, Chichester PO19 1PX, United Kingdom

13. Priory Park

Priory Park is a public attraction in the city, and the Chichester District Council operates it. 

The Park has a rich past and is surrounded by medieval city walls to the north and east. These medieval city walls are constructed upon the original Roman Foundation.

Priory Park has two formal entrances with wrought iron gates. Dogs, cycling, and barbecues are not allowed here.

This Park has three scheduled monuments, including the remains of a Norman motte, the city walls, and the Guildhall. The scheduled monument statue shows their national importance. 

Chichester District Council now manages Priory Park within the Chichester City Conservation Area. 

Chichester Park has many modern facilities such as a cricket square, kid’s play area, aviary, mature trees, plenty of open grass areas for leisure activities, and seating and toilet facilities. 

The Park is also home to Fenwick Café, which offers hot and cold beverages. Additionally, the park is home to numerous sports clubs, such as Chichester Bowling Club and Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club. 

The cricket pitch and pavilion can be rented during the summer. If you have some time to spare, you can spend an afternoon watching a cricket match at the Park. 

Address: Chichester PO19 1NS, United Kingdom

14. Goodwood Hotel

Goodwood Hotel is located at the foot of the South Downs Park in West Sussex. It offers a balance of comfortable rooms and award-winning food. 

This beautiful 12,000 acred Hotel, surrounded by nature, also offers unique experiences and home comfort. 

There’s a lot to do at Goodwood, such as enjoying the mouthwatering homegrown, farm-to-fork food at one of the restaurants and exploring the natural estate. 

All the bedrooms have stylish modern furniture, satellite TV, modern furniture, and a selection of books to make you comfortable. The Hotel also has an onsite gym, pool, and tennis facilities. 

Since the Hotel is dog friendly, you can bring your dog and be well assured that it will have a comfortable bed, delicious treats, and a dog bowl during your stay. 

Address:the Goodwood hotel, New Barn Hill, Goodwood, Chichester PO18 0QB, United Kingdom

15. Chichester Harbour

One of the fun things to do in Chichester, West Sussex, is sailing at Chichester Harbour. 

Chichester Harbour is a 3,735.5-hectare area that the Chichester Harbour Conservancy manages. This Conservancy is an independent public body established in 1971 by an Act of Parliament. 

Chichester Harbour is among the few remaining untouched coastal areas in Southern England and has remained wild. 

This destination is an important place for wildlife, wading birds, and waterfowl. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and is suitable for walking, cycling, and sailing. 

At different times of the year, you can see godwit, curlew, redshank, turnstones, avocets, plovers, and oystercatchers. 

Also, a group of harbour seals lives at Chichester Harbour, and you may spot them in the water when you visit. 

Address: Chichester Harbour, Chichester, United Kingdom

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16. Oxmarket Contemporary

Oxford Contemporary is a gallery aiming to promote art and professionally help local artists. 

This volunteer-run gallery offers accessible exhibition spaces for upcoming and local artists, art societies, and groups. 

Also, it arranges exhibitions and holds competitions designed to encourage artists to grow their practice. 

The art policy of the gallery is designed to promote quality artwork. The gallery holds more than 50 exhibitions yearly. It is accessible to the public to encourage community members to engage with art. 

Oxmarket Contemporary draws more than 30,000 visits a year. Most works on display are on sale. So, you can purchase cheap and unique artwork throughout the year at the gallery. 

Oxmarket Contemporary is open from 10 am until 4.30 pm daily except Monday. 

Address: St. Andrews Court, Chichester PO19 1YH, United Kingdom

17. West Dean Gardens

West Dean Gardens is one of England’s greatest renovated gardens open to the public. 

The gardens were initially planted in the 17th century. Several of its cedars, planes, and chestnuts dates back to the early 1800s when James Wyath redid the connecting manor house in a Gothic Revival style. 

The West Dean College, a center of excellence for conservation, occupied the house. The gardens have been replanted since the storm in October 1987. 

This destination features a 100-meter Edwardian pergola, a kitchen garden, a 50-acre arboretum, a sunken garden, a pair of Victorian glasshouses, a restaurant, a gift shop, and a spring garden. 

Aside from the warm welcome, the gardens are extremely well-kept, well-labeled, and well-watered. Dogs are allowed in West Dean Gardens but must be on a leash. 

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

18. Tinwood Estate Vineyards

Tinwood Estate Vineyard is located in the center of West Sussex at the end area of the South Downs National Park. 

