Chichester, West Sussex is a beautiful cathedral city located between the South Downs and the sea. It's layered in history, but with many modern characteristics. A picturesque city where culture is definitely not a thing of the past.
 
It's evident through the Roman Walls that Chichester has an ancient story. The Walls surround a one and a half mile area of the city and despite the Walls being nearly two thousand years old, tourists and locals are still able to walk along them and enjoy the fascinating scenery. They were originally used as city defences with the walls reaching five metres in height, earth banks behind the walls and only four gated entrances to gain access into the centre; however these gates were removed at the end of the 18th Century and the promenades were added.
 
The city offers many different styles and periods of architecture which vary from apartments to detached houses. The most Georgian part of the city is the Pallants where there are mainly 18th century houses.  This is also where the most notable house is located; Pallant House, which was built in 1712 by Henry Peckham. There are more Georgian houses in East Row, as well as converted corn stores, one of which is now Chichester District Museum. New builds are beginning to appear in some fantastic locations, many of which have opted to be close to the lively centre to take advantage of the theatres, shopping and other entertainment facilities.

 

There's currently a battle to prevent new buildings being constructed at Chichester Harbour in order to preserve its natural beauty and wildlife, the outcome of which we will only know in the years to come.

 

Chichester Harbour lies west of the city, with an entrance from the English Channel between Selsey and Hayling Island. With an area of around twenty-seven square miles of navigable water and some of the most rewarding scenery in the south of England, the harbour is a popular destination that draws in 'yachties', artists and tourists to its charm.  The harbour offers some superb facilities which have encouraged the large numbers of people to visit particularly during the summer months, but the place has much to offer visitors all year round. 
 
Chichester’s biggest landmark is the Cathedral which opened its doors to the public 900  years ago as a sacred place. In 1075, William the Conqueror ordered the cathedral to be built and it was finished in 1108, but by 1199, more construction took place after two serious fires caused lots of damage. Much thought went into the structure of the building from this point and the beautiful stain glass window was inserted in the early 13th century and a 277ft spire was constructed at the end of the 13th century. After the demise of this spire in 1861, a new one was reconstructed within four years and is the spire we are able to see today.
 
There are plenty of peaceful green spaces to choose from, so those who love to be outdoors but like to have amenities close-by will be in their element. Chichester offers Priory Park and the Recreation Ground, Bishop’s Palace Gardens, West Dean Gardens and Oaklands Park. An added benefit is that this beautiful setting also boasts the Chichester Festival Theatre which is one of the United Kingdom's flagship theatres, with a dazzling international reputation for producing an annual festival and drawing renowned actors to perform.

 

Other attractions in and around Chichester:

 

•  Chichester Gate – offering a cinema complex, bowling, restaurants and a gym
•  Goodwood House and Racing Ground
•  Tangmere Aviation Museum
•  Chichester Harbour Water Tours
•  Fishbourne Roman Palace
•  Weald & Downland Open Air Museum
•  Cass Sculpture Foundation
•  South Downs Planetarium
•  Oxmarket Centre of Arts