Chichester

The city of Chichester boasts both an historic Cathedral and an attractive, popular marina and harbour, making it a magnet for tourists and sailing enthusiasts alike. The only city in west Sussex, its proximity to the coast and yet being within relatively easy reach of the capital makes it a popular destination for homebuyers.

Its historic attractions aside, more modern day Chichester enjoys an enviable reputation for supporting the arts, most notably through its world-renowned four-week arts and musical festival – the Festival of Chichester – held every summer.

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, Chichester is a magnet for those who want to reside in an attractive city which offers every opportunity to ‘work, rest and play’ in style. Designer label shops and boutiques, together with a fine range of eateries, only serve to add to its charm.

What a Property Buying Agent Can Purchase

£1m: a four-bedroom detached home with land.

£3m: a six-bedroom country house with land.

£5m: a seven-bedroom country home in idyllic countryside.

Best Hotels in Chichester

The Chichester Harbour Hotel and Spa (www.harbourhotels.co.uk) is a lovely hotel in a Grade II listed Georgian building at the heart of the city. The Royal Oak Inn (www.royaloakeastlavant.co.uk) is a splendid country inn which has been offering fine service and good food for over 200 years. Slightly further afield, The Goodwood Hotel (www.goodwood.com) is a bright, well-appointed spot in a former 18 Century coaching inn set within the grounds of the historic Goodwood Estate.

Best Restaurants in Chichester

Buying agent Nigel Bishop recommends Purchases Restaurant (www.purchasesrestaurant.co.uk), which has a well-deserved reputation for excellent food, making the most of local produce. The Crab and Lobster (www.crab-lobster.co.uk) is a stylish, waterside hideaway, nestling on the banks of a nature reserve. Close to the city is Cassons (www.cassonsrestaurant.co.uk), offering both casual and fine dining in a country setting. The Gribble Inn (www.gribbleinn.co.uk) is everything a dining out pub should be.

Best school in Chichester

The Prebendal School (www.prebendalschool.org.uk) is a mixed independent school close to the city centre which has links with the Cathedral going back to the 11th Century. Churcher’s College (www.churcherscollege.com), close to the city, is a mixed independent school which offers education from 3-18. In the state sector, Bishop Luffa School (www.bishopluffa.org.uk) is a Church of England teaching school with a fine reputation.

Buying Agents Chichester Fact

If you are in town the Sloe Fair, held annually on October 20th in the city centre since 1107, is a fabulous traditional funfair which evokes childhood memories and creates a real buzz in the city. The award-wining Pallant House Gallery (www.pallant.org.uk) has a dynamic programme of changing exhibitions, but is mainly home to a fantastic collection of modern British art. The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre (www.southdowns.org.uk) is home to a theatre which features regular spectacular space and star shows. No visit to Chichester would be complete without a trip to nearby Goodwood (www.goodwood.com), a classic English estate. Known for its racing and food festivals, even if you visit when there isn’t one of these in the calendar, there is so much to see and do.

How to get to Chichester from London

Train: total 1 hour, 30 mins via regular services from London Victoria.

Car: Total two hours.

Helicopter: 30 mins from Battersea Heliport.