# Chichester: Full Reference > Local news and community guide for Chichester, West Sussex. A historic cathedral city with Roman origins, a renowned theatre, independent shopping within the medieval street plan, and the South Downs on the doorstep. ## Areas ### City Centre Chichester's city centre is defined by the four principal streets that meet at the Market Cross: North Street, South Street, East Street and West Street. This cruciform layout dates from the Roman period, when Noviomagus Reginorum was laid out on a standard grid plan within its defensive walls. The ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/city-centre ### The Pallants The Pallants form a distinct quarter of narrow streets in the south-eastern part of the city centre, bounded roughly by South Street, East Street, and the city walls. The name derives from the medieval 'palant' or 'palatinate', a jurisdictional term indicating that this area once held separate legal... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/the-pallants ### Summersdale Summersdale is a residential area to the north of the city centre, broadly covering the streets between the Broyle Road to the east and Lavant Road to the west. It developed primarily during the Edwardian and inter-war periods, when Chichester began to expand beyond its medieval walls. The housing i... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/summersdale ### Whyke Whyke is a residential area to the south of Chichester city centre, situated between the line of the Chichester Canal and the Stockbridge area to the south-west. The name appears in historical records as a small settlement on the approach to the city from the south. Today Whyke is largely a twentiet... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/whyke ### Stockbridge Stockbridge is a residential area to the south of Chichester, broadly covering the land between the canal basin and the A27 Chichester bypass. The name is shared with the historic Stockbridge hundred, one of the medieval administrative divisions of the Chichester area. Today the area is primarily re... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/stockbridge ### Parklands Parklands is a residential area on the eastern side of Chichester, developed primarily in the post-war decades to accommodate the city's growing population. The area lies between the Oving Road to the north and St Richard's Hospital to the south, with the city centre to the west and open countryside... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/parklands ### Portfield Portfield lies to the east of Chichester city centre, straddling the main road towards Bognor Regis and the A27 junction. The area has a mixed character, combining residential streets with retail parks, light industrial units, and commercial premises. The Portfield Retail Park is the most prominent ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/portfield ### Fishbourne Fishbourne is a village immediately to the west of Chichester, separated from the city by the A27 bypass but functionally closely connected to it. The village is best known for Fishbourne Roman Palace, one of the most significant Roman buildings discovered in Britain. The palace was built around 75 ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/fishbourne ### Lavant Lavant is a village at the foot of the South Downs, approximately two miles north of Chichester on the Lavant Road. The village sits in the valley of the River Lavant, a winterbourne chalk stream that flows intermittently depending on the water table. In wet winters the Lavant runs strongly through ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/lavant ### Donnington Donnington is a village to the south of Chichester, on the road towards Selsey and the Manhood Peninsula. The village sits on the flat coastal plain between the city and the harbour, an area of rich agricultural land that has been farmed for centuries. Donnington has grown from a small rural settlem... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/areas/donnington ## Guides ### Restaurants in Chichester Chichester has a strong and varied restaurant scene for a city of its size, with most of the best places concentrated within the old city walls and along the streets leading off the central Cross. Sou... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/restaurants ### Cafes in Chichester Chichester has a thriving cafe culture, driven by a mix of locals, visitors and university students who keep the city's coffee shops busy from early morning through to late afternoon. The streets with... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/cafes ### Pubs in Chichester Chichester has a solid selection of pubs for a compact cathedral city, ranging from historic coaching inns to more modern bar-style establishments. The four main streets radiating from the Market Cros... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/pubs ### Takeaway Food in Chichester Chichester has a reasonable range of takeaway food outlets, with the main concentrations along the Hornet, St Pancras and on the approach roads into the city. Indian, Chinese, Thai, pizza and traditio... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/takeaways ### Farm Shops near Chichester The countryside surrounding Chichester is rich agricultural land, and farm shops in the area benefit from a short supply chain between field and counter. The coastal plain south of the Downs and the r... