Plan your visit here
Welcome to the official website of Chichester Tourism covering Chichester city, Midhurst, Petworth, Selsey and the Witterings. Chichester, situated in the county of West Sussex is the perfect holiday destination. Easily accessible from all parts of the UK, with London, its airports and the south coast channel terminals, all within easy reach.
Coast
Chic, sandy and unspoilt, West Wittering’s beach and sand dunes will more than whet your appetite. The classic promenade of beach huts adorning the shoreline, combined with clean, crystal clear waters have long made it a favourite destination for sporty sailors, sassy surfers and families looking for a traditional bucket and spade holiday alike. It is no wonder it’s considered one of the premier ‘Blue Flag’ beaches in the country.
Take a walk around East Head’s wild and grassy sand dunes – a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ and a wetland site of international importance. Popular with wind and kite surfers, the shallow lagoons and sandy flats also provide ample opportunity for ramblers and cyclists as the beach lands can be enjoyed all year round. Nearby Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve is home to all kinds of wildlife – including waders, kestrels, barn owls, oystercatchers, weasels and voles, plus butterflies and dragonflies in the summer. Botanists too can enjoy the variety of unusual and rare plants including the ‘Childling Pink’ and ‘Southern Marsh Orchid’.
Moving East along the Manhood Peninsula, Selsey is ideal for family summer holidays and cosy winter breaks offering diving and snorkelling to cycling and bird watching. Add a bit of kayaking, golf and fishing and there’s plenty to keep the whole family occupied all year round. All of these activities are made better thanks to Selsey’s sunny ‘micro-climate’. Laze on the beach and watch the small fleet of inshore fishing boats bring in the famous ‘Selsey Crab’.
Later, treat yourself to such ‘tastes of the sea’ at the many restaurants, seafront cafes and waterside pubs serving fresh locally caught delicacies. Depending on the season, the crab, shellfish and lobster are menu favourites, or eat piping hot fish ‘n’ chips whilst strolling along the promenade. Friendly family owned shops line the colourful high street, offering crab lines, windbreaks, surf boards and of course, buckets and spades!
In summer, Selsey buzzes with the sound of music and festivities. The variety of fêtes, carnivals and festivals is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Not to be missed, the RNLI Lifeboat Station and its museum depict the daring rescues of the RNLI. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even see the launch of the lifeboat!
Whether you want to camp under canvas or relax in furnished comfort and style, this coastal region is particularly well served with a wide range of accommodation establishments for those who cannot resist the call of the seaside.
