Surrounded by the ancient city walls the four main streets meet at the Market Cross built in 1501. The city’s museum, the Novium, opened in 2012 and houses the remains of the Roman Bath House as an open archaeological site.
Chichester is 1 hour and 31 minutes by fast train from London and just 67 miles from the capital. Georgian properties line the many small side streets throughout the centre which also offers open green spaces including Priory Park popular with families at the weekends. It successfully blends old with new, from the magnificent medieval Cathedral, which has welcomed visitors for over 900 years, to high street chains, boutique shops and great restaurants. A farmers’ market is held on the first and third Friday of the month. All stallholders are required to grow, rear, bake, and/or preserve all their produce and are based within 30 miles of Chichester.
The renowned Chichester Festival Theatre offers an impressive line-up of dramas, musicals and comedy with many of the productions moving on to London’s West End. The Pallant House Gallery is a Grade 1 listed Queen Anne townhouse with an award-winning contemporary extension and contains one of the country’s best collections of 20th century British art. Chichester Cinema at New Park is an arthouse cinema which shows a selection of mainstream, small budget and older films and hosts an International Film Festival every summer.
Chichester is on the edge of the South Downs National Park and has some beautiful beaches nearby including the unspoilt Blue Flag beach at West Wittering with its traditional beach huts and sand dunes. The harbour is also popular with sailors and the area is home to a number of sailing clubs. The nearby Goodwood estate hosts internationally recognised events including The Festival of Speed. Golf is also available at the Chichester Golf Club and there is a good choice of fitness centres and health clubs.
Chichester is a university city and also has thousands of students at the conservation and creative arts specialist West Dean College. Four state primary schools including the Rumboldswhyke Church of England Infants School and the Bishop Luffa secondary school are classed as outstanding by Ofsted. Local public schools include The Prebendal School and Westbourne House.
A monthly season ticket to London costs £511.20 from Chichester (£5,324 annually) with the fastest journey time between Chichester and London 1 hr 31 minutes. Fast trains to from Chichester to Gatwick take 55 minutes (£245.40 monthly, £2,556 annually); Chichester to Brighton takes 47 minutes (£212.80 monthly, £2,216 annually).
The A27/M27 gives fast access across the south coast and the M23/M3. London is 67 miles, Portsmouth 19 miles. Gatwick Airport is 43 miles away and Southampton Airport 30 miles.
Here’s a round-up of great new homes to buy in the Chichester area:
|
Badger Heights (Miller Homes) - A delightful collection of energy-efficient one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes arranged around open green spaces, just three miles from Chichester’s historic city centre with mainline train services to London. Each home offers open-plan living and allocated parking spaces. Prices from £219,000. Find out more about Badger Heights from Miller Homes
|
 |
|
East Beach Walk (Barratt Homes) - Once a smugglers’ paradise, Selsey is now a relaxed seaside town with a real sense of community just eight miles south of Chichester. The development comprises two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes offering spacious reception rooms and three bedrooms. Prices from £335,000. Find out more about East Beach Walk from Barratt Homes
|
 |
|
Bersted Park (Berkeley Homes) – This range of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes offer the best contemporary styles, spacious living spaces and excellent specifications. Set within some of the South East's most stunning countryside, you’ll find leafy woodland walks, tranquil lakes and open parkland right on your doorstep. Prices from £255,000. Find out more about Bersted Park from Berkeley Homes
|
 |
|
Roman Fields (Seaward Properties) - A rare opportunity to own a new home on the northern edge of Chichester. This four-bedroom detached house comprises a living room, kitchen/breakfast room and utility room to the ground floor. On the first floor both the master bedroom and bedroom two are en suite, plus there’s a family bathroom. Priced at £825,000. For more details, visit www.seawardproperties.co.uk; 01243 790581
|
 |
|
Graylingwell Park (Linden Homes) - Set in 85 acres of beautiful parkland, this development is perfect for families and retirees who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. A range of refurbished and new homes is available. Chichester’s city centre is just 10 minutes by car and there is also a resident’s bus service. Prices at Graylingwell Park start from £284,995. Click here for more developments from Linden Homes
|
 |