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/farm-shops ### Sunday Lunch in Chichester Sunday lunch is taken seriously in Chichester, and the city has a good selection of pubs and restaurants serving proper roast dinners with all the trimmings. The tradition is well supported by a popul... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/sunday-lunch ### Breakfast and Brunch in Chichester Chichester has embraced the brunch culture that has swept through southern English towns, and there are now plenty of places to get a good breakfast or late morning meal within the city walls and alon... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/breakfast-spots ### Local Produce in Chichester Chichester sits at the centre of one of the most productive agricultural areas in southern England. The coastal plain to the south, the South Downs to the north and the harbour to the west all contrib... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/local-produce ### Shopping in Chichester Chichester is one of the better shopping destinations in West Sussex, with a city centre that retains a good mix of independent shops alongside the national chains. The four main streets radiating fro... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/shops ### Hairdressers and Barbers in Chichester Chichester has a good selection of hairdressers and barbers, with salons spread across the city centre and the surrounding streets. The range covers everything from traditional barbershops to contempo... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/hairdressers ### Veterinary Practices near Chichester Chichester and the surrounding area are well served by veterinary practices, reflecting a city and countryside with a high level of pet ownership and a significant agricultural sector. Several practic... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/vets ### Dental Practices in Chichester Chichester has several dental practices offering a mix of NHS and private treatment. The practices are spread across the city centre and the surrounding residential areas, and the standard of dental c... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/dentists ### GP Surgeries in Chichester Chichester is served by several GP surgeries providing primary healthcare to the city and its immediate surroundings. The practices are part of the NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board and offer the stand... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/doctors ### Opticians in Chichester Chichester has a good selection of opticians, with both national chains and independent practices represented on the main shopping streets. Eye tests, spectacles, contact lenses and specialist eye car... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/opticians ### Pharmacies in Chichester Chichester has a good number of pharmacies serving the city centre and the surrounding residential areas. The mix includes branches of national chains and independent pharmacies, all providing dispens... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/pharmacies ### Estate Agents in Chichester Chichester has a strong presence of estate agents, reflecting a property market that is active, competitive and consistently above the national average in terms of values. The city centre has branches... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/estate-agents ### Gyms and Fitness in Chichester Chichester has a solid range of gym and fitness options for a city of its size, from the public leisure centre to private gyms and specialist studios. Whether the goal is general fitness, weight train... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/gyms ### Swimming in Chichester Swimming provision in Chichester centres on the pool at Westgate Leisure Centre, which is the main public swimming facility serving the city and the surrounding area. The pool offers lane swimming, pu... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/swimming ### Yoga and Pilates in Chichester Chichester has a healthy yoga and pilates scene, with classes available at dedicated studios, leisure centres, community halls and private premises across the city. The demand reflects both the demogr... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/yoga-and-pilates ### Mental Health Support in Chichester Mental health support in Chichester is provided through a combination of NHS services, local charities, private practitioners and community initiatives. The range of support available has expanded in ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/mental-health ### St Richard's Hospital St Richard's Hospital is the main acute hospital serving Chichester and the wider West Sussex area. Located on Spitalfield Lane, a short distance from the city centre, it is part of University Hospita... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/st-richards-hospital ### Car Parking in Chichester Parking in Chichester is a perennial concern for visitors and residents alike. The city is compact and busy, and the demand for parking spaces, particularly during peak shopping hours, market days and... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/parking ### Chichester Railway Station Chichester railway station sits on the West Coastway line, providing direct services to London Victoria, Portsmouth, Brighton and the intermediate stations along the south coast. The station is locate... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/trains ### Bus Services in Chichester Bus services in Chichester are operated primarily by Stagecoach, providing connections within the city and to the surrounding towns, villages and coast. The bus station on Southgate, close to the city... