Pictures of England

Search:

Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Holy Trinity Church, Eltham

Eltham

in the county of Greater London

Grisedale Tarn, Cumbria

Grisedale

in the county of North Yorkshire

Pictures of Chichester

in the county of West Sussex

About Chichester

Chichester is a wonderful coastal town with a history of strong sea-faring traditions. It was a town of great importance to the Roman's, and still retains its simple Roman layout of four main streets, meeting at a central point, enclosed by a circular stone wall. Often billed as the City by the Sea, it is an attractive place where the old blends easily with the new. It is well known for its annual summer festival (The Festival Theatre opened in 1962 and Sir Lawrence Olivier was its first artistic director), for its busy harbour where you see a constant flotilla of sea-craft, and for its magnificent Cathedral built during the Norman period. It is also especially noted for wildlife, the many important estuaries running along the coast between Portsmouth and Chichester, have little tidal creeks with mudflats, thus creating ideal conditions for many species of sea-birds. These creeks are not just a haven for birds but other small animals flourish along the creeks together with a whole host of rare plant life.

Of Chichester's buildings the Cathedral is doubtless the greatest and interestingly, two of its most important treasures are works of modern art - there is a fabulous painting by Graham Sutherland and an amazing tapestry by John Piper. Cast your eye over the pretty streets of the old town, The Pallants and Little London and your gaze will be met by a stunning mix of charming properties looking as though they have stepped right out from the pages of the past. The city museum was once an 18th-century Corn Store and St.Mary's Hospital is a group of almshouses dating from the 13th-century. In St.Martins Square there is a number of fine Georgian properties.

Chichester harbour, is naturally the main attraction and the reason why the town flourishes as a tourist destination. With over 27 square miles of navigable water, it is a true yachtsman's delight drawing boating enthusiasts from all across the British Isles. There is a thriving yacht club which organises races for dinghy's, yachts and speed-boats.

The centre of the town has a wide selection of shops, boutiques and galleries. There is a good choice of inns and restaurants and an ample choice of hotel accommodation for those wishing to spend a few days exploring the lovely downland countryside surrounding this fine coastal resort.

Goodwood House, 18th-century ancestral seat of the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon is within easy driving distance. The house has displays of fine paintings and furniture. Also close-by, in a scene of unrivalled beauty is Goodwood Racecourse.

Recommended towns & villages near Chichester

Bosham Memorial and Church, West Sussex

Bosham (99 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of West Sussex

(3.6 miles, 5.7 km, direction W of Chichester)

Interesting little place with the picture post-card appeal of 'Sussex by the Sea' which for centuries has captivated artists from all over...

A picture of West Wittering

West Wittering (13 Pictures) a Seaside Town in the county of West Sussex

(6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction SW of Chichester)

..

Emsworth Harbour

Emsworth (31 Pictures) in the county of Hampshire

(7.2 miles, 11.5 km, direction W of Chichester)

Super little yachting village tucked away between the many tidal creeks of Chichester Harbour...

Boats on beach

Selsey (12 Pictures) a Seaside Town in the county of West Sussex

(7.4 miles, 12.0 km, direction S of Chichester)

This is a picturesque resort town with a dramatic low-lying headland known as Selsey Bill, from here there are lovely views towards famous Chichester Harbour and the little harbour at Pagham where there is a nature reserve...

Hayling Island

Hayling Island (26 Pictures) in the county of Hampshire

(9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction W of Chichester)

Hayling Island is a true Island connected to mainland England by a bridge. Although largely residential it is also a popular holiday destination. It is also popular as a.....

All towns & villages in West Sussex
Complete A to Z of towns & villages in England

Nearby attractions..

Guildhall museum in Priory Park, Chichester, with cricketers practicing before their match

Guildhall Museum, Chichester (1 Pictures)

(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)

..

Market Cross, Chichester, West Sussex

Chichester Cross (12 Pictures)

(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)

Chichester's Market Cross is reputedly the finest in Britain. It was given to the city in 1501 by Edward Story, bishop of.....

Chichester Cathedral

Chichester Cathedral (62 Pictures)

(0.4 miles, 0.6 km)

The Norman cathedral at Chichester was founded on its present site about 1080, and is still substantially the same building as.....

Fishbourne Roman Palace, near Chichester, West Sussex

Fishbourne Roman Palace (10 Pictures)

(1.5 miles, 2.5 km, direction W)

..

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum (14 Pictures)

(2.8 miles, 4.4 km, direction E)

..

Goodwood Festival of Speed display by Goodwood House

Goodwood House (24 Pictures)

(3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction NE)

..

Boxgrove Priory, West Sussex

Boxgrove Priory (6 Pictures)

(3.4 miles, 5.5 km, direction NE)

..


All attractions in Chichester
All attractions in West Sussex
Complete A to Z of attractions in England