Free and Fantastic in Chichester, West Sussex

Chichester for Free!

Walk the South Downs Way - the UK's newest National Park. Take in the majesty of a 900 year old cathedral and smell the fresh sea air of the spectacular East Head.

These are just some Chichester's free and fantastic offerings waiting to be explored.

The Chichester District is perfect for the indecisive holidaymaker, as the cityscape is flanked by the coast to the south and countryside to the north - offering a quintessential English holiday experience.

The attractions and experiences that can be explored without spending a penny include:

Free in the City:
Beautifully cosmopolitan, elegant and quirky; this gem of a City is made for exploring. For pleasures of the past, the Georgian terraces, Roman Walls, 12th century Chichester Cathedral, Tudor Market Cross, Bishop Palace Gardens and Chichester District and Guildhall Museums are all free to visit. Whilst on the modern front, so too are three contemporary art galleries - Ox Market Art Gallery, Joy Art Gallery and Otter Gallery. Plus window shopping is free, and the City is a haven for both independent and high street shopping options.

Free in the Country:
For outdoor lovers, the South Downs Way - soon to be Britain's newest National Park - offers a scenic network of paths and bridleways for cyclists and walkers.

Plus for a truly English experience, a free wander around the picturesque market towns of Midhurst and Petworth is a must. Both are full of character and bursting with old world charm. They nestle in the beautiful scenery of the classic Sussex countryside, with Georgian architecture and old half-timbered buildings juxtaposed with stylish boutiques and eateries.

Midhurst sits on the doorstep of the South Downs and served as the setting for past resident HG Wells's many books, including his best known novel ‘The Invisible Man.' While in Petworth, explore the cobbled lanes, admire the Georgian architecture and stop to browse in the myriad of antique shops which make this ancient market town a favourite with visitors.

Free by the Coast:
For bohemians, at West Wittering the beautiful and sandy privately-owned Blue Flag beach offers a perfect seascape vista. Kate Moss is a fan and Keith Richards has been known to strum a tune or two from his beach hut haven on the beach. Whilst at Selsey, all that is needed to enjoy the classic English seaside resort is a bucket and spade. As well as playing on the sands, the local Lifeboat Station and museum is free to visit.

The walks around East Head's wild and unspoilt grassy sand dunes (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) are truly spectacular. A must-do stroll is around the tranquil Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, home to all kinds of creatures including kestrels, barn owls and oystercatchers, weasels and voles, and butterflies and dragonflies in the summer.

For another way to take to the water, the spectacular Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is busy with dinghies, sleek yachts and gleaming motorboats. There are also plenty of harbourside activities, including fishing or watching the professionals haul in their catch of local Selsey crab, shellfish and lobster.

And at Bosham harbour, as well as scenic walks, the Bosham Art and Craft Centre is complimentary.

For information about the Chichester District, including accommodation options, please contact www.visitchichester.org.uk.