Chichester
Chichester is West Sussex's cathedral city, laid out on a street plan that still traces the Roman town beneath it, and compact enough to see most of its landmarks on foot from almost any hotel in the centre.
The Romans founded the town as Noviomagus Reginorum, and the four main streets — North, South, East and West — still meet at the central market cross more or less where the Roman roads crossed. Long stretches of the city walls survive, largely following the original Roman circuit, and now form a walkable route around the old town. Chichester Cathedral, begun in the 11th century, sits just inside the walls and is unusual among English cathedrals for its detached bell tower and for being visible from out at sea, historically used as a landmark by sailors in the Channel.
What else the city offers
The Chichester Festival Theatre, opened in the 1960s just north of the centre, has built a reputation well beyond the city for its productions and draws visitors specifically for its programme, not just as an add-on to a stay. Chichester also sits within easy reach of both the coast, a few miles south at towns like Bognor Regis, and the South Downs to the north, which makes it a workable base for people who want to split their time rather than commit to one part of the county.
Where to Stay in Chichester
- The Ship Hotel — a Georgian townhouse hotel on North Street, in the city centre near the cathedral.
- Premier Inn Chichester — at Chichester Gate Leisure Park, a short walk from the station and city centre.
- Travelodge Chichester Central — on Chapel Street, within easy walking distance of the cathedral.
- The Millstream Hotel — a family-run hotel in Bosham, on the harbour a few miles west of Chichester.
- Crouchers Country Hotel — a country hotel around three miles from the city, near Dell Quay.
Getting there
Chichester has its own railway station on the main line between Southampton and Brighton, with connections on to London. The city centre is small enough to walk end to end in well under half an hour, so a central hotel puts most of the main sights within easy reach without needing a car.