Places to Stay in Chichester
Looking for accommodation in Chichester? You’ve come to the right place. Chichester offers a wide range of places to stay, making it an ideal base for exploring the Great Sussex Way and the surrounding countryside. From historic city centre accommodation to peaceful retreats on the edge of the South Downs, visitors can choose stays that suit short breaks or longer journeys. We’re here to help you find your perfect accommodation, whether it be in the City Centre, on the outskirts of even overlooking our very own Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) at Chichester Harbour. Jump to Listings
Chichester has a wealth of accommodation on offer, with something for all wants, interests and budgets. From the four-star Chichester Harbour Hotel to the Premier Inn, Travelodge and various B&B and camping options, to accommodation within the Cathedral grounds itself, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re travelling alone, seeking family-friendly or dog-friendly accommodation, travelling with friends or looking for somewhere for your wedding party to stay, you’ll find great accommodation in Chichester.
Stay close to the City Centre to explore Chichester Cathedral, Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery, or stay just outside for close assess to West Dean College, West Dean Gardens, Goodwood and the Weald & Downland Living Museum.
Staying in the centre of Chichester offers you the chance to explore the city with a local perspective. Self catering accommodation like the Purchases apartments, the South Street apartments, Treasury Suites or Little London Mews offer you a home from home with culture, shopping and the option of great places to eat on your doorstep. Take time to explore Chichester Cathedral, absorb yourself in Chichester's history at The Novium Museum, or join a guided tour of the city to delve deeper into its past.
Foodies will enjoy immersing themselves in a vibrant dining scene - staying local allows you time to linger. City centre breaks also put you within easy reach of the beautiful scenery of Chichester Harbour - it's just a short train ride or you can even walk to Fishbourne and pick up the coast path. Discover the Chichester Canal in the south of the city centre - an often missed gem where tranquil walks or even a peaceful hour in a rowing boat awaits.
If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in all things Chichester, then why not do so on a self-catering mini break. Reaping all the benefits of City accommodation, with the flexibility of eating where and when you want (and sampling a range of Chichester’s best restaurants while you’re at it!) there’s no better way to enjoy West Sussex's only city at its finest.
Whether the City Walls, iconic Market Cross; Priory Park, the award-winning Novium Museum, Chichester Cathedral, Bishops Palace Gardens, Chichester Festival Theatre, Pallant House Gallery or one of the many other famous sites are your motivation for your visit, you’re sure to be astounded by all Chichester has to offer.
Choose from accommodation options within Chichester Cathedral close itself: Treasury Suites, Cloisters Cottage and The Pilgrims Rest are ideal for self catering stays with a range of bedrooms to suit everyone, from couples to families. 3 Little London Mews is also perfectly located in the city centre, as are Gilbert House, the South Street apartments and Purchases Apartments. Excellent family accommodation is on offer at Fallow Grange, with the city centre a short walk away.
You won’t be short on choice for bed and breakfast accommodation in the historic city of Chichester either. From high-end hotels to cheaper but equally as cheerful basic accommodation all offering bed and breakfast options, there’s something for all desires and budgets.
Canon Lane at Chichester Cathedral offers guest accommodation for parties of all sizes, while North Walls House B&B offers traditionally welcoming bed and breakfast accommodation, along with 16 South Pallant, East Pallant House and Little Orchard B&B.
Find your ideal hotel base in Chichester. From the four-star Chichester Harbour Hotel - a stunning ‘modern meets classic’ boutique hotel with on site restaurant and spa in the heart of historic Chichester - to the family friendly Premier Inn which sits in Chichester Gate where Tenpin bowling and a Cineworld cinema are on hand. A budget friendly Travelodge is ideally located near Chichester Canal. The East Walls Hotel offers comfortable yet budget friendly rooms amid Chichester's beautiful Georgian buildings, perfect for short breaks in the city, or making a night of a trip to the theatre.
Outside the city centre, the Goodwood Hotel offers hotel stays in the midst of the famous Goodwood Estate, with easy access to the city and surrounding attractions.
Looking for dog friendly accommodation in or near Chichester? A good variety of accommodation on offer in Chichester is dog friendly, from hotels to campsites, B&Bs to glamping accommodation - you and your dog can find your ideal stay. You might choose a welcoming pub with rooms like The Nags Head in Chichester city centre, or a self-catering apartment in the city like South Street Apartments. A little outside the city centre, Goodwood Hotel warmly welcomes dogs, offering dog beds, bags and treats, as well as walking maps, and you can even request a dog crate with treats. Not far from the city centre, within easy reach of the South Downs National Park, Lordington Park offers dog friendly camping or you can choose from self-catering and B&B accommodation. Dogs are welcome too, at local pub The Royal Oak in Lavant and at the self-catering holiday accommodation at Oakwood West Holidays.
Chichester in West Sussex offers a huge variety of unforgettable experiences both in the city itself and within easy reach, from the majestic Cathedral to a grand castle and impressive stately homes. Come and explore Roman remains and artefacts, vibrant modern art, inspiring gardens, hands-on museums and much more.
