Chichester: What To Do When You Visit Chichester

Chichester is a cathedral city in West Sussex and there has been a settlement here since Roman times. However it only became an important settlement in Anglo Saxon times. When you stay in Chichester there are lots of things to do and see.

No visit to Chichester will be complete without time spent at its Cathedral. It is thought that work started on building the Cathedral in 1088 and continued for many centuries thereafter. In fact it is thought that work on the Cathedral was carried right on through to the fifteenth Century and because of this it has both Romanesque and Gothic styling. The Belfry you see today was built in 1866 to replace the one that collapsed in 1861 and which was built in the early fifteenth Century. 

Another historic place is Fishbourne Roman Palace which explores life in England during the Roman occupation of the UK. The visible palace foundations were excavated in the 1960's and were originally owned by the Celtic tribal chief Cogidubnus, an ally of the Romans. The palace features numerous Roman pavements, showing off the various different mosaic techniques used by the Roman craftsmen. 

For the boys then a visit to Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is a must. Here they will be able to learn more about the history of military aviation cover a period of 70 years. There are special exhibits at the museum that are dedicated to the Royal Air Force and how they waged war with the Germans over Southern England during the Second World War. The museum has a replica Spitfire and a Hurricane and Swift Jet as well as a Hunter and a Meteor.

Then a short drive from Chichester is Goodwood House which is home to the Dukes of Richmond for more than 300 years. Although the house is only open for the public 60 days a year when it is one has the chance to explore the Regency State Apartments where there are some wonderful treasures to be enjoyed. The house also has paintings by George Stubbs and Canaletto together with some fine French Tapestries, furniture and porcelain as well. 

The Downland Open Air Museum shows what life has been like for people living in this part of England during the last five hundred years or so. The museum is located in 50 acres of the South Downs and it has over 45 historic farms, homes and workplaces for you and your family to explore. All these buildings were rescued and then restored to their former glory. There is also a replica Victorian school house on site.  The on-site farm includes Shire horses and cattle at work. Then after all that excitement have a picnic by the lake.

Next time you stay in Chichester, make sure to choose your hotel in Chichester here.