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/buses ### Cycling in and around Chichester Chichester is a good city for cycling. The terrain is flat, the distances within the city are short, and there are several dedicated cycle routes that make it possible to travel across the city and in... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/cycling ### Driving and Roads around Chichester Driving in and around Chichester is dominated by the A27, the trunk road that passes to the south and east of the city and carries the bulk of through traffic along the south coast corridor. The relat... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/driving ### Property Prices in Chichester Chichester is one of the more expensive places to buy property in West Sussex, and its prices consistently sit above the county and national averages. The combination of a cathedral city setting, good... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/property-prices ### Renting in Chichester The rental market in Chichester is competitive, with demand consistently outstripping supply. The city's population of students, young professionals, families and retirees all contribute to a rental m... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/renting ### New Build Developments in Chichester New build housing in and around Chichester has been a contentious subject for years, caught between the need for more homes and the constraints imposed by the surrounding landscape. The South Downs Na... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/new-builds ### Council Tax in Chichester District Council tax in the Chichester district is set annually by Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner and, where applicable, parish and town counc... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/council-tax ### Utilities and Broadband in Chichester Chichester is served by the standard utility providers for the south of England, with some local variation in broadband provision that reflects the city's mix of urban and semi-rural areas. Energy, wa... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/utilities ### Schools in Chichester Chichester is well served by schools at all levels, and the quality of education is one of the factors that makes the city attractive to families. The mix includes state primary and secondary schools,... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/schools ### Primary Schools in Chichester Chichester has a good selection of primary schools serving the city and its immediate outskirts. The schools vary in size, character and ethos, but the overall standard is strong, and most are rated G... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/primary-schools ### Secondary Schools in Chichester Secondary education in Chichester is provided principally by two schools: Chichester High School and Bishop Luffa School. Between them, these two institutions educate the vast majority of secondary-ag... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/secondary-schools ### University of Chichester The University of Chichester is a small, modern university with its main campus, Bishop Otter, located in the western part of the city on College Lane. The university has a second campus at Bognor Reg... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/university ### Nurseries and Early Years in Chichester Chichester has a reasonable selection of nurseries and early years settings serving families with children from birth to school age. The provision includes day nurseries, pre-schools, childminders and... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/nurseries ### Chichester Cathedral Chichester Cathedral is the centrepiece of the city, visible from miles around and woven into the daily life of the place in a way that few English cathedrals can match. It stands within the city wall... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/chichester-cathedral ### Chichester Festival Theatre Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the most important producing theatres in the country, with a reputation that extends well beyond West Sussex. Founded in 1962 with Laurence Olivier as its first d... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/festival-theatre ### Pallant House Gallery Pallant House Gallery is one of the finest galleries of modern British art outside London, housed in a handsome Queen Anne townhouse in the heart of the Pallants, the historic quarter south of East St... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/pallant-house-gallery ### Goodwood Goodwood is the major estate on the doorstep of Chichester, and its influence on the city and the surrounding area is enormous. The estate, owned by the Duke of Richmond, sprawls across the downland n... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/goodwood ### The Novium Museum The Novium is Chichester's museum of local history, located on Tower Street in the heart of the city. Opened in 2012, the museum is built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse, which forms its most dr... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/novium-museum ### Cinema in Chichester Cinema in Chichester is provided primarily by the multiplex at Chichester Gate, the leisure and retail development near the railway station. The cinema screens the latest mainstream releases across mu... