Chichester Area Guide

If you’d love to live in a small but thriving city, a property in Chichester offers you the best of both worlds. You’ll be surrounded by history and culture, from the cathedral and Roman palace to renowned arts, sport and entertainment venues. Offering access to the beach and South Downs National Park, Chichester is the south coast city with something for everyone.

WELCOME TO CHICHESTER

With a history dating back to Roman times, Chichester has a bustling centre with a fantastic array of places to eat, shop, and explore. The delights of London are within easy reach, but the city also boasts tranquil countryside surroundings. You’re not far from the coast, either, and Chichester’s stylish marina overlooking its natural harbour is the perfect place to watch the world go by.

CHICHESTER IS IDEAL FOR FAMILIES

If you’re moving to Chichester with kids, there’s a great choice of schools and colleges close by. For younger ones, March C Of E Primary School, Jessie Younghusband Primary and the independent Prebendal School all boast excellent reputations. The University of Chichester and Chichester College also have campuses within easy reach of the city centre.

GETTING AROUND IN CHICHESTER

Buying a property in Chichester offers you access to excellent transport links. Commuters enjoy quick and easy travel to London, with 90-minute trains to London Victoria and St Pancras just two hours away. If you’re heading further afield, it’s only a one-hour journey to Gatwick. Hop in the car, and you’ll find Worthing, Portsmouth and Brighton all accessible via the A27.

A SHORT HISTORY OF CHICHESTER

Chichester’s location has seen it play an important role in the south since Roman times. You can still see some of its ancient grandeur at the Fishbourne Roman Palace, the biggest residential building from that era ever discovered in Britain. The city has only continued to grow over time, and today, it has an estimated population of 120,000. Chichester has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times.

NATURAL BEAUTY AROUND CHICHESTER

Chichester boasts all the amenities you’d expect from a bustling city, but there’s spectacular scenery nearby too, with the South Downs offering peaceful countryside walks and picnic spots by the water. But that’s not all – there’s coastal beauty right on your doorstep, including West Wittering beach. Winner of a prestigious European Blue Flag Award, it’s the perfect sunbathing spot.

ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT IN CHICHESTER

With so many local highlights on offer, property in Chichester benefits from some fantastic places to eat and drink close by. Popular favourites include the Giggling Squid and Reina Kitchen, as well as the family-friendly Crate & Apple pub. Culture lovers can enjoy musicals, comedy and more at Chichester Festival Theatre, and there’s plenty for sports fans too, with Goodwood motor and horse racing circuits hosting flagship events all year round.