48 Hours in Chichester | Things to do in Chichester

Over two days in Chichester, discover the best of Chichester city centre, from independent cafés, historic streets and boutique shopping to a guided Chichester Cathedral tour, tranquil gardens, art galleries and a memorable evening at the world-class Chichester Festival Theatre.

Day 1 | Morning

Start your day with breakfast at one of Chichester’s charming independent cafés, then enjoy a gentle stroll through its pedestrian-friendly historic city centre. Begin at the 16th-century Market Cross, where four main Roman roads intersect the city (North, South, East, and West Streets).

Chichester town centre shopping offers something for everyone, from high street favourites like M&S, Jigsaw, Mint Velvet, Seasalt, and Oliver Bonas, to a brilliant mix of independent boutiques and vintage shops in Chichester. Steeped in history, the city centre is lined with character-filled Georgian and Tudor buildings and hidden alleyways just waiting to be explored. Wander through The Hornet, Crane Street, St Martin's Street, and Baffins Lane to discover hidden gems like Drapers Yard and Almshouse Arcade, two of Chichester's best-kept secrets for independent shopping.

Don't miss: Chichester’s Street Art Trail - discover unique murals and installations as part of a self-guided Chichester art tour.

Day 1 | Afternoon

Step inside over 950 years of history on a guided tour of Chichester Cathedral, one of West Sussex's most iconic historic attractions (drop-in tours at 11.30am or 2.30pm, £6pp). From striking Romanesque architecture to works by artist and printmaker, John Piper, Marc Chagall and Graham Sutherland, Chichester Cathedral is a must-visit for anyone exploring ancient and modern art in Chichester.

Afterwards, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at Cloisters Kitchen & Garden, a charming café nestled within the cathedral's 600-year-old cloisters. Or take a peaceful walk through the stunning Bishop's Palace Gardens, a hidden garden in Chichester with tranquil water features, rare trees, and colourful floral walkways.

Don't miss: The famous Chagall stained glass window installed within Chichester Cathedral; radiating bold, expressive colour from the cathedral's north-east corner.

Day 1 | Evening

Experience world-class drama at the iconic Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT), one of the UK's most prestigious theatres and a must for any Chichester theatre break (shows usually start at 7.15pm or 7.30pm).

Don't miss: Join a behind-the-scenes theatre tour at the CFT Chichester (£10, monthly at 11am) for a deeper insight into this cultural landmark.

Make an evening of it with a pre-theatre dinner in Chichester at Purchases Restaurant, North Street. A stylish, intimate restaurant offering a seasonal menu. Alternatively, for places to eat in Chichester UK dine at The Brasserie, the on-site restaurant at Chichester Festival Theatre, which opens 90 minutes before the show. If you're visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, round off the evening with a post-show drink at The Ghost at the Feast, just a short stroll from the theatre.

Looking for more evening entertainment in Chichester City Centre? Head to Room 12, a vibrant venue in the heart of the city offering live music, comedy, and immersive experiences. Or check out La Havana for grassroots music in the heart of Chichester England, including jazz, reggae and dance music.

Day 2 | Morning

Spend your morning immersed in modern British art at Pallant House Gallery, one of Chichester's best art galleries (open 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays). Housed in a Queen Anne townhouse with a striking modern extension, this award-winning gallery is home to works by Tracey Emin, Rachel Whiteread, Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, John Piper, and more, making it a must-visit for art lovers in West Sussex.

Don't miss: Browse the gallery shop for curated books, prints, and gifts, or stop for lunch at the on-site café or in the peaceful garden courtyard.

Also recommended: Oxmarket Contemporary Gallery, a Chichester art gallery set within a medieval church and home to over 150 exhibitions each year (open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4.30pm).

Day 2 | Afternoon

Get outdoors in Chichester and follow in the footsteps of the Romans on a scenic 1.5-mile walk along Chichester's Roman city walls, one of the best-preserved Roman city walls walks in the UK. Starting at North Street, this circular walk loops westward before finishing in Priory Park, an historic and family friend green space in the heart of Chichester city centre.

Highlights along the route include:

• The Guildhall, a Grade I listed building dating back to 1282
• The remains of a Norman motte
• A refreshment stop at Fenwicks Café, perfect for a coffee break during your Chichester walking tour

Don't miss: Discover Chichester's rich heritage through its city centre statues and blue plaques, including two notable works by local sculptor Vincent Gray, one of Romantic poet John Keats in Market Square, and another of Sir George Murray, close friend of Admiral Nelson, on North Street.

Got more time to spare in Chichester, West Sussex? There's plenty more to explore beyond the city centre. From additional historic attractions and green spaces to nearby villages and countryside walks, here are a few more things to do in Chichester and the surrounding area to make the most of your visit.

Chichester Canal

Just a 10-minute walk from the centre, the Chichester Ship Canal is perfect for a tranquil stroll, boat ride, or rowing boat hire. The towpath offers postcard views of Chichester Cathedral and The South Downs.

