The walled Roman town of Chichester in West Sussex sits at the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the South Coast. During the Norman and medieval eras Chichester became a major market town, and exploring the city is like looking into a time capsule. Its ancient streets are now lined with upscale restaurants, bars, and shops, the towering castle transports you back to the 13th century, and the elaborate octangular market cross and clock tower at the intersection of East Street and West Street dates from 1503.

The tree-lined Chichester Canal is a reminder of the town’s history as a centre of trade; take a boat or canoe out onto the water to see the city from a different perspective, or fish for perch, pike, and eel. Around the town, you’ll find unique museums and galleries, beautiful gardens and wildlife reserves, and vineyards where you can spend an afternoon tasting local sparkling wines. Finish off a day of exploring with a pint at a traditional pub.

Direct trains from London Victoria will get you to Chichester in about 2 hours; trains from Birmingham or Oxford take 3 to 4 hours, with a couple of connections. Southern trains connect the town to Brighton in an hour and Portsmouth in 20 minutes, with plenty of rail and bus connections throughout West Sussex and other nearby attractions like Fishbourne Roman Palace. Most of the main attractions in Chichester are centred on four main streets, making it easy to get around. You can also explore the nearby canal by boat or on foot.

West Sussex enjoys a relatively mild climate, so holiday cottages in Chichester are popular all year round. The summer months generally have the best weather, which is great for picnics along the canal and morning coffees at al fresco cafe tables. However, the town’s proximity to London means that you won’t be the only one exploring its ancient streets, especially at weekends. Between mid-June and mid-July, a month-long arts festival brings a wide array of musical performances, theatre, and poetry readings to town.

Spring and autumn are also good times to visit as the weather is still pleasant — although it’s always wise to pack a waterproof layer — and visitor numbers are lower. Winter temperatures can be cold, but there are plenty of traditional pubs and coffee shops to warm up in.

Chichester Cathedral

This stately 12th-century cathedral’s towering gothic spire serves as a landmark for the city, and inside you’ll find ornate stained-glass windows and breathtaking vaulted ceilings. The adjacent Bishop’s Palace Gardens is home to rows of manicured flowers, trees, and plants, providing a tranquil place to rest. The cathedral hosts musical performances and art exhibitions throughout the year.

Fishbourne Roman Palace

Built in 75 AD, Fishbourne Palace is the largest Roman residence discovered in Britain. The ruins of this vast villa offer a fascinating glimpse into luxury life in the Roman Empire. You can view its beautifully preserved intricate mosaic floors, complex underfloor heating systems, and interconnecting corridors and courtyards. The palace is less than a 15-minute drive from Chichester, and can also be reached by bus from the town centre.

Chichester Canal

This scenic canal runs for about four miles from the harbour to the city marina. You can explore it on a boat or by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Take a stroll along the towpath through open farmland and groves of mature trees, which provide welcome shade on hot days. The canal is a popular spot for birdwatching, so keep a lookout for kingfishers, sandpipers, and herons as you meander along.