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Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Chichester Harbour, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and discover the picturesque market town of Chichester. Founded by the Romans around AD 50, Chichester has been an important settlement for over 2000 years.
Chichester boasts a rich history with attractions such as its magnificent cathedral, built in 1108 on the site of an ancient shrine dedicated to St Richard. The town centre is a testament to Georgian architecture with many fine examples nestled in its winding streets. The Buttermarket, an old covered market building, and Chichester Cross, the site of an ancient market, are among other noteworthy landmarks.
Just a stone's throw away, you can discover the large Roman Palace at Fishbourne. Believed to have been established on the site of the original Roman military camp, it covers an area similar in size to Buckingham Palace. The Palace served as the base for Vespasian in his campaign to conquer Britain, and was destroyed by fire around AD 300.
Hayling Island, an interesting feature of the south coast, is an inland island surrounded by the waters of Langstone Harbour to the west and Chichester harbour to the east. Accessed by a road bridge from the A27, the island is home to around three miles of beach along the southern part and more along the harbours. The main beach is perfect for swimming, while the wonderful views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight add to its appeal.
East and West Wittering are typical English seaside resorts offering wonderful beaches and sand dunes. This area is popular for a variety of watersports, including wind and kite surfing, sea canoeing, sailing, fishing, scuba diving and surfing.
Whether you prefer a laid-back beach day or something more strenuous, the coastline around Chichester and Hayling Island offers a wide range of activities. From gentle strolls to swimming and snorkelling, to more energetic activities like surfing and windsurfing, there's something for everyone.
From piers and harbours to fun fairs and roller coasters, Chichester and Hayling Island offer a variety of attractions to entertain all ages. Discover more in our listings section.
Experience the local cuisine in our recommended pubs and restaurants, or explore local shops for unique finds.