Chichester & surrounding area

Chichester and its surrounding areas have something for everyone – from world-class motorsports and horseracing at Goodwood, to tours and exhibitions at Chichester Cathedral celebrating 950 years. Historians will enjoy stepping back in time, as they explore Chichester’s Roman walls or discover the nearby Fishbourne Roman Palace. More of a nature-lover? Go bird watching at RSPB's Medmerry or Pagham Harbour nature reserves, or visit a nearby alpaca walking farm.

Just 15 or so minutes from Chichester is The National Trust’s Petworth House – a magnificent stately home with a remarkable art collection, including works by Turner. From here, you can also pop to the quaint, traditional market towns of Petworth, which is known for its art and antique shops or nearby Midhurst situated in the stunning South Downs National Park and home to Cowdray Park polo. 

Coastal Chichester 

Head south of Chichester, you’ll find the charming coastal towns and villages of Selsey, West Wittering, East Wittering, and Bracklesham Bay – all perfect spots for a beach break. Watersports lovers flock here for surfing, paddleboarding, and more, with 2XS in West Wittering offering great lessons and gear hire. West Wittering’s sandy beach is a real favourite, ideal for winter dog walks or a bit of bird watching. In the busy summer months, you’ll need to book your visit ahead of time to avoid missing out.

East Wittering has a lovely, laid-back vibe, with its mix of shingle and sand beach, bustling village shops, cosy cafés, and Shore Watersports right on hand. Wander a little further and you’ll reach Bracklesham Bay, where the wide, sandy beach is popular with surfers, fossil hunters, and families alike. It’s also home to Billy’s on the Beach – a perfect spot to tuck into something tasty while enjoying views across to the Isle of Wight. Over in Selsey, you’ll find Seal Bay Resort and beach offering family-friendly breaks. Make sure you stop to taste the famous Selsey Crab and other locally caught seafood.

Just a stone’s throw away, Chichester Harbour Conservancy is a must-visit for nature lovers. Its peaceful creeks, saltmarshes, make it a haven for wildlife, especially birds and it’s wide open waters and marinas make it a popular sailing destination. Nestled on the edge of Chichester Harbour, the picturesque village of Bosham with its quaint waterfront, historic church, and charming independent shops, pubs and cafés, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed stroll.

Plan your visit to Chichester

What's on in Chichester

Race Meeting

  • May 23, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025

Have a flutter and watch the horses race at this course that has played host to the sport of kings…

May 23

Wdcd

As the day is now sold out, we are unable to guarantee places for the Community Showcase and the…

May 24

Wdcd

What Dance Can Do is a symposium on Intergenerational Dance and Dance and Age(ing). The symposium…

May 24

Junior Clay Shoot

  • May 28, 2025 - May 29, 2025

This half term, become a young gun and try your hand at Clay Pigeon Shooting. Learn the basics and…

May 28

Gasper Nali

Gasper Nali plays a Babatoni - a 3 meter, one-stringed, home-made bass guitar - with an empty bottle…

Jun 06

Shrek

Saturday Stage School Selsey proudly present Shrek Junior for their end of year production.

Jun 14

Sussex Craft Week

  • Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025

Sussex Craft Week is a new festival of making launching across East and West Sussex 14-22 June 2025…

Jun 14

Cello Day

Join in a day of music making where you play in a cello orchestra! This promises to be a fun day of…

Jun 15

Crescendo 2025

  • Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025

Our Level 3 Dance students perform a range of contemporary, modern, ballet and jazz repertoires…

Jun 16

On the doorstep