Chichester Cathedral

Southeast England


This understated cathedral was begun in 1075 and largely rebuilt in the 13th century. The free-standing church tower went up in the 15th century; the spire dates from the 19th century, when its predecessor famously toppled over. Inside, three storeys of beautiful arches sweep upwards and Romanesque carvings are dotted around. Interesting features to track down include a smudgy stained-glass window added by artist Marc Chagall in 1978 and a glassed-over section of Roman mosaic flooring.

Just off the left nave is the treasury where heaps of church plates and an interesting collection of 13th-century oak chests are displayed. The peaceful cloisters are home to a worthwhile gift shop and an excellent cafe, all the profits from which go to the upkeep of the cathedral.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southeast England attractions

1. Novium Museum

0.09 MILES

Chichester’s purpose-built museum provides a home for the eclectic collections of the erstwhile District Museum, as well as some artefacts from Fishbourne…

2. Pallant House Gallery

0.15 MILES

A Queen Anne mansion built by a local wine merchant, handsome Pallant House and a 21st-century wing host this superb gallery. The focus is on mostly…

3. Chichester City Walls

0.3 MILES

Chichester’s almost complete ring of Roman defensive walls are around 1.5 miles in length, and provide a pleasant escape from the retail bustle they now…

4. Fishbourne Roman Palace

1.24 MILES

Fishbourne Palace is the largest-known Roman residence in Britain. The palace lies 1.5 miles west of Chichester, just off the A259 (take bus 700 from…

5. Arundel Cathedral

9.78 MILES

Arundel’s ostentatious 19th-century Catholic cathedral is one of the dominating features on the town’s impressive skyline. Commissioned by the 15th Duke…

6. Arundel Castle

10.05 MILES

Arundel Castle was first built in the 11th century but all that's left of the early structure are the modest remains of the keep. It was ransacked during…

7. Arundel Museum

10.09 MILES

Located opposite the Arundel Castle gates, this small museum has sections on the castle, the South Downs National Park and the River Arun’s role in 19th…

8. D-Day Story

14.09 MILES

Portsmouth played a key role in the assault mounted by Allied D-Day forces in 1944. A £5 million revamp means this exhibit now combines audio-visual…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "england/southeast-england/chichester/attractions/chichester-cathedral/a/poi-sig/1016786/358975",
      "destination": "Southeast-England",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "England",
      "region": "Southeast-England",
      "position": "superzone"
    }