Whether you're seeking cultural gems like Chichester Festival Theatre, Pallant House Gallery or Chichester Cinema or taking a short break with family, looking for family friendly attractions like Tenpin and Flip Out, there's great days out to suit everyone.
Pick one of Chichester's scenic walking routes - whether an accessible short walk like the City Walls or a longer route like the Chichester Canal Towpath to Chichester Marina or Centurion Way, which is suitable for walking and cycling, following the route of the former Chichester to Midhurst railway.
In Chichester there's a feast of dining options to explore. From excellent coffee shops like Fernleigh and 17 Grams to great places for lunch like Cloisters Kitchen and Garden, Robins Nest and The Barn Little London. You'll be spoilt for choice for evening dining, from the likes of Brasserie Blanc and The Ivy to The Ghost at The Feast - you can explore more restaurants in Chichester here.
How to get to Chichester
By Train
Chichester is directly linked with London Victoria, with journeys taking around 90 minutes. The railway station is located within easy reach of the city centre. You can also easily reach Chichester by train from Gatwick Airport, Southampton, Brighton and Portsmouth.
By Bus
Chichester is well served by bus services from across West Sussex and beyond. Regular coach services operate from London Victoria. The Coastliner route links Chichester as far as Brighton or Southsea, and there are local bus services that run all around the Chichester area of West Sussex, connecting Chichester with Selsey, Midhurst and Petworth.
Chichester's Bus station is just a short walk from the city centre.
By Car
There is a range of car parking locations across Chichester - locations and charges can be found here chichester.gov.uk/carparkmap.
Accessibility
Accessible parking is free of charge in designated bays in most car parks. On street City Centre voucher parking spaces may be used as long as a valid disabled person’s badge is correctly displayed.
A Changing Places toilet is available in Chichester in the Northgate Car Park.
-
Yes. Chichester offers a range of accommodation, from budget-friendly stays to higher-end options.
-
Yes. The city is well connected by rail and bus, and many attractions are within walking distance.
-
Yes. The city’s compact size makes it ideal for weekend and short stays.
-
Chichester can be enjoyed year-round, with spring and summer offering milder weather and outdoor events.
How far is Goodwood from Chichester city centre and how do I get there?
Goodwood Estate is just 3 miles (about 5 km) north of Chichester city centre, making it an easy visit for tourists.
• By car: Around 10 minutes via the A285. Plenty of event and visitor parking is available on site, but it can get busy during weekends or special events.
• By bike: About 25–30 minutes along safe, scenic routes.
• By foot: Walking takes roughly an hour if you fancy a countryside stroll.
• By bus: Some local buses run between Chichester and Goodwood, especially during events. Check Stagecoach South or Goodwood’s event pages for current timetables.
Goodwood hosts many popular events year-round, so planning your travel in advance is recommended to ensure smooth access during busy periods
How far is Chichester Harbour from Chichester city centre and how do I get there?
Chichester Harbour is about 5 miles (≈8 km) south-east of the city centre.
-
By car: Around 15–20 minutes via the A259, with car parks at Itchenor, Bosham, and Emsworth.
-
By bike: 30–40 minutes along quiet lanes and cycle paths.
-
By bus: Local Stagecoach buses run to villages near the harbour.
-
On foot: Walking takes over an hour, so best combined with bike or car.
Enjoy the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with scenic trails, wildlife, and watersports.
Where can I stay with my family in or near Chichester?
Where can I hire a bicycle near Chichester?
Here are some great places to hire a bicycle near Chichester and in the South Downs area — perfect for exploring countryside lanes, coastal paths and scenic trails.
• Southern E Bike rentals – E‑bike hire near Chichester (West Ashling), ideal for longer rides or tackling hills with ease.
• App-Bike – Bike share style hire around Chichester, handy for short rides and spontaneous exploring.
• Riverside South Downs Bike Hire – Bike and e‑bike hire near Amberley, great for longer South Downs rides and mapped routes right from the shop.
Is there ShopMobility in Chichester? How much is it and where do I collect the mobility scooters from?
Yes! Chichester ShopMobility offers mobility scooter hire in Chichester, perfect for visitors who want a little help exploring the city centre during your visit. It’s part of the ShopMobility UK network, designed to help people with mobility needs get around shops, cafés, attractions and more.
What ShopMobility in Chichester Offers
• You can hire powered mobility scooters to use around the city centre.
• 3 hour and 6 hour hires are available — ideal for shopping or sightseeing.
• The service runs Monday to Friday 9 am 4 pm from The Council House on North Street, Chichester, PO19 1LQ.
• You usually don’t need to pre book, but booking ahead is recommended, especially at busy times like school holidays.
How Much It Costs
• Typical costs are about £5 for 3 hours and £10 for 6 hours for a mobility scooter.
