Chichester is a Roman Cathedral City located in West Sussex. The town is full of stunning history, featuring many Grade II listed buildings. Being crowned the ‘best place to live in the Southeast’ by The Times in 2023, there’s no doubt that Chichester has a little something for everyone.

The city has close transport links to Portsmouth, Brighton, Southampton and Bognor Regis, making it perfect for commuters as well as having plenty to offer for fun days out. It's also just a 17-minute drive from the coast, and with five beaches to choose from, the waves are pretty much on your doorstep.

If you are considering moving here, find out more about the fantastic range of homes available at our Minerva Heights and The Paddock developments.

Things to do in Chichester

Walking through the city centre you’ll be surrounded by preserved historical architecture dotted with both well-known and independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Featuring the Chichester Cathedral, the town is dripping with historical markings to make your daily outings that little bit more enjoyable.

You can take your staycation to the next level with a trip to the Chichester Lakeside Holiday Park, or take a short 20 minute drive to one of the five beaches nearby. For those who prefer a city break, London is around a 1.5-hour drive. To experience the best of both worlds, Brighton is under an hour's drive away.

Where to visit in Chichester

Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens

Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens, situated close to Chichester, is one of the most significant Roman archaeological sites in Britain. Discovered in 1960, this grand Roman palace dates back to the 1st century AD and features the largest collection of in-situ (in their original location) Roman mosaics in the UK.

The surrounding gardens are a modern interpretation of a Roman garden, offering a serene and historically rich experience for all who visit.

Chichester Cathedral

A landmark of spiritual and architectural heritage, Chichester Cathedral stands proudly in the heart of Chichester. This stunning cathedral, with its distinctive spire visible from miles around, has been a place of worship for over 900 years.

The cathedral also hosts a variety of concerts, exhibitions, and community events, making it a vibrant centre of the community.

Weald & Downland Living Museum

The Weald & Downland Living Museum, located just a short drive from Chichester, is a captivating open-air museum that offers a unique glimpse into rural life in South East England from the 13th to the 19th century.

Set within 40 acres of beautiful countryside, the museum features over 50 historic buildings meticulously reconstructed to their original glory. Explore traditional homes, farms, and workshops, and experience hands-on demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades.

West Dean Gardens

West Dean Gardens is a horticultural paradise of stunning landscape and rich history, spanning over 100 acres. Featuring a spectacular walled garden, beautifully restored Victorian glasshouses, a sunken garden, and a captivating arboretum.

West Dean Gardens is a delightful day out for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Schools in Chichester

Chichester offers a range of outstanding schools, providing high-quality education for children of all ages. Ofsted recognises several primary schools in the area, such as St Richard's Catholic School, Parklands, Jessie Younghusband, Kingsham, Portfield, and Fishbourne, all of which have received 'Good' ratings.

For secondary education, Bishop Luffa School and St Anthony’s are highly acclaimed, both earning Outstanding Ofsted ratings. Chichester High School and Chichester Free School also maintain strong reputations with 'Good' ratings.

Additionally, Chichester College has earned an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted for further education.

Not to mention the University of Chichester, which ranked at number 26 in The Guardian’s University Guide 2025.

With so many quality options, Chichester is an ideal location for families seeking quality schooling and further education options.

Cost of living in Chichester

According to Livingcost.org, Chichester is ranked in the top 4% of best places to live in the world, and the 50th most liveable city in England.

Below is a table of common costs in the area: 

Commodity		Avg. Price in Chichester
Transport	Bus Ticket	£4.60
	Taxi (1km)	£1.41
	Petrol/diesel per litre	£1.40 - £1.89
Utilities	Basic Electric and Water for 85m2 Apartment	£150 Monthly
Rent	In City Centre (3 bed)	£1,500
	Outside City Centre (3bed)	£1,450
Gym membership		£24.99
Cappuccino		£3.60
Beer in a Pub		£4.50

 

Transport links in Chichester

By Car

Chichester is well-connected by road, making it easy to reach several nearby towns and cities:

• Portsmouth: Approx. 30 minutes via the A27 westbound.
• Brighton: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour via the A27 eastbound.
• Southampton: About 1 hour via the A27 westbound and M27.
• London: 1.5 to 2 hours via the A27 and A3(M) northbound.

By Bus

Regular bus services operate from Chichester, connecting it to surrounding areas:

• Portsmouth: Stagecoach services 700 and 702 provide direct routes.
• Bognor Regis: Local bus services including Stagecoach 60 and 700.
• Worthing: Accessible via Stagecoach service 700.
• Midhurst: Stagecoach service 60 connects Chichester with Midhurst.

Train Stations

Chichester railway station offers frequent train services to various cities and towns:

• London Victoria: Direct trains with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours.
• Brighton: Direct trains take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Portsmouth: Around 30 minutes by direct train.
• Southampton: Approximately 1 hour via train, typically requiring a change at Havant.
• Bognor Regis: About 15 minutes by direct train.

Should I move to Chichester?

If you love living near the city and the beach, Chichester is perfect for you. With easy drives to cities like Portsmouth, Southampton and Brighton, the town is ideal for those who enjoy a big city break, while staying close to the coast and countryside.

If you are looking to buy a new home in Chichester, check out our current offers including part exchange and first home scheme.

Miller Homes developments near Chichester

Browse our current developments in West Sussex, including our new homes in Chichester, and find your dream home in the perfect location today.