Self catering holidays in Chichester - West Sussex

The historic City of Chichester dates from Roman times, with the Roman walls and streets defining the shape of the town.  They date back to the third century AD.  Today the City Walls are medieval, but built on the Roman foundations.  They can still be walked after nearly two thousand years.  The distance around is one and a half miles, and you can take a leisurely stroll around them in less than an hour.

Most of what can be seen now of the city grew up in Georgian times, and although it is small, there is a lot to see.

Chichester Festival Theatre:  Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the UK's flagship theatres with an international reputation for creating magical live performance.  The Festival Theatre opened in 1962 and subsequently the small Minerva Theatre was built in 1989.  For what's on call the Box Office 01243 781312   Postcode: PO19 6AP

Chichester District Museum:  Take a historic trip around Roman, medieval, Georgian and Victorian Chichester.  The mosaic from East Street, stocks and many other treasures can be seen in this museum which is located in an eighteenth century corn store.  They run regular talks and events, including fun days for children.  Telephone for details.Open Tue-Sat, 10.00-17.30  Telephone:01243 784683  Address: 29 Little London, PO19 1PB.

Pallant House Gallery: Located in a fully restored Queen Anne town house, 20^th century art from artists such as Piper, Moore, Sutherland and many more can be found.  Open: 10.00-17.00 Tue-Fri; 12.30-17.00 Sat and bank holidays.  Telephone: 01243 774557   Address: 9 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TJ

Chichester Harbour:  the harbour lies one mile south of  the city centre, with an entrance from the English Channel between Selsey and Hayling Island.  It comprises an area of about 27 square miles of navigable water, and is designated ‘An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’ The harbour is used mainly for recreational boating, and provides an ideal area for all sailing abilites.  It is also an important breeding ground for seabirds and waterfowl. 

A boat cruise with ‘Chichester Harbour Water Tours’ enables you to see much of the unspoilt area from the water. The 1 ½ hour tour departs from Itchenor Harbour.  From the A27 Chichester Bypass, take the A286 to the Witterings and Bracklesham.  Continue along this road following the brown and white signs for ‘Chichester Harbour Water Tours.’  There is ample parking in a public car park in Itchenor – turn left just before the Ship Inn Pub.

Telephone number for departure times: 01243 670504.

The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre:  Opened in 2002, wonderful shows of night skies and teaching about astronomy.  Telephone for details of shows: 01243 774400   Address: The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre, Sir Patrick Moore Building, Kingsham Farm, Kingsham Road, Chichester, PO19 8RP