GAYLE'S REAL CHICHESTER...
The City is a Gem! Situated in a dip with the South
Downs to the north, and the Manhood Peninsula and the
sea to the South. It has a micro-climate and a wonderful
blue light (reflected off the sea) making it an excellent
agricultural area.
Revival meeting of classic cars in September, the
Festival of Speed in June, horse racing at the racecourse
and polo at Cowdray Park!
The City itself is largely Roman in layout, surrounded
by the Walls with architecture from Saxon, Queen Anne
period, flint work and cobbles. The central pedestrian
area is on a N-S E-W cross, making it easy to get about. It
has an abundance of restaurants catering for every taste
and price range with boutique shops to wander into - for
fashion, home wares, banks etc - everything you would
seek in a busy, active City.
Amongst the Downs are the country towns of Petworth
and Midhurst, antique meccas with lovely architecture
and local interest.
To the East is Arundel and the Castle, Bognor Regis for
Butlins and the promenade and Worthing.
In the evenings the place quietens but the pubs often
have live bands, and there are a host of local societies
and groups who meet regularly - Ceroc dancing in the
Guildhall on a Tuesday evening for instance. The local
Chichester Observer is a useful paper to pick up for
what's on or visit www.visitchichester.org.
To the South is the "Manhood Peninsula", an agricultural
area for salads, potatoes and small holdings, but also
home to the wonderful beaches of The Witterings and
Selsey. Great pubs and little restaurants abound, many
serving local food. Or get your Selsey Crabs directly
from the fishermen!
West is Fishbourne Roman Palace and then onto
Bosham for the scenery by Chichester Harbour, then
Southbourne and Emsworth. A trip to Hayling Island
gives a different perspective, or go to Portsmouth for
the shopping and dockyards...
There are a number of art galleries in the City including
the Oxmarket and Pallant House and nearby is the
Goodwood Estate for horse-racing, motor racing
events and the House itself. Slightly out of town are 2
cinemas, a bowling alley and 4 large supermarkets. If
you want variety in a beautiful compact setting, then visit
Chichester!
The City is lovely... but the surrounding countryside and
variety are the best kept secrets! Within just 8 miles are
3 harbours, all with wildlife reserves; plenty of beaches,
miles and miles of cycleways, walks and bridleways and
even ancient woodlands.
To the North are the South Downs - chalk hills with unique
habitats. Local Southdown Sheep can be seen and the
Goodwood and Petworth Estates own lots of forestry,
plus Goodwood's motor circuit - for the Goodwood
All about are quiet villages, country gardens, ancient
churches and people only too willing to help you if you
want to know where else to go. The pubs serve good
beer and plenty of home-cooked food with walks "on
the doorstep". So, come on, seek out the little places
when you visit this wonderful area!