Pictures of Chichester
About Chichester
Chichester is a wonderful coastal town with a history of strong sea-faring traditions. It was a town of great importance to the Roman's, and still retains its simple Roman layout of four main streets, meeting at a central point, enclosed by a circular stone wall. Often billed as the City by the Sea, it is an attractive place where the old blends easily with the new. It is well known for its annual summer festival (The Festival Theatre opened in 1962 and Sir Lawrence Olivier was its first artistic director), for its busy harbour where you see a constant flotilla of sea-craft, and for its magnificent Cathedral built during the Norman period. It is also especially noted for wildlife, the many important estuaries running along the coast between Portsmouth and Chichester, have little tidal creeks with mudflats, thus creating ideal conditions for many species of sea-birds. These creeks are not just a haven for birds but other small animals flourish along the creeks together with a whole host of rare plant life.
Of Chichester's buildings the Cathedral is doubtless the greatest and interestingly, two of its most important treasures are works of modern art - there is a fabulous painting by Graham Sutherland and an amazing tapestry by John Piper. Cast your eye over the pretty streets of the old town, The Pallants and Little London and your gaze will be met by a stunning mix of charming properties looking as though they have stepped right out from the pages of the past. The city museum was once an 18th-century Corn Store and St.Mary's Hospital is a group of almshouses dating from the 13th-century. In St.Martins Square there is a number of fine Georgian properties.
Chichester harbour, is naturally the main attraction and the reason why the town flourishes as a tourist destination. With over 27 square miles of navigable water, it is a true yachtsman's delight drawing boating enthusiasts from all across the British Isles. There is a thriving yacht club which organises races for dinghy's, yachts and speed-boats.
The centre of the town has a wide selection of shops, boutiques and galleries. There is a good choice of inns and restaurants and an ample choice of hotel accommodation for those wishing to spend a few days exploring the lovely downland countryside surrounding this fine coastal resort.
Goodwood House, 18th-century ancestral seat of the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon is within easy driving distance. The house has displays of fine paintings and furniture. Also close-by, in a scene of unrivalled beauty is Goodwood Racecourse.
