Not far from Bosham is a place of great significance for the Normans: the historic city of Chichester. Chichester became one of six administrative districts in Sussex, each under the authority of a Norman castle built to establish and secure power across the region. The Normans settled in Chichester shortly after the Norman Conquest and built their own motte and bailey castle within the Roman walls they found there.
Norman influence of note: You can observe Norman heritage in the curved line of Priory Road, which still follows the original line of the protective ditch and palisade. What is now the level park area was the bailey with its kitchens, stables, stores and barracks. The motte was raised and the flat top would have provided a firm base for the building of the castle keep upon it.
While you are in Chichester you should not miss the opportunity to visit Chichester Cathedral. In line with Norman policy, the Cathedral was moved from Selsey to Chichester to serve a larger community, and began construction in 1075, finally being consecrated in 1108. It was influenced in design by the Norman abbey of Caen in Normandy.
Norman influence of note: If you look up between the clerestory windows, it’s possible to see vestiges of Norman architecture in the areas with thicker bands of mortar, thought to date from the 11th century.
Eating & drinking nearby: There is so much choice in Chichester you will not go hungry. Within the Cathedral is the Cloisters Kitchen & Garden Café, and around the corner is The Ivy, Purchases or The Ghost at the Feast for a selection of street food stands.
How to get to Chichester: Travel from Bosham to Chichester is a quick 5 minute journey by train from Bosham station.
Alternatively you can catch bus route 56 or the Coastliner 700 bus, which takes 12 minutes.
Chichester is well connected with many travel options taking you into the city. If you are travelling by car, Chichester is easily reached via the M27 and A27 coast road which links Hampshire, Sussex and Kent. The A29 and A24 connect London and mid-Sussex to Chichester, and the A3 also connects Chichester and the local area with London, the M25 and other main routes from the West.
Frequent train services operate from London Victoria to Chichester taking approximately 1 hour 35 minutes. Services also run from Gatwick Airport, Brighton and Portsmouth.
To find more information on train times and services you can use:
The Trainline: 0871 244 1545 | www.thetrainline.com
National Rail: 08457 484950 | www.nationalrail.co.uk
Regular bus and coach services operate from London Victoria Coach Station. The Coastliner route links Chichester as far as Brighton or Southsea, and there are local bus services around the whole region connecting Chichester with Selsey, Midhurst and Petworth.
For more information visit our travel information page.
