Chichester
Chichester is a fantastic place to live. It’s one of the largest island harbours in the country and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are ample opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing and other water sports on the amazing beaches. It is a beautiful Cathedral and University City set on the edge of the South Downs National Park which is superb for walking and mountain biking. There are numerous big events including Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Revival, Glorious Goodwood, etc. Chichester has it’s own yearly festival, a fabulous gallery, cinema, sports complex and an excellent theatre with many shows going to London. There is also direct train access to London and Brighton. Chichester has great shops (high street to boutique), bars and restaurants.
A City with art and soul, Chichester is famous for its flourishing art scene. From cutting-edge theatre to traditional classics, Chichester Festival Theatre presents stellar casts in a mix of old and new drama, musicals and comedy. One of the best exhibitions of 20th century British art in the country is showcased at Pallant House Art Gallery, exhibiting work by Peter Blake, Lucien Freud and Richard Hamilton.
Chichester’s rich ecclesiastical history is evident from which ever direction you approach the city. The prominent cathedral spire provides a landmark over the Sussex Plains for miles around. This Norman Cathedral, an art piece in itself, combines historic architecture with a varied world famous collection of modern art, including a window by Marc Chagall and John Piper’s tapestry. Also, explore The Cass Sculpture Foundation at Goodwood, a changing collection of monumental sculpture set in 24 acres of Sussex countryside.
Discover Chichester’s long and dramatic history at the Chichester and District Museum; gaze into a night’s sky at the South Downs Planetarium. For historic buildings the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at nearby Singleton is a must. Goodwood’s famous Racecourse and Motor Circuit, where hats, horses and hair-raising fast cars entertain worldwide visitors and locals alike!
And finally some peace and tranquillity at Brandy Hole Copse, designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2001 to help protect and enhance its diverse flora and fauna, which includes a sea of bluebells every spring and numerous rare and fascinating species throughout the year.