Thinking of booking a trip to Chichester? This beautiful West Sussex city has lots more to offer than you may think.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best tourist attractions in Chichester to help you plan your visit. Whether you prefer to spend time outdoors or experience a touch of luxury, there’s something for everyone in Chichester.
Chichester Cathedral
Of all the Chichester tourist attractions, the city’s ancient cathedral is perhaps the most widely known – and for good reason. Known formally as the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, it was founded in 1075 and boasts impressive Norman and Gothic architectural features.
Open to the public throughout the week, Chichester Cathedral welcomes visitors of all ages. You can either explore the Cathedral freely or join a Drop-In Tour, offered twice a day from Monday to Saturday. Whether you’d like to find a moment of reflection or meet the resident peregrine falcons, you can do both at this historic attraction.
Chichester Festival Theatre
A popular Chichester visitor attraction, the Festival Theatre is one of the UK’s flagship theatres with a worldwide reputation. This cultural centre hosts some of the most critically acclaimed performances and focuses on enriching local and national communities through theatre.
Whether you’re visiting as a couple or with the whole family, Chichester Festival Theatre holds talks and discussions, family-friendly events, tasting events and, of course, compelling performances on stage. You can find out what’s on and book online for this fantastic Chichester attraction.
Fishbourne Roman Palace
As well as being a lively city for culture, you’ll find fascinating archaeological attractions in Chichester. If you have a keen interest in history, don’t forget to include Fishbourne Roman Palace in your Chichester itinerary.
Discover incredible original Roman mosaic floors spread out underneath raised wooden walkways, making viewing an easy, immersive experience for the whole family. Hundreds of positive reviews on TripAdvisor reflect just how much this Chichester museum attraction is worth a visit.
Chichester Harbour
Only a short drive or bus journey from the city centre, you don’t have to stay long in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to see why it’s one of the best attractions near Chichester.
Whether you’re travelling alone, in a group, or with your dog, there’s plenty to see and do at Chichester Harbour. Take a stroll along the sandy beaches at West Wittering or dip your toes in the water at Bosham Quay before treating yourself to a local lunch.
Museums in Chichester
The best museums in Chichester promise an exciting time for adults and children alike. The Weald and Downland Living Museum is an immersive and inclusive open-air museum aiming to recreate rural life through the Late Middle Ages up until the Victorian era.
You’ll also find the Novium Museum positioned above the remains of Chichester’s Roman Bath House as a striking educational venue. It hosts various exhibitions, lectures, and family events, making it a great choice for a rainy day.
How to start your Chichester break
Now that you’ve learned about all the best attractions in Chichester, it’s time to decide where you’ll stay and how to get there.
Since you’ll be able to reach the most central attractions on foot, there’s no need to go through the hassle of driving. Take the hassle out of the journey and travel by train to Chichester to discover a wealth of opportunities in this charming ancient city.