Chichester campsites

The city of Chichester is situated in the south east of England within West Sussex and enjoys a history that extends back to Roman Britain - all the hallmarks are clearly printed across the city's modern face. 

Chichester's packed with architectural attractions so bring a pair of comfy shoes and settle in for some sightseeing. Start at a structure that you can't miss on the skyline - Chichester Cathedral, home to 900 years of cracking history and full of medieval carvings. From there, it'd be a shame not to delve into the Roman past and so Fishbourne Roman Palace is an obvious choice as Britain's biggest Roman home.

A free, self guided walk around the Chichester City Walls will take you back to when it was called Noviomagus Reginorum, and helmeted centurions barred its gates. As you walk the stones remember that more than 80% of what you see in the wall is original, so you are genuinely stepping back through time on this mile and a half long tour.  

But, if you'd rather here the rev of an engine that the clack of ancient chariot, Goodwood House is the spot for you. The estate combines an incredible building and grounds with plenty of intriguing history alongside the Goodwood Motor Circuit, which hosts high octane races.  

Give yourself a leisurely few hours in Chichester to take on some fascinating museums and feel like you understand the place better. Make a start at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, where you can dip your head into a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon home, complete in every detail, or watch the cooking in the Tudor kitchen and the time-honoured skills of a blacksmith in his forge.

A world of unique and thought-provoking pieces is on show at the Cass Sculpture Foundation, and the Pallant House Gallery specialises in British modern art, with the likes of Henry Moore, John Piper and Ivon Hitchens gracing its walls. Get to know the mysteries of the night sky at the South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre and perhaps road test your skills in the Dark Skies areas of the South Downs. 

The Novium is a brand new rising star in Chichester, housing the remains of an ancient Roman bath house and the famous Chilgrove Mosaic, but adding the very 21st century twist of interactive art exhibits that span two further floors, too.

The Bishop's Palace Gardens are a pleasant place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, as is the pretty Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve. The picturesque West Dean Gardens and the striking Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve are beautiful nearby locations to explore too. You can't beat an afternoon watching the bobbing of boats and sipping coffee from a cafe near Chichester Harbour AONB and it's an attractive spot for walking too.

The remains of Boxgrove Priory are worth the short drive into rural Sussex required, while the South Downs National Park will lure outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It's one of those truly fantastic natural landscapes, stuffed with rolling hills and green spaces as far as the eye can see.

The seaside towns of Worthing and Brighton, both have beaches to tempt you and the busy coastal city of Portsmouth could be just the day trip you've been looking for from Chichester.