48 hours in Chichester, West Sussex

Hitched to the sea by a gently flowing canal, the historic cathedral town of Chichester is perfect for an action-packed weekend getaway.

Start your weekend at the Chichester canal basin with a stand-up paddleboard lesson on the calm sheltered waters of the canal. Take in the views as you paddle along a corridor thriving with wildlife, head towards the distant spire of the cathedral.  Or, for a more leisurely pace, stroll through the town centre to Chichester Cathedral’s main entrance for a free 45 minute guided tour that covers history, architecture and a surprising cultural heritage. Don’t miss Marc Chagall’s stained-glass window, or composer Gustav Holst’s memorial plaque.

A five-minute walk away is the Pallant House Gallery, home to a stunning collection of Modern British art, including important works by Tracey Emin and Walter Sickert, as well as  temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Their café is a good place to stop for lunch. Alternatively, you may prefer to take a short 10 minute drive from the city centre to Tinwood Estate Vineyards for some wine tasting. Tinwood has quickly established a reputation for producing the very finest English sparkling wines. Take a tour or head direct to the Tasting Room to sample some of Tinwood’s produce. 

For a perfect end to the day, indulge in a three-course pre-theatre dinner before catching a show at the renowned Chichester Festival Theatre. 

Chichester has a wealth of accommodation options, from cosy B&Bs to luxurious hotels, pubs with rooms to camp sites.

Prepare for a sensory extravaganza, a perfect blend of Chichester’s natural and history beauty.

Sea- and wildlife-lovers may like to start their second day with an early tour of Chichester’s natural harbour – internationally recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - either on the solar-powered boat Solar Heritage, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, a kayak paddle tour with Fluid Adventures. Enjoy a connection with nature as you get close to the thousands of waders and water fowl. Look out for a glimpse of the local seal colony! 

If you love history, then book yourself a guided tour of Goodwood House, where the State Apartments have been restored to their full Regency splendour. Feast your eyes on the rich opulence that reflects the exoticism and grandeur of the era and follow up with a quintessential British cream tea.

As an alternative, keen walkers may prefer to take in Britain’s ancient history by stretching their legs on the Centurian Way – a 5.5 mile (9km) walking route with Roman heritage between Chichester and West Dean on the edge of the South Downs. 

Reward your taste buds and toast your weekend with dinner at the Goodwood Hotel’s highly rated field-to-fork restaurant, Farmer Butcher, Chef. 

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