Occupied since before Roman times, Chichester is one of the UK's oldest cathedral cities. Located on the South Coast, it's home to the only UK cathedral that can be seen from the sea, and a lively centre that reflects a convergence of architectural styles. Medieval town walls encase an 11th century cathedral, 18th century Georgian townhouses, and a Roman port garrison.
This hotchpotch of architecture means there's always a photographic angle in Chichester, especially around the medieval market cross and the lively open-air market streets. Chichester Cathedral is free to visit and is the city's premier attraction. Choir song floats through the vault every evening, an atmospheric highlight of spending the night in the city. Visitors can also walk along the old city walls, a journey that provides an overarching impression of contrasting building styles.
Chichester is one of Britain's smallest cities and is easy to cover on foot. Chichester Railway Station has direct services to Central London as well as many local train connections. Taxis are the most convenient way to reach Chichester's nearby Roman ruins and are available from outside the station.
Chichester is built upon the old Roman ruins of Noviomagus, an integral town throughout the Roman occupation of Britain. Noviomagus disappeared when the Romans departed, but when Chichester flourished in the 10th and 11th centuries, the city kept the cross-shaped Roman design.