Chichester was founded in AD 70 by the Romans and has been a vibrant city ever since. It was chosen specifically for its warm climate and beautiful countryside, with the South Downs to the north and the Chichester Harbour and coastal beaches to the south. Chichester's two thousand years of heritage is still very much in evidence. The medieval Walls Walk offers splendid views of the city's parks and gardens as well as much of the Georgian architecture. Chichester Cathedral was dedicated in 1108 and is the site of the shrine of St Richard. Its treasures range from Romanesque stone carvings to 20th Century works of art by Sutherland, Freibusch, Proktor, Chagall, Skelton, Piper, and Ursula Benker Schirmer. The spire dominates the Sussex Plain for miles around. At the centre of Chichester are Georgian shopping streets with many curious shops and places to eat. The Tudor Market Cross (built 1501) stands in the centre of the four main shopping streets.

Chichester is also home to the internationally renowned Chichester Festival Theatre, first directed by Laurence Olivier and filled with famous actors and actresses ever since. During the summer season there are plays and musicals with all-star casts and in winter a variety of ballet, concerts and pantomimes. Close to the city centre is the Pallant House Gallery exhibiting works by Cézanne, Moore, Sutherland, Piper and many more. More information about Chichester's Heritage can be discovered free of charge at the Chichester District Museum in Little London, off East Street. During July visitors can savour the Chichester Festivities, one of Britain's leading arts festivals which is based in the Cathedral and its environs and includes classical concerts, jazz, exhibitions and a range of fringe events.

The surrounding area has a host of places to visit. Fishbourne Roman Palace is home to stunning mosaics, under-floor heating systems and a Roman garden. Tangmere Military Aviation Museum has fascinating displays of jet aircraft as well as aviation memorabilia. To the north are the idyllic West Dean Gardens, set against the backdrop of the Sussex Downs. Goodwood House, with its recreated Egyptian Dining room and State Apartments, is set in beautiful parkland and plays host to the famous Festival of Speed. Nearby you can see historic car racing at Goodwood motor racing circuit, and for horse racing fans there is Goodwood Racecourse. Set in the grounds of nearby Hat Hill Copse is a collection of ever changing contemporary sculptures known as Sculpture at Goodwood. To the west of Chichester is the National Trust property of Stansted House with its unusual 'below stairs' servants' quarters and extensive gardens and woodlands.

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