Car Hire Chichester

Parking in Chichester

1. You’ll find a variety of Short and Long Stay car parks inside the city walls, with many available bays. 
2. Close by Chichester Cathedral, the conveniently located Cattle Market car park has more than 800 spaces.  
3. You can also find on-street Pay & Display parking within the city centre, which generally charges per hour.

Traffic in Chichester

Peak traffic times in Chichester are between 8am and 10am in the mornings and 4pm and 7pm in the evenings, during the week.

It is also a popular place to visit on weekends. You may wish to plan your journeys to avoid the busiest times.

Southampton Airport to Chichester - directions

1. Exit the airport and take Exit 5 onto the M27
2. Follow the M27 south and then east, continuing onto the A27
3. Turn left off the A27 onto the A259 as you approach Chichester to reach the centre.
4. Your journey should take around 40 minutes, depending on traffic

Roads and motorways

1. The A27 connects Southampton to Eastbourne, running through the south of Chichester. 
2. Follow the A3 north to reach London  and beyond. 

Driving rules and regulations

Speed limits around Chichester will vary depending on road type – and are usually clearly signposted.

Limits can reach as high as 70mph on motorways but often drop as low as 20mph in many residential areas – where lower speed restrictions are typically enforced. 

There are some pedestrianised zones and precincts in the city centre – but plenty of parking is available close to the main shopping districts and attractions.

What to see and do in Chichester

Festival of Speed

Goodwood Estate covers 12,000 acres – and is the official site for the world’s biggest and most celebrated motoring event of its kind.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual hillclimb through the estate’s private roads. Often undertaken in classic vehicles or famous race cars of old, the event attracts leading drivers from Formula 1, NASCAR, Le Mans and the World Rally Championship. Spectators spend four days every summer on the edge of their seats, as racers speed by.  

Goodwood Revival

This three-day festival recreates the awe and glamour of the original motor racing days every September.

Hosted at the Goodwood circuit – the spiritual home of motor racing – Revival is a huge celebration of pre-1966 motorsport. Festival goers get involved by dressing in vintage clothing and dancing the Charleston to a live swing band. Super Sunday is the biggest hit for racing lovers, with a total of eight exhilarating races taking place over the day.

Chichester Cathedral

Formerly the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, this exquisite example of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture dates all the way back to 1075.

You’ll find some outstanding pieces of medieval workmanship lining the church’s twin aisles. Be sure to visit the two rare reliefs from the 12^th century depicting the story of Saint Lazarus.

City walls and historic sites

Chichester’s city walls are the best preserved in the UK. With over three quarters having survived for more than 1,800 years, walk along the 1.5-mile long line of parapets and enjoy the best views of the city beyond.

Remains and ruins of incredible Roman sites can be found throughout Chichester too. Pay a visit and immerse yourself in the past.

Chichester’s best hotels

Chichester Harbour Hotel (PO19 1NH)

Offering spectacular views of attractions including the cathedral, this Grade II listed building is now a fabulous spa hotel retreat. Book one of the 36 deluxe rooms for a chance to wake to the sight of Priory Park – and enjoy a sumptuous evening meal at their Jetty restaurant.

Flintstone Cottages, The Barn (PO20 3TR)

This self-catering barn is only a 10-minute drive from the city, making it a perfect rural retreat while still being close to the excitement. The luxury master bedrooms boast en suite facilities with walk-in rainfall shower, while the open-plan kitchen and living areas feature cosy wood-burning stoves to snuggle up in front of.

Chichester’s best places to eat

Field & Fork

A family-run business, Field & Fork is a chef-led independent restaurant with years of experience under its apron ties. Book a table for your lunch break while walking through Priory Park – and pick a dish from their innovative menu.

Cloisters Café

You’ll find Cloisters Café in the heart of the cathedral, featuring secluded private gardens beneath the towering spires. Everything on the menu is homemade, using locally

sourced ingredients. Book a table on Sunday to enjoy their delicious Sunday roast.

Goodwood Estate

Rivalling their passion for motoring events, Goodwood Estate has a firm love of great food too. The estate’s organic Home Farm produces fresh ingredients for several on-site restaurants, including reared meat and cheeses, while the surrounding woodland is perfect for foraging wild produce.

Taste the ever-changing menu at ‘Farmer, Butcher, Chef’, which champions the seasonal produce of England, or enjoy a charming afternoon tea inside Goodwood House.

All this and more is at your finger tips with Hertz car rental in Chichester.