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/cinema ### Nightlife in Chichester Chichester's nightlife is modest by the standards of a city, reflecting its size, its demographic and its character as a cathedral city that tends towards the civilised rather than the raucous. There ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/nightlife ### Live Music in Chichester Live music in Chichester comes in several forms, from the sublime choral and orchestral performances in the cathedral to pub bands playing covers on a Friday night. The city does not have a dedicated ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/live-music ### Walks near Chichester Chichester is exceptionally well placed for walking, with the South Downs rising immediately to the north, Chichester Harbour spreading to the south-west and a network of paths, trails and lanes radia... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/walks ### The South Downs from Chichester The South Downs National Park begins just a few miles north of Chichester, and the city is one of the principal gateways to this landscape of chalk hills, ancient woodland, dry valleys and wide views.... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/south-downs ### Chichester Harbour Chichester Harbour is one of the great natural features of the south coast, a large tidal inlet covering some 29 square miles of water, mudflats, salt marsh and shoreline. Designated an Area of Outsta... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/chichester-harbour ### Parks and Green Spaces in Chichester Chichester is well provided with parks and green spaces for a compact city, and the combination of formal parks, cathedral grounds and the green buffer of the old city walls creates a setting that is ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/parks ### Gardens to Visit near Chichester The countryside around Chichester is home to some outstanding gardens, ranging from grand estate gardens open to the public to smaller private gardens that open for charity on selected days. The mild ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/gardens ### Wildlife and Nature near Chichester The natural environment around Chichester is remarkably rich and varied, with three distinct landscapes, the harbour, the coastal plain and the South Downs, each supporting their own communities of wi... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/wildlife ### Chichester Christmas Market and Festivities Christmas in Chichester is a genuinely atmospheric affair. The combination of the medieval cathedral, the historic streets, the independent shops and a programme of festive events creates a setting th... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/christmas-market ### Chichester Festivities Chichester Festivities is the city's annual summer arts festival, typically held over two weeks in late June and early July. The programme covers music, theatre, literature, visual arts, film, talks a... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/chichester-festivities ### Chichester Farmers Market The Chichester farmers market is a regular fixture in the city centre, bringing together local food producers and the buying public in the kind of direct, face-to-face trading that has taken place in ... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/farmers-market ### Community Groups and Volunteering in Chichester Chichester has a strong tradition of community involvement, supported by a network of voluntary organisations, charities, clubs and groups that cover everything from conservation and heritage to sport... URL: https://www.thechichester.news/guide/community-groups ## History - c. 70 AD: Roman Noviomagus Founded - c. 75 AD: Fishbourne Roman Palace Built - c. 200 AD: Roman City Walls Constructed - c. 477 AD onwards: Saxon Settlement and the Kingdom of Sussex - 1075: Chichester Cathedral Founded - 1187: Cathedral Rebuilt After Fire - 1269: Grey Friars Priory Founded - 1501: Market Cross Built - 1642: Civil War Siege of Chichester - 1802: Goodwood Racecourse Established - 1822: Chichester Canal Opened - 1839: Chichester Theological College Founded - 1840: Bishop Otter Teacher Training College Established - 1846: Railway Arrives in Chichester - 1861: Cathedral Spire Collapses - 1881: Royal Sussex Regiment and Chichester Barracks - 1962: Chichester Festival Theatre Opens - 1982: Pallant House Gallery Opens - 2010: South Downs National Park Designated - 2012: The Novium Museum Opens ## Streets - North Street - South Street - East Street - West Street - The Hornet - St Pancras - Oving Road - Whyke Road - Stockbridge Road - Lavant Road - Broyle Road - Westgate - Basin Road - Avenue de Chartres - Oaklands Way - Terminus Road - St Paul's Road - Cathedral Way - Spitalfield Lane - Bognor Road - Westhampnett Road - Market Road - Little London - Tower Street - Crane Street - Priory Lane - Sherborne Road - Via Ravenna ## Places - Chichester Cathedral (Historic Site) - Market Cross (Historic Site) - Pallant House Gallery (Museum & Gallery) - Chichester Festival Theatre (Theatre & Venue) - Minerva Theatre (Theatre & Venue) - Priory Park (Park & Garden) - The Novium Museum (Museum & Gallery) - Bishop's Palace Gardens (Park & Garden) - Chichester Canal (Park & Garden) - Guildhall (Historic Site) - St Mary's Hospital (Historic Site) - The Dolphin & Anchor (Pub) - Purchases Wine Bar (Pub) - Chichester Gate Leisure Park (Entertainment) - Westgate Leisure Centre (Sport & Leisure) - Oaklands Park (Park & Garden) - Goodwood (Sport & Leisure) - University of Chichester (Education) - Butter Market (Shopping) - East Walls (Historic Site)