The city of Chichester dates back to before Roman times and is mentioned in the Domesday Book as having 300 dwellings. Being the only city in West Sussex, it holds pride of place as the county town and with its magnificent 12th century cathedral and its fine Georgian shopping centre, it can truly claim to be a cultural and artistic experience for anyone visiting. Why not join one of the guided walking tours that will take you around Chichester and the city walls, or explore art galleries, museums, and historic houses or take in a show at the renowned Festival Theatre? Many exhibitions and events take place throughout the year, making this a wonderful place to visit. The Market Cross, given to the city in 1501 to provide shelter to those selling produce, is said to be the finest in Britain. Still a vibrant city, Chichester with its pedestrian shopping area, Victorian tea rooms, quaint antiques shops and continental restaurants, offers visitors a day of delights. For those who enjoy the sea and watersports, make for the popular seaside resorts of East and West Wittering and Bracklesham Bay which are just on the doorstep for family days out; so with everything from snorkelling and diving to cycling, long country walks and bird watching, Chichester is the perfect setting for anything from summer holidays to cosy winter breaks. Take a walk along the Chichester Canal to Chichester Yacht Basin and Marina and enjoy the spectacular of the yachts and boats. Add to this a bit of kayaking, golf and fishing, and there’s plenty to keep the whole family occupied all year round, all of which are made better thanks to Chichester’s ‘micro-climate’. Goodwood is home to several events each year, starting with its Festival of Speed, then into Glorious Goodwood and finally Goodwood Revival bringing visitors from home and abroad to watch, listen and cheer as horses or cars race or parade in front of thousands of spectators. Chichester, is a city of history and intrigue, culture and cuisine, theatres and art galleries. Lying between two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the South Downs and Chichester Harbour – as well as other nature reserves, stunning beaches and dramatic coastline to the south making a spectacular variety of places to discover and an ideal place for a break to unwind and relax.
