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 12th 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.