Still wondering what to do in Chichester? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Chichester and book your hotel today!
Steeped in nearly 2,000 years of history, Chichester is a delightful cathedral city in West Sussex that effortlessly combines its Roman past with a sophisticated cultural present. The city centre is a joy to navigate, neatly laid out with four main pedestrianised streets that meet at the beautiful, ornate Market Cross clock tower. Looming over the city is the magnificent Chichester Cathedral, a superb piece of Gothic architecture famous for its detached medieval bell tower and modern art installations, including a window by Marc Chagall.
Beyond the centre, you can walk the city's ancient, well-preserved Roman City Walls or immerse yourself in culture at the nationally recognised Chichester Festival Theatre and the exceptional Pallant House Gallery for modern British art. The area surrounding Chichester is equally rich, giving you easy access to the stunning beaches of West Wittering and the beautiful South Downs National Park. Ready to book your stay in this historic city?
Selecting the right hotel location in Chichester is straightforward, as the city centre is compact and offers the best access to all the major historical and cultural highlights. Choosing to stay within the Roman walls is the most convenient option for a pedestrian-friendly visit.
The area immediately surrounding the Market Cross and Chichester Cathedral places you right in the heart of the city's shopping streets, independent restaurants, and historical sites. From here, it is a short walk to the Novium Museum, which is built over a Roman bathhouse, and to the serene Bishop’s Palace Garden.
For those whose visit centres on arts and culture, finding a hotel slightly north of the main cross, closer to the Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery, is an excellent strategy. This area remains very central but offers a slight removal from the main retail hub, often providing a quieter evening experience.
Chichester has an excellent, central railway station that links the city directly to London Victoria, Brighton, and Portsmouth. A hotel within the old city walls means the station is easily walkable, which is the most convenient way to arrive. For exploring the wider region, such as the Fishbourne Roman Palace or the Goodwood Motor Circuit, the local bus network is comprehensive, and a car hire will let you delve into the South Downs National Park and the coastal areas like Bosham and West Wittering Beach. A bus station is located near the city centre, making it simple to connect to coastal and countryside routes.
Hotel prices in Chichester are at their highest during the peak summer months, from June to August, due to the pleasant weather and an influx of visitors exploring the South Coast. A major factor to consider for Chichester is the events at the Goodwood Estate—specifically the Festival of Speed in July and the Goodwood Revival in September—which cause accommodation prices in and around the city to skyrocket.
For the best hotel value, plan your visit for the low season, from November to February, where you’ll find significant savings. The shoulder seasons of March to May and October offer a great balance of fewer crowds and decent weather. A unique tip for Chichester is that Sunday nights, when many of the independent shops and cultural sites are closed or operate on limited hours, often see a notable drop in hotel prices compared to the rest of the week, making a Sunday-to-Monday stay a smart option for saving money.