Return boat trips (75 mins, £8 adult / £5 child)

Book in advance via boxoffice@chichestercanal.com or call 01243 771363

The Novium Museum

Built over a Roman bathhouse, The Novium is a free-entry museum opposite the cathedral that tells Chichester’s story across three floors. Great for family days out or wet weather trips. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the top floor and exhibitions ranging from ancient history to modern-day. There is no parking at the museum but there are plenty of car parks and bus stops near by.

The Chichester Cinema

Experience the best of independent film at Chichester Cinema at New Park, a beloved local venue showcasing new releases, foreign language films and classic cinema gems. Again, perfect for rainy-days in Chichester City Centre.

Planning a visit to Chichester? This historic cathedral city on the South Coast of England is well-connected by rail, road, and sea. Here’s everything you need to know about how to reach Chichester from major UK destinations.

Travel to Chichester by Train

Chichester is easily accessible from London by train in under two hours. Southern Railway operates direct services from London Victoria and one-change services via London Bridge, both passing through Gatwick Airport - making it ideal for international visitors. Chichester Railway Station is centrally located, just a short walk from the city’s main attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Driving to Chichester by Car

Reaching Chichester by road is straightforward, thanks to excellent motorway and A-road connections:

• From Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent: Use the M27 and A27 coastal route.
• From London and Mid-Sussex: Travel via the A24 or A29.

Parking in Chichester City Centre

Chichester city centre has ample parking, with multiple pay and display car parks located within easy walking distance of the main shopping streets. You can pay with your debit or credit card, or by using the MiPermit app on your phone. We recommend downloading the MiPermit app in advance before arriving.

Disabled parking is available for Blue Badge holders (who benefit from free parking in designated spaces in most car parks). On-street parking is also available for vehicles displaying a valid disabled badge.

ShopMobility available in Chichester, West Sussex

Chichester City Council’s ShopMobility service offers powered scooters for hire to anyone, regardless of age, who experiences difficulty walking around the city centre for half or single days. Hire charges start at £5.00 This service provides greater independence and access to shopping areas and tourist facilities. Importantly, users do not need to be registered disabled to benefit from this service.

Getting to Chichester by Bus or Coach

Chichester is served by frequent and reliable local bus services run by Stagecoach, providing direct connections to:

• Brighton
• Bognor Regis
• Portsmouth
• Surrounding villages and towns in West Sussex

Buses depart from the Chichester Bus Station, located close to shops, cafes, and key attractions.

For longer journeys, National Express coaches operate services from Bognor Regis to London Victoria, with convenient stops in Chichester.

Ferry Travel Near Chichester

The nearest international ferry terminal is Portsmouth International Port, located approximately 14 miles (22 km) from Chichester—just a 30-minute drive.

Brittany Ferries offers crossings to France (Cherbourg, Caen, Le Havre, St Malo),  Spain (Santander, Bilbao) and Channel Islands with services to Guernsey (St Peter Port) and Jersey (St Helier).

From the Isle of Wight, Wightlink operates regular car ferry services from Portsmouth Harbour

Distances to Chichester

London: 70 miles (112km)

Portsmouth International Port: 14 miles (22km)

Gatwick: 46 miles (74km)

Port of Dover: 122 miles (196km)

Great places to stay in Chichester: The Cathedral offers rooms, suites, holiday apartments and self-catering cottages, Purchases, Chichester Harbour Hotel, The Old Grocery,  North Walls B&B, East Walls Hotel, Travelodge Chichester Central, East Pallant B&B, 3 Little London Mews ,The Clockhouse, The Courtyard, The Annexe, 16 South Pallant, Westgate apartment, East Pallant B&B

Great Shopping in Chichester: Winter’s Moon, Little London Boutique, Stephen Lawrence, Host coffee (roasted in Chichester and found in Gnarly Tree), Whirligig Toys, Clothkits, Barn, Little London (stockist of Chichester’s Brilliant Gin) and Vinegar Hill

Great breakfast destinations in Chichester: Common Grounds, Real Eating Company, St Martin’s Organic coffee house and Boston Tea Party

Great places for lunch in Chichester: Luckes, Boston Tea Party, Cloisters Kitchen and The Buttery. Book ahead to secure an outdoor chalet at The Barn, Little London, Café on the Park, Ghost at the Feast

Great dinner options in Chichester:  The choice of international cuisines in Chichester city centre is quite wonderful. There’s Spanish tapas at Artie’s Kitchen, Greek cuisine at Santorini, Turkish meze at Reina Kitchen, Mexican at Taco Box, Thai at Wagamama, Giggling Squid, or Lemon Grass, French at Brasserie Blanc and Cote Brasserie and modern British at The Ivy, Crate & Apple, Purchases, Piccolino, Turkaz Social

Great places for a drink in Chichester:  Crafty Bishop, The Escapist and The Rocking Horse