Living in Chichester

Chichester has a strong sense of community, supported by a wide range of local events, active residents’ groups, and a network of community centres. The city hosts regular farmers’ markets, open-air concerts, arts festivals, and seasonal celebrations such as the Chichester Christmas Market and summer Chichester Festivities.

Outdoor lifestyle is important here, with public spaces like Priory Park, Bishop’s Palace Gardens, and the nearby Goodwood Estate offering walking, cycling, and picnic opportunities. Chichester Harbour, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, attracts kayakers, walkers, sailors, and birdwatchers alike.

The city is home to several libraries, galleries such as the Pallant House Gallery, and sporting clubs ranging from football to sailing and tennis. Residents frequently comment on the welcoming, community-driven feel that makes it easy to build a social network, whether in the heart of the city or in the surrounding villages.

Crime rates in Chichester are generally lower than national averages, a fact that contributes to its enduring appeal for families and older residents. The city’s central areas are well-patrolled, while the surrounding countryside communities are noted for their tranquil, low-crime environments.

There are active neighbourhood policing teams and regular community forums aimed at maintaining and improving local safety. Chichester District Council collaborates closely with Sussex Police, especially during major city events, and initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch are well supported in many areas.

Areas around the city centre and train station can occasionally see petty crime, as is typical for most urban hubs, but serious incidents are uncommon. Recent regeneration zones have focused on improving lighting and surveillance to further enhance safety.

Parking in Chichester is relatively accessible, with several public car parks located around the city centre, including long-stay and short-stay options. On-street parking is available, although this can be limited in the older, narrow streets, and residents in central zones may require permits.

Chichester is intersected by the A27, providing direct road access both east toward Brighton and west toward Portsmouth. The A259 and A286 connect to other nearby towns and coastal destinations. While the city experiences congestion during peak tourist times—especially during events such as the Festival of Speed or at weekends—the road system caters well to daily commuters.

Travel times by road from Chichester include:
Brighton – approx. 50 minutes via A27 (29 miles)
Portsmouth – approx. 25 minutes via A27 (20 miles)
Southampton – approx. 45 minutes via A27/M27 (35 miles)
Bognor Regis – approx. 15 minutes via A259 (6 miles)

Chichester’s food and drink scene is diverse, with everything from classic English pubs to stylish restaurants, artisanal cafés, and gastro bars. Popular eateries include The Ivy Chichester Brasserie, Purchases Restaurant, and Bill’s Chichester, all offering a mix of modern British cuisine and international dishes. For more relaxed meals, the prominently positioned Boston Tea Party and Tinwood Estate offer unique gastronomic experiences.

Pubs like The Hole in the Wall and The Belle Isle provide a welcoming atmosphere, while traditional inns such as The George & Dragon attract a loyal local following. For nightlife, Chichester is more relaxed than some larger cities, with stylish cocktail bars, live music at venues like Chichester Inn, and occasional club nights at smaller venues. The Chichester Festival Theatre is a renowned spot for evening entertainment, as are the city’s cinemas and arts centres.

Takeaways and world food are also well represented, with everything from Thai, Indian, and Italian options to award-winning fish and chips. Market days and food festivals add extra vibrancy to local culinary choices.

Chichester is considered highly family-friendly, thanks to its range of top-rated schools and safe neighbourhoods. With state and independent schooling options, families enjoy strong local education and welcoming school communities.

Parks and green spaces are abundant, providing playgrounds, sports fields, and nature trails—for example, Priory Park and Bishop's Palace Gardens. Local nurseries and after-school childcare options are well regarded among parents, making it easier for working families to balance daily routines.

Safety levels and low crime rates further support family life, while activities like theatre workshops at the Chichester Festival Theatre, youth sports clubs, and Harbour nature days ensure that children and teenagers always have something to do.

Chichester is a pet-friendly city, with numerous green spaces, public parks, and proximity to countryside and coastline for dog walking and outdoor recreation. The nearby South Downs and Chichester Harbour provide picturesque trails for dog owners, while beaches like West Wittering are popular with pet lovers outside peak summer periods.

The area is well served by local vets, such as Downland Veterinary Group and AlphaPet Veterinary Clinic, as well as independent pet shops and dog-friendly cafés throughout the city and surrounding villages. Attitudes towards pets in rented and owned accommodation are generally positive, although tenants should always check landlord policies.

Larger homes and gardens in the countryside villages cater well to animal owners, and the city itself organises regular pet-focused community events and charity dog walks.

Chichester’s location makes it accessible for commuters and leisure travellers alike. The city is served by Chichester railway station, which provides frequent services to major destinations such as London Victoria, Brighton, and Portsmouth.

The station is centrally located and a short walk from the main shopping and historic areas. There are also regular bus services connecting outlying villages, Bognor Regis, and the South Downs.

The city is well-connected by road, with the A27 running east-west and providing easy access to Brighton and Portsmouth. For further travel, Gatwick Airport is approximately 45 minutes by car, and Southampton Airport is also within an hour.

Typical commute times from Chichester:

• London Victoria – around 1 hour 40 minutes by train
• Brighton – around 50 minutes by train or car via the A27
• Portsmouth – around 25 minutes by train or car via the A27

Chichester has a respected education system with a mix of well-performing state schools, independent schools, and specialist colleges. The city’s catchment areas are popular with families thanks to the breadth and quality of educational opportunities available from nursery years through to higher education.

Primary schools in Chichester include Lancastrian Infants’ School (Ofsted: Good, 2022), Parklands Community Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2023), Jessie Younghusband Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2022), and Chichester Free School Primary (Ofsted: Good, 2019). These schools are well-regarded for their nurturing environment and excellent facilities.

Secondary education is served by Bishop Luffa School, a Church of England academy (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2022), Chichester High School (Ofsted: Good, 2019), and Chichester Free School Secondary. Bishop Luffa, in particular, is highly sought-after for its academic achievements and supportive ethos.

Further education and independent schools are provided by The Prebendal School (independent, ages 3-13) and Westbourne House School (independent preparatory, ages 2-13), both boasting strong reputations locally. Chichester College is a leading provider of sixth-form and vocational education, with a broad syllabus that prepares students for university and the workplace.

Universities: The University of Chichester offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and is praised for its teaching quality and intimate campus environment. It is a significant part of the community and contributes to the city’s cultural life.