It’s easy to know Chichester as an old town lined with charming independent shops and a grand, ancient cathedral.
However, the fact that there are some incredible green spaces in the Chichester area is often overlooked. With a wealth of parks and gardens in the city centre, there’s no better place to switch off and spend quality time together. In this guide, we’ll outline some of our favourite outdoor spaces in Chichester to help you plan your visit.
Bishop’s Palace Gardens
Nestled between Chichester Cathedral’s southwestern edge and the historic city walls, Bishop’s Palace Gardens offers a peaceful oasis tucked away from the busy streets. Open daily from 8am until dusk, this smaller garden offers an idyllic spot for quiet reflection, catching the afternoon sun, or getting stuck into your favourite book.
Priory Park Chichester
It might be one of the smaller parks in the city, but Priory Park boasts strong character. You can take a stroll across the lawns, try your hand at bowls or meet the resident budgies, all while taking in a wealth of local history. Enjoy a hot drink from Fenwick’s Cafe before discovering the medieval Guildhall. And, if that’s not enough, have a go on the swings too!
Oaklands Park
Home to Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands park makes for a perfect spot with a serene backdrop to enjoy a picnic after watching a performance. At ten acres, Oaklands is the biggest green space in Chichester – complete with its own community orchard, planted in 2011.
As well as housing the city’s cultural centre, Oaklands Park provides a vast green space perfect for playing team sports, including rugby and football. Here you’ll find Chichester City Football Club alongside a lively, community-based sports pavilion.
Litten Gardens
Just a stone’s throw away from some of the best restaurants in Chichester, Litten Gardens is perfect for an afternoon stroll. You’ll find the original 1921 War Memorial alongside a unique centenary monument revealed in 2018, painstakingly carved from local Sussex Oak. Both can be found in the Garden of Reflection and Reconciliation and are worth a visit on any trip to Chichester.
Kingley Vale
Just a short journey on the roads north of Chichester, this incredible natural beauty spot offers a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s clear from glowing reviews on TripAdvisor that, no matter how far you choose to walk here, it’s worth the effort.
Whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker or you’re just seeking adventure for the day, at Kingley Vale you’ll find a beautiful nature reserve tucked away in an unforgettable ancient yew forest.
Getting to Chichester’s parks
Now that you’ve learned all about the best green spaces to visit with friends and family in Chichester, you’re bound to be eager to get going. With so many parks so close to the town centre, travelling to Chichester by rail is convenient and takes the struggle out of organising parking. Get closer to nature and book today.