Since the vineyard was first planted in 2007, Timwood’s reputation for producing excellent English sparkling wine has grown in leaps and bounds. 

As a result, it is well known for its quality English Sparkling wines such as the Blanc de Blancs, a Rosé, and the Estate Brut. 

These wines are made in the highest tradition with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. 

Tinwood Estate is open for wine sales from 10 pm to 6 pm and operates daily vineyard tours at 3 pm.

Address: Tinwood Ln, Chichester PO18 0NE, United Kingdom

19. The Old School B&B

The Old School B&B is a suitable place to stay during your visit to Chichester. This bed and breakfast accommodation is conveniently situated in Westhampnett, on the outskirts of Chichester Cathedral City. 

The Old School B&B is close to some places that host famous events, such as the Goodwood Estate signature event and the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Whether you are visiting for leisure or business, the Old School B&B is perfect for you.

Enjoy the privacy of an en suite bedroom and other amenities, such as the enchanting garden, when you visit and be well assured that you can call on the hotel if you need them. 

Address: Coach Rd, Chichester PO18 0NX, United Kingdom

20. Tangmere Military Aviation Museum

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is located in the corner of the Former Tangmere airfield. This Museum was established by a group of people passionate about aviation in 1982. 

The Museum was opened to enhance public awareness of the military aviation heritage of the United Kingdom, to pay homage to the airmen and airwomen who died in service of the country, and to educate the current and future generations in military aviation. 

Since the museum was opened, it has been operated by volunteers only. In 2017, it received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. 

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is one of the United Kingdom’s leading aviation museums. It houses an impressive display of historic aircraft. 

The Museum also has a rare collection of aviation souvenirs ranging from the First World War to the Cold War. Additionally, there are several aircraft cockpits, interactive displays, and stimulators for you to experience. 

You can purchase light snacks in the Museum’s Cockpit Café. 

Address: Gamecock Terrace, Tangmere, Chichester PO20 2ES, United Kingdom

21. Bishop’s Palace Garden

Bishop’s Palace Garden lies between the city walls and the southwestern edge of the Cathedral. Bishop’s Palace Garden goes way back to 1147- 1148. 

The garden recently underwent a serious renovation and is maintained by the city. 

The inclusion of new seatings, water features, pergola work with clematis, climbing roses, and honeysuckle, and the creation of a warm and friendly wildlife garden space makes this destination a fantastic place to relax and unwind. 

In 2016, the Royal Horticultural society acknowledged the Bishop’s Palace Garden by making it a “Partner Garden.” 

Address: 4 Canon Ln, Chichester PO19 1PX, United Kingdom

22. Chichester Park Hotel

Chichester Park Hotel is one of the ideal places to stay during your holiday in this historic town. It also serves as a venue for perfect weddings and conferences in Chichester. 

All 86 bedrooms at this hotel offer Free High-Speed WIFI, color satellite television, en-suite bathroom, direct dial telephone, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. 

The hotel also has a suite and rooms for wheelchair users and a four-poster bedroom. 

Address: Madgwick Ln, Westhampnett Road, Chichester PO19 7QL, United Kingdom

23. Air Arena

Air Arena is a family-friendly trampoline park located in the heart of Chichester, West Sussex. This destination features 74 trampolines, interactive activities, and more to explore. It also has an onsite café filled with sweet treats and got drinks. 

Air Arena has many activities for you to explore, such as Disco Night, Helping Hands, Toddler Sessions, and lots more. 

Helping hands is designed for kids and adults with reading difficulties to help them learn and exercise. 

The Toddler Session is designed to promote exercise and learning. It includes fun games, toys, soft play, and other activities. 

The trampoline park also has fitness classes which are so fun you won’t have time to notice that you are exercising. 

Bouncing at Air Arena is one of the fun things to do in Chichester, West Sussex. Whether you are planning a family day out or feel the urge to visit, there’s something for everyone at Air Arena. 

So go get bouncing at Air Arena. 

Address: Chichester Gate, Chichester PO19 8EL, United Kingdom

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Plan Your Trip to Chichester

Chichester is a striking old city in West Sussex, England. There are plenty of activities to do and many stunning attractions to explore at Chichester.

This fantastic city has a lot to offer you during your stay; there’s a lot to take in, explore and discover, so there’s no way you will get bored. Fun awaits!