• You’ll need to provide some identification when you hire — usually photo ID and a recent address verification.
• The scooters are generally for use within the city centre’s shopping area so you can easily get around streets, cafés and shops.
Where to Collect the Scooter
Scooters are collected from The Council House on North Street in Chichester city centre. This location is very close to shops, cafés and bus/train links, making it easy to start exploring right away.
Click here to go direct to the external Shopmobility page
Is there accessible parking in Chichester?
Chichester city centre car parks such as Avenue de Chartres Multi Storey and Westgate Leisure Centre Car Park provide designated Blue Badge bays and are within a short, level walk of the Chichester City Centre.
Is the train station or bus station close to Chichester city centre?
Chichester’s train and main bus stops are a short walk from the city centre and Easter event spots, so once you arrive in town it’s easy to explore on foot.
Does Chichester, West Sussex, have a park and ride?
No, unfortunately there is no park and ride service available in Chichester.
Which car parking app can I use in Chichester to pay and manage my parking?
Chichester City centre uses the MiPermit app. This can be downloaded direct to your mobile phone. Alternatively parking machines take card payments and cash.
How to get to Chichester by public transport?
From Portsmouth
Train
• Frequent direct trains run from Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour stations to Chichester (Southern Rail services).
• Journey time is typically around 30–35 minutes.
Bus
• The Stagecoach Coastliner 700 bus links Portsmouth with Chichester (continuing to Bognor Regis and Brighton). There is bus station next to the Chichester Canal Basin and bus stops in the City centre. It’s a scenic coastal ride and runs regularly, but is slower than the train, but often less expensive.
From Brighton
Train
• You can take a direct Southern Railway train from Brighton to Chichester via the West Coastway line (typically with 1–2 trains per hour).
• Journey time is usually about 1 hour 10 mins to 1 hr 30 mins, depending on the service and stops. (Exact times vary; check National Rail or Trainline.)
Bus
• You can use Stagecoach Coastliner 700 along the south coast (Brighton → Worthing → Littlehampton → Chichester → Portsmouth). It’s a scenic but slower way to travel if you prefer a bus, but it is more affordable.
From London
Train
• Regular trains run from London Victoria (operated by Southern) to Chichester.
• Typical journey times are around 1 hour 30 mins to 1 hour 40 mins from central London.
Coach
• National Express coaches operate from London Victoria Coach Station to various South Coast destinations (including Chichester area). Times vary longer than trains but can be cheaper, especially if booked in advance.
Does the The Novium Museum have free entry?
Yes! General admission to The Novium Museum in Chichester city centre is free of charge, with voluntary donations welcomed at the entrance to help support the museum’s work. Occasionally, temporary or touring exhibitions on the upper floors may have a small entry fee, but the main galleries and displays are free to enjoy.
Is Chichester Festival Theatre within walking distance of the city centre?
Yes! Chichester Festival Theatre is right next to the city centre — about a 5–10 minute walk from the main shopping streets, Cathedral and bus/train stations. The route is mostly level and easy to walk, making it perfect for visitors arriving on foot after exploring the city.
Can I park at Chichester Festival Theatre?
Chichester Festival Theatre itself doesn’t have its public own car park, but Northgate Car Park (a Council run pay and display car park) is located next to the theatre, and within easy walking distance.
Alternative city centre car parking includes:
• Avenue de Chartres Car Park – Large multi-storey just a few minutes’ walk.
• Cattle Market Car Park – Close and convenient for shows and dining.
• Little London Car Park – Handy for city centre and theatre access.
• Northgate Car Park – A bit bigger, still within easy walking distance.
These council-run car parks are all about 5–10 minutes’ walk from the theatre entrance. On busy show nights it’s worth arriving early to secure a space.
Is Chichester Cathedral free to enter?
Entry to Chichester Cathedral is free, and they do not charge formally for admission to the building. However, as an independent charity, they strongly encourage a voluntary donation of £7 per person to help with maintenance costs.
- Cost: Free to enter (voluntary donations encouraged).
- Suggested Donation: £7.00 per person.
- Opening Times: Generally Monday–Saturday (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) and Sunday (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm).
- Guided Tours: While entry is free, guided tours are available, often for a fee (e.g., £5.00 per person).
- Group Visits: Groups of 6 or more should pre-book their visit.
The cathedral is open to all for daily services, prayer, and exploration.
Is Chichester Cathedral Dog Friendly?
Yes! More and more visitors who may be visiting the city as part of a walking tour or even on pilgrimage come with dogs, and Chichester Cathedral's dog friendly policy means your four legged friend can join you as you explore 900 years of history under the iconic Cathedral spire.
Dog treats and water bowls will be located around the Cathedral and grounds.
What family friendly things are there to do in and around Chichester, West Sussex?
Chichester District offers a brilliant mix of indoor and outdoor activities. You’ll find parks, walks, museums, theatre performances and countryside adventures across the South Downs and along the coast.
Discover family friendly Easter activities
