Chichester Places of Interest & Things to do in Chichester
Discover Chichester: Where History Meets Modern Charm.
Chichester offers a wide variety of local sights and activities. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or outdoor exercise, there's a wealth of places to visit during your stay with us.
From local beaches to bowling alleys, the chichester festival theatre and a variety of cafes and resturants- there is something for everyone. Our accommodation team also arrange monthly excursions to popular UK locations like London, Brighton and Oxford. For more information, please check out our social and enrichment events by clicking the button at the bottom of this page.
Sightseeing in the City of Chichester
Chichester is a small city full of history, beautiful sights and green open spaces. Below are some places you can explore while studying at Chichester College as an international student.
Chichester City is historic, safe, friendly and within easy reach of London and Brighton. Chichester has welcomed international students for many years and has lots to offer students seeking a safe place to learn and explore.
Chichester's historic and iconic Cathedral is visible from miles around and is only a short walk from our Chichester campus.
The Novium Museum holds a wealth of local history and archaeological artefacts from Roman times and earlier eras.
Visit the UK's largest remains of a Roman Villa featuring the most extensive collection of mosaics in the UK. Fishbourne Roman Palace is the largest Roman residence known north of the Alps.
Chichester's Pallant House Gallery is a leading art gallery featuring famous works of art by Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and other well-known artists. A perfect place to visit for aspiring artists- it is within easy walking distance of our Chichester campus.
Take a walk or hire a row boat to explore the scenic Chichester Ship Canal. You can also go on a canal boat ride which makes for a relaxing afternoon while you enjoy the surrounding nature.
Just a short walk from Chichester College- Bishops Palace Garden is a tranquil garden next to the cathedral. It's a great place to escape to, take a walk, picnic, read or get away from it all for a while without leaving the heart of Chichester.
Arundel is rich in history. With its castle, boating lake, wetlands centre and charming town centres- there is plenty to explore. Catch the train there or join one of our trips.
Chichester Attractions & Activities
Shopping
Chichester offers a wide range of shopping choices. A supermarket is close to the campus, and the nearby city centre offers coffee shops, clothing stores and a range of high-street brands.
Restaurants
Chichester offers many restaurants, including fish and chips, burgers, noodles and fine dining. You will be spoilt for choice with various hospitality venues close to the college.
Cinema
Catch up with the latest films at two local cinemas, a short walk from the Chichester College campus.
Ten Pin Bowling
Take time out with your newfound international friends for a spot of healthy ten-pin bowling competition. It's a ten-minute walk from the college.
Cycling
Take in the beautiful English countryside on your bike. There's plenty of choice for cyclists around Chichester. If you don't own a bicycle, you can hire one for the day and explore!
Walking
With the South Downs National Park within easy walking reach and the Harbour only a couple of miles away- taking in the natural beauty on foot is an easy option. The picture above was taken on campus, so you don't need to go far!
Water Sports
Canals, rivers and beaches surround Chichester. Get your wetsuit ready! Choose from surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. Or, if you don't fancy getting wet, you can watch the boats and kite-surfers sail by!
Sports
Choose from various sporting activities at Chichester College: football, rugby, tennis, basketball, table tennis and more. The climbing wall above is in our Sports Centre! Have you got a head for heights?
Towns, Villages and Local Attractions
The Goodwood Estate
Goodwood is perfect for those who enjoy a mixture of English heritage and motorsports all in one area. Take a trip back in time with the Festival of Speed or go for afternoon tea at the Goodwood Estate, home to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon.
Bosham is a coastal village only 2 miles west of Chichester with a harbour and tidal inlet. It has been occupied since the Roman Times. Bosham is tranquil and scenic- perfect for walking, photography or just sitting and taking in the views.
Bognor Regis is a seaside resort only 6 miles from Chichester. Originally a fishing village, Bognor is a famous seaside town. Stroll on the Pier, play some Crazy Golf on the seafront or visit the local museum.
Arundel is overflowing with historic locations, buildings and beautiful landscapes, and it is like something out of a fairytale book. Arundel is known for its tremendous castle and cathedral, which overlooks the picturesque town.
Halnaker Windmill is an iconic landmark in West Sussex and provides excellent views of the coast and local farmland.
Take in the ancient yew trees and enjoy spectacular views from Kingley Vale- a National Nature Reserve owned by Natural England. The reserve includes well-preserved archaeological sites.
It is a perfect spot to picnic and take in the views. The City of Chichester and the Chichester Harbour can all be seen from this high point only a few miles from Chichester Centre.
Brimming with rich heritage and natural beauty, West Dean Gardens is the ideal place to enjoy nature, walk and explore impressive gardens including an impressive collection of working Victorian Glasshouses. The tearoom is first class!
Beaches near Chichester
East Wittering Beach
East Wittering is 2 miles from the neighbouring sandy beach, West Wittering, and offers charming and quiet scenery for those who like to escape the busy streets of Chichester.
West Wittering Beach
Located at the mouth of Chichester Harbour, West Wittering is a beautiful sandy beach within a Site of Special Scientific Interest. With a long sandy beach, cafes, watersports hire, and easy access by bus, West Wittering offers a full day out.
Prinsted Beach
Prinsted Beach is located below Southbourne and next to Thorney Island. Prinsted Beach is known for its pebble beach and beautiful harbour. People use this beach to go paddleboarding during the summer months.
Thorney Island
Thorney Island extends into Chichester Harbour and is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel called the Great Deep. Thorney Island offers a chance for those who seek to explore local wildlife and beautiful scenery while taking in the sea breeze.
Bracklesham Bay
Fish and chips, surfing, fossil hunting, walking, or just staring out to sea. Bracklesham is close to Chichester and is within easy reach if you want to take time out to unwind while watching the waves.
Selsey Beach
Selsey Beach, a 25-minute drive from the college, is located at the southernmost point of Chichester and is known for its crabs and lobsters. There are multiple engulfed rock formations, and just south of Pagham Lagoon is a large spit of shingle which is of considerable geological interest.
Hayling Island
Hayling Island offers beaches, walking, cycling, sailing and nature. Located close to Chichester by bus or the car- Hayling Island is where windsurfing was invented. Perfect for a day out.
Littlehampton Beach
Littlehampton Beach is a nice mixture of sand and shingle that stretches over a mile. Littlehampton Beach has plenty to do, from well-kept seafront gardens to amusements and a theme park; Littlehampton has something for everyone.
