Chichester, a cathedral city in West Sussex, holds significant historical importance with traces of Roman settlement evident throughout the city. Roman baths, a city wall (later replaced by a Georgian wall), an amphitheatre (now transformed into a park), and the ancient Roman road known as State Street connecting Chichester to London all stand as reminders of its Roman past.

The city boasts numerous grade II listed buildings, adding to its architectural charm. Among its notable landmarks is the Chichester City Cross, a unique butter market located at the intersection of North, East, South, and West streets. Constructed in 1500 by Bishop Edward Storey, the City Cross served as a shelter for merchants selling their goods during market days.

Visiting Chichester for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Chichester on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Chichester not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Chichester and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Chichester Cross

Also referred to as the Chichester Cross, the Market Cross is a prominent and easily recognizable landmark. Erected in the late 15th century, this intricate perpendicular market cross stands at the intersection of ancient Roman roads that connected Chichester to London and other parts of Roman Britain. Despite its ornate design, the cross originally served […]

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Location: Chichester Cross, South Street, Chichester, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.30km

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Visiting Chichester Cross

Pallant House Gallery

Pallant House Gallery is a must-see destination for art enthusiasts visiting Chichester, Pallant House Gallery was established in 1977 and has gained a strong reputation for its extensive collection of 20th-century British art. The gallery proudly showcases remarkable pieces by renowned British artists such as Henry Moore, John Piper, and Barbara Hepworth, as well as […]

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Location: Pallant House Gallery, North Pallant, Chichester, UK | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm Sunday/Bank Holidays: 11am – 5pm Mondays: Closed | Price: Adults – £14.00 | Website | Distance: 0.30km

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Visiting Pallant House Gallery

Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral is a historic and stunning Anglican cathedral located in the city of Chichester, West Sussex, England. It is the seat of the Bishop of Chichester and is known for its architectural beauty and rich history. Here are some key details about Chichester Cathedral: History: The cathedral’s origins can be traced back to the […]

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Location: Chichester Cathedral, Chichester, UK | Hours: Monday - Saturday (9.00am - 5.00pm) and Sunday (12.30pm - 2.30pm). | Price: Donations welcome | Website | Distance: 0.40km

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Visiting Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Walls Walk

Make sure to allocate some time to explore the ancient city walls of Chichester, which are renowned for being one of the best-preserved Roman defences in England. Extending for over 1.5 miles around the historic city centre, where the original Roman roads intersected, the route is clearly marked and easily navigable, with multiple access points. […]

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Location: City Walls Walk, Northgate, Chichester, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.40km

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Visiting Chichester Walls Walk

Novium Museum

Built atop the remnants of a Roman bathhouse, the Novium Museum provides a captivating glimpse into the daily life of Roman Britain, dating back approximately 2,000 years. Situated in the centre of the historic city, this museum is a must-visit attraction that offers free admission. Inside, visitors can explore engaging exhibits showcasing mosaics, artefacts, and […]

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Location: The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, UK | Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4.30pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm | Website | Distance: 0.50km

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Visiting Novium Museum

Bishop's Palace Garden, Chichester

Dating back to approximately 1147 and conveniently located just a short walk west of the cathedral, the gardens of Bishop’s Palace often go unnoticed by tourists. This oversight is regrettable because these delightful formal gardens offer an ideal place to relax and bask in the peaceful ambiance of the surroundings. Aside from well-placed benches, the […]

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Location: Bishop's Palace Garden, Canon Lane, Chichester, UK | Distance: 0.60km

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Visiting Bishop's Palace Garden, Chichester