Welcome to Chichester

Welcome to Chichester

History and nature combine to stunning effect in Chichester, a city located in West Sussex that boasts Chichester Cathedral and South Downs National Park – classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. History is almost everywhere you go, with Roman walls enclosing the city and Norman architecture characterising elements of the 1,000-year-old cathedral.

Chichester offers an ideal balance between city and country life, providing plenty to do without feeling as fast-paced as London. And with the likes of Brighton, Southampton and Portsmouth only a short distance away, everything you need is easily accessible.

Schools and Colleges

Families thinking of moving to Chichester will have access to good education for their children. St Anthony’s Primary and Secondary, Bishop Luffa Secondary and Chichester College Group are all rated as outstanding by Ofsted. Primaries rated as ‘good’ during their last inspection include St Richard’s Catholic School, Lancastrian Infant School and Parklands Community School. Good secondary schools of note include Chichester High School and Chichester Free School – which both also cater for 16 to 18-year-olds.

Local Attractions 

Chichester Cathedral recalls the Norman-era history of the city and the 1,800-year-old Roman walls – much of which is still intact – speak of a time when their Empire ruled the land. You’ll find more history at The Novium which sits above the remains of a Roman Bath House from 1AD. Head along to the Pallant House Gallery to enjoy a beautiful collection of paintings by the likes of Peter Blake and Lucien Freud or visit the Chichester Festival Theatre which puts on shows throughout the year. Cineworld cinema is where you can get your Hollywood film fix, and the Chichester Cinema at New Park plays arthouse features. 

Shopping Facilities, Restaurants and Leisure

There’s a mixture of old and new when it comes to shopping. Part of Chichester’s charm lies in the boutique vintage shops selling antiques and gifts, which sit close by to more recognisable high street brands. The farmer’s market is an attraction for locals and visitors, which takes place twice a month, and is a great place to enjoy fresh local produce. If you want to eat out Cassons and Potager's serve up excellent British and European cuisine respectively, and Billy's on the Beach and The Richmond Arms are recommended local hotspots. For outdoor excursions, Chichester Harbour is a must-see, and the beautiful woodland of South Downs National Park offers plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs.

Property Types

The Pallant area of the city is where you'll find some of the more prestigious properties, with Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses being the standout. Highly desirable Georgian terraces can also be found in St John's Street. Detached properties built in the 1930s feature in Summersdale, with terraces available in Parklands. For a more modern look, the recently built Graylingwell Park features 750 new homes, and Roussillon Park has plenty of options on offer. Closer to the coast you'll find East and West Strands are popular choices in West Wittering due to their close proximity to the seafront.

Demographics

There are a wide variety of people living in Chichester, which has become more attractive to those looking for affordable options and strong transport links to the capital. Whether young professionals in the early stages of their careers or families wanting a good balance between work and home, Chichester has plenty of options. It also remains a good spot for anyone on the lookout for a second home, people working in town or local areas. At the same time, retirees are also attracted to the slower, quieter atmosphere on offer.

Upcoming Developments

At the start of 2020, work began on a new 100 home development in Oving Road that will feature 2, 3 and 4-bedroom properties, complemented by a new public open space and a park. An additional 43 houses are awaiting approval by the local council. Regeneration plans are also afoot, with the Southern Gateway project planned to transform the southern area of the city. This will include the building of 365 new homes and 20,600 sq. of commercial space for business, retail, leisure and tourism facilities.

Travel Connections

Travelling to London from Chichester takes around 90 minutes, with regular trains heading into London Victoria. Locals also find it easy to use the service to journey into nearby Littlehampton, Brighton, Portsmouth and Southampton. Gatwick is the nearest London airport at just over an hour away by train. It takes around 4 hours to get into Heathrow, while Luton is a little closer at 3 hours and Stanstead taking around 3-and-a-half hours.