The Roman city of Chichester in West Sussex offers the best of city, country and coastal living so it is no wonder that it was named one of the best places to live in 2023 by The Sunday Times.
The skyline is dominated by the cathedral with its magnificent spire, which can be seen for miles, and was famously painted by the legendary J. M. W. Turner from the city’s canal.
The city centre is marked by the Grade I listed 15th-century Market Cross at the convergence of the original quadrant of streets – North, East, South and West Street – which have popular shops and restaurants to explore as well as local businesses.
The centre is confined by the remains of the Roman walls with the almost 1.5-mile route easily followed on foot, taking you around the Cathedral’s Bishop’s Palace Garden and Priory Park, home to the city’s cricket and bowls club.
Sussex’s oldest city has a population of less than 30,000, making it the 10th smallest city in the UK but this does not mean it is lacking in amenities and charm.
Chichester also offers several leisure and cultural facilities including Pallant House Gallery and the popular Chichester Festival Theatre which hosts high-quality productions throughout the year, with many moving on to London’s West End.
A short drive to the north is the South Downs National Park with plenty of country walking routes through woodlands and rolling hills to enjoy.
The Goodwood estate is also nearby with numerous horse racing and motoring events, such as the Festival of Speed, drawing in crowds to the area.
The city is well connected with the A27 running through the south of the city giving easy access along the south coast to Portsmouth and Southampton to the west and Brighton in the east.
Trains to London run twice an hour and the 90-minute journey to London Victoria makes it a popular location for commuters.
Local resident Rosemary Webb told Sussex Life earlier this year: “What’s brilliant about Chichester is the friendliness, the warmth, and the history. It’s small, but there’s lots of things going on. I’ve only been here two years – we came from Berkshire to downsize and be nearer to family. This is the perfect place.”
She praised the transport links, explaining: “I’ve never seen anything like the transport links here. I do have a car but I don’t really use it. The buses come to the end of my road and go to Brighton one way and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth in the other direction. The trains are very good, when they’re not on strike. It’s good for cycling here too – there are lots of cycle paths.”
The city is also famed for its harbour which is home to numerous yachts while the surrounding estuary is an area of outstanding natural beauty, often referred to as the South of England’s version of America’s famous Hamptons.
Chichester is a short drive away from one of England’s best beaches, West Wittering beach with its sweeping sandy beach offering views over to the Isle of Wight.
It is much-loved by locals and celebrities, but its popularity does not go unnoticed, so be sure to book in advance as the only car park for the beach regularly sells out in the summer.
