Explore Chichester Cathedral

Come and discover Chichester's iconic Cathedral, a welcoming space for all where you can uncover stories from the Cathedral's of wealth of history, see fascinating art and artefacts, enjoy beautiful music or pause and reflect in this ancient, special place which has stood at the heart of Chichester life for 950 years.

Named by Which Magazine as one of the UK's best days out for free, Chichester Cathedral offers a fascinating experience for all. Come and explore to see how medieval stone carvings sit alongside world famous contemporary works of art - the stained glass window by Marc Chagall is one of the best known and probably most photographed, along with John Piper's extraordinary tapestry.

The Cathedral is a welcoming space for all and an ideal retreat for moments of calm and reflection. Enjoy a free lunchtime concerts (most days outside of school holidays - please check before your visit), or join a daily guided tour to uncover the stories behind this special place. Evensong is an experience not to be missed at 5.30pm each day during term-time. Hear the Cathedral’s world-renowned Choir sing in the historic Quire, where the wooden stalls date back to the 1330s.

Celebrating 950 years of Chichester Cathedral

2025 marks 950 years since the decision was made to establish a Cathedral in Chichester, moving the seat of the Bishop from Selsey to the Roman settlement of Noviomagus Reginorum - Chichester. The construction of our iconic Cathedral followed, using stone from Quarr on the Isle of Wight. Construction was completed by Bishop Ralph Luffa, and consecrated in 1108.

Visiting Chichester Cathedral for families

Families are welcomed to enjoy the Cathedral space, with activity sheets provided for children to explore and discover, particularly during school holidays. Regular exhibitions and installations aim to engage children in the Cathedral's stories, helping to bring history to life. There are many colourful and interesting spaces and objects for children to explore, from the roman mosaic remains preserved beneath a glass floor which can be walked on - imagine being a Roman who walked on those very tiles!  

Visiting Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral is open for visiting Monday to Saturday and on Sundays. See below for opening times. Admission is free with donations gratefully welcomed to help maintain and preserve this iconic building for future generations to admire and enjoy.

Dog Friendly

Chichester Cathedral is dog friendly and happily welcomes dogs on leads for visits to the Cathedral. Dogs may not be accommodated for some events or are not able to attend Spire Tours.  

Cafe on site: The Cloisters Kitchen & Garden

Stop at the Cloisters Kitchen and Garden Cafe for tea and locally roasted coffee, freshly baked sweet treats, seasonal salads & artisan sandwiches showcasing fantastic local Sussex produce. The cafe is open daily, 9.00am – 5.00pm during the Autumn/Winter and 9.00am – 6.00pm during the Spring/Summer.

Guided Tours

Delve deeper into the Cathedral's history, art and architecture during a guided tour with one of the knowledgable guides.  Tours take place Monday to Saturday, and run at 11.30am and 2.30pm daily. Spaces cost £5.00 per person. Tours for large groups (over 6 people ) are kindly asked to book in advance.

Spire Tours

Discover a new perspective on Chichester as you explore roof spaces only recently opened for the public to enjoy. The climb to the spire sees you conquering 164 steps through winding staircases to be rewarded with panoramic views of Chichester and far beyond to Goodwood, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Spire Tours are hugely popular and are available by booking in advance on the Cathedral website.

Events

Each year the Cathedral hosts a varied programme of events, from regular lunchtime concerts to art installations, theatrical productions and concerts, as well as the biennial Festival of Flowers, which next takes place in 2026. Scroll down to see what's on.

Plan your visit to Chichester Cathedral

Opening Times

Chichester Cathedral is open all year round Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and on Sundays from 12.30 to 2.30pm apart from occasional closures for private events or services. Entry to the Cathedral is free of charge, but donations are welcome with a suggested amount of £7 per person to help ensure Chichester Cathedral is able to remain open and accessible for future generations.

Group Visits

Groups of any size are welcomed to the Cathedral. Pre-booking is preferred for groups of 6 or more to ensure space and a guide if required. Each guided tour offers a glimpse into some of the defining moments in English history, from Roman times to the English Civil War.

Accommodation

Scroll down to explore the Cathedral's self catering accommodation options, from rooms and suites to apartments and houses set within the Cathedral grounds. You can also stay nearby in Chichester, with a variety of hotels, B&Bs and self catering options to choose from in a range of locations across the city.

How do I find out more about Chichester Cathedral?

Visit https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/ to learn more about this iconic Cathedral