Great things to do at half term

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. 

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.

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.

Chichester Cathedral does not have its own on‑site car park, so visitors usually park in one of the nearby city centre car parks and walk a few minutes to the Cathedral. 

Popular Parking Options (all a short walk from the Cathedral)

• Avenue De Chartres Car Park – A highly rated, central multi‑storey car park within easy walking distance.
• Cattle Market Car Park – Spacious and close to the centre, good for a visit followed by shopping or cafés.
• Little London Car Park – Another council car park handy for the Cathedral and city centre.
• St.Cyriacs Car Park – Central option with decent walking access.
• Northgate Car Park, Chichester – Slightly larger site a bit further out, but still an easy stroll in.
• Basin Road Car Park, Market avenue car park, St John’s Car Park and South Pallant Car Park – Other good council options nearby.

Most of these are 5–10 minutes’ walk from the Cathedral, and you can also reach the Cathedral easily on foot from the train station in about 10 minutes.

Accessible / Blue Badge Parking - There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces on the approach to the Cathedral via West Street, which Blue Badge holders can use free of charge (displaying a valid badge)

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. 

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.

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.  
 

Selsey does not have a train station, so bus is the main option.

• By train + bus: Travel to Chichester Station, then take the Stagecoach 51 bus directly to Selsey. The journey takes around 35–45 minutes.

• From London: Train to Chichester (around 1 hour 40 minutes from London Victoria), then connect to the bus.

The bus stops close to Selsey High Street and within walking distance of the seafront.

Yes, there is an admission charge to see the main exhibitions and permanent collection at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, with concession rates (including reduced prices for students and Art Fund members). Under‑18s and some concession groups (such as jobseekers, DLA, carers and similar) can enter for free or at reduced cost. 

Free options at Pallant House Gallery: Ground‑floor displays, the Print Room, Book shop and outdoor courtyard garden are free to visit for everyone.

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. 

Chichester City centre uses the MiPermit app. This can be downloaded direct to your mobile phone. Alternatively parking machines take card payments and cash.

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.

No, unfortunately there is no park and ride service available in Chichester.

There is a small amount of limited free parking at the Chichester Canal Basin next to the Canal Centre (PO19 8DT). This is primarily for visitors using canal facilities and spaces can fill quickly, especially during weekends and school holidays.

The nearest larger car parks are:

• Chichester Gate Car Park on-site at the leisure and retail park (PO19 8EL). Parking here is free for up to 3 hours. – Around a 3 mins walk to the Canal Basin.

• Westgate Leisure Centre Car Park (PO19 1RJ) – Around a 10-minute walk to the Canal Basin and offers a large number of spaces.

• Avenue de Chartres Multi-Storey Car Park (PO19 8EH) – Around a 7-minute walk and centrally located near the city centre.

• Basin Road Car Park – Another nearby option within easy walking distance.

There is also limited on-street parking around Canal Wharf, usually restricted to short stays.

The Canal Basin is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Chichester’s bus and railway stations, making public transport another easy way to visit.

Blue Badge holders can use designated accessible bays at the Canal Basin car park, subject to availability. Additional Blue Badge parking is available at nearby Chichester District Council car parks including:

• Avenue de Chartres Multi Storey

• Northgate Car Park

• Westgate Leisure Centre Car Park

Chichester city centre also offers some on street Blue Badge bays. Please check local signage for time limits and conditions.

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.