Chichester is a cathedral city, and the county town of West Sussex. The Romans settled here, as did the Anglo-Saxons, the Normans and all the generations after, and it’s been a lively market town through much of recorded history. Fisbourne Roman Palace, the largest Roman residence north of the Alps, is a near neighbour - it’s now impressively excavated and preserved, and open as a museum. Many people know contemporary Chichester for its festival, and its Festival Theatre, which is one of the UK’s producing and touring theatres. Chichester also has a Symphony Orchestra, a planetarium and science centre, and a film festival - it’s a culturally meeting calendar of events. The best places to stay in Chichester are as varied as the people who’re visiting, ranging from converted townhouse hotels and farmhouses, to homely B&Bs.

Goodwood is another of Chichester’s local attractions, and the best places to stay in Chichester are popular for race-goers. The countryside around Chichester is picturesque, and the city is close to the coastline, only about a quarter of an hour, so it’s a lovely pick for walkers and/ or explorers. The Centurion Way starts here, and runs along an old railway line, all the way to West Dean.

Chichester’s 11th century cathedral is a spectacular sight, inside and out, known for its glorious stained glass windows, assortment of historic tapestries and paintings, and dramatic spires which rise above the town. So undeniably one to visit while you’re booked in to one of the best places to stay in Chichester. Our Gurus also recommend Bishop’s Palace Gardens, the Chichester Museum, the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, and the Weald and Downland Living Museum - kids will probably love all of these too. The Royal Naval Museums of nearby Portsmouth also come highly recommended for families. And the beach!

The Best Places to Stay in Chichester

For a Mini-Break

• The Chichester Harbour Hotel is a Georgian townhouse conversion in central Chichester, with 37 contemporary rooms and suites, a lively bar, and a great restaurant, and an underground spa! with a hydrotherapy pool, a gym and steam room. There are plenty of original features adding to the Chichester Harbour Hotel’s appeal - full height sash windows, magnificent fireplaces and a grand, sweeping central staircase, but it’s decorated in contemporary colours, design furniture, and contemporary art on the walls. Our Gurus enjoyed the afternoon tea.

For Great Value

• Crouchers is a converted farmhouse just outside Chichester, with 26 spacious, comfortable, and affordable rooms and suites. This is simple accommodation at its best, with pleasantly unfussy design in neutral colours, and good quality, solid furniture. Some rooms have courtyard access and four-poster beds. The hotel restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes, a friendly bar, and that lovely courtyard.

Best B&Bs

• Church Lodge is a three room B&B just back from the Sussex coast. This is a home, as well as a B&B, and it’s got a warm, comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Our Gurus like the eclectic decor, the breakfast conservatory, and the peaceful location.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Chichester is probably Southampton Airport, which is about 40minutes away from Chichester by road, or about 50minutes by train if you can get a direct train, or an hour and a half via Southampton Central Station. London’s Gatwick Airport may well be more convenient for you, and is a similar distance away: 55minutes by car or taxi, and an hour by train direct, or an hour and a quarter via Barnham. If you’re travelling via London, the quickest route is probably by train out of London Victoria, which can take as little as an hour and a half - if you travel by direct train.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Chichester is busiest during the Festival of Chichester, which runs for four weeks annually, at the end of June and beginning of July. The Chichester calendar of events has interesting events scattered throughout the year, so there are always visitors, but if you’re thinking only of the weather then then Chichester’s oceanic climate means you can expect a limited smattering of rainfall year round, but plenty of sunshine too, and Chichester’s appeals are both indoor and outdoor, so it’s really a year-round destination.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in West Sussex?
• you may want to consider nearby Portsmouth? or Midhurst?
• you might refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning? and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in West Sussex? or the most romantic hotels in West Sussex?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Chichester