Weekends, Short Breaks & Days Out in Chichester

Cosmopolitan, elegant and quirky, Chichester is a gem of a city made for exploring combining a city, coast and countryside stay.

If you’re looking for weekends, short breaks or days out, Chichester is perfect for couples. There’s history on every corner here - Roman era city walls, a 12th century cathedral and a Tudor era market cross are but a few of the intriguing attractions on offer in Chichester. The city is not only located in the heart of the South Downs but is also not far from some of the most picturesque coastline in South East England – making Chichester perfect for those looking to get out and about too.

Here are some ideas for couples for weekends, short breaks and days out in Chichester. Alternatively you can visit the Official Chichester Visitor Guide or view our online brochure for Chichester.

Chichester Cathedral

Image of Chichester Cathedral

The centre of life in Chichester for over 900 years, Chichester Cathedral is not only known for being a site for religion, but also art and is home to treasures ranging from medieval stone carvings to modern works of art.

Find out more - Chichester Cathedral

Pallant House Gallery

Image of a couple at Pallant House Gallery

Housed in a quaint Queen Anne era townhouse, Pallant House Gallery is home to one of the world’s best collections of 20th century British art - themed guided tours are available as well as talks, events and workshops for adults.

Find out more - Pallant House Gallery

Chichester Festival Theatre

Located in the grounds of Oaklands Park, the theatre is one of South East England's flagship theatres and has a reputation for producing top theatrical productions, including musicals, comedies and classic dramas.

Find out more - Chichester Festival Theatre

Stansted House

A grade II listed Edwardian country house set in a 1,750-acre park, Stansted Park is a popular venue for weddings. The surrounding Stansted Forest is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year and is perfect for a countryside stroll.

Find out more - Stanstead House

Chichester Harbour

Image of a couple looking out onto the water at Chichester Cathedral

One of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in Southern England, the harbour is another of Chichester’s nearby Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is popular for fishing, bird watching and sailing.

Find out more - Chichester Harbour

Goodwood House

Image of the front of Goodwood House

The House is the seat of the Dukes of Richmond & Gordon and is at the heart of the great sporting estate of Goodwood. It also houses a classic English art collection, with portraits by Van Dyck, Lely and Reynolds.

Find out more - Goodwood House

Fishbourne Roman Palace

Home to some of the finest examples of Roman era mosaics found anywhere in the country, Fishbourne Roman Palace is a perfect day out for all history buffs - outside, a formal garden has been re-planted to its original Roman era plan.

Find out more - Fishbourne Roman Palace

Pagham Harbour

An internationally important site for nature conservation, the reserve at Pagham Harbour covers about 1,500 acres and is a popular destination for ramblers and birdwatchers. The area is also home to a number of rare bird species.

Find out more - Pagham Harbour

Petworth House

Image of Petworth House and the surrounding grounds

Set in a 'Capability' Brown landscaped deer park, this magnificent 17th century mansion houses the National Trust’s largest art collection, including works by Turner. On weekdays, additional rooms are open to visitors.

Find out more - Petworth House

South Downs Way

Image of the South Downs

Located practically on Chichester’s doorstep - the South Downs are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are a popular area for ramblers, with a network of 2,000 miles of managed and easily accessible trails.

Find out more - South Downs Way