If you are planning on visiting our spectacular new installation this autumn, Peter Walker Sculptor’s Peace Doves, why not make a day of it and immerse yourself in all our beautiful city has to offer.
Wrapped round our Cathedral is the city centre of historic Chichester. A jewel in the heart of the rolling South Downs, Chichester provides a wonderful day out, full of beauty and history with a world class theatre, gallery and countless shops and eateries peppered throughout.
Morning
Whether you arrive by car, bus or train, your first port of call should be to one of Chichester’s independent cafés. Stride up South Street and grab a brew from Trading Post Coffee Roasters or alternatively make your way to Little London and pop in to Common Grounds or The Barn’s Larder.
After you've had your coffee fix, why not take a stroll through the crossroads which form the heart of Chichester city centre. Anchored by the 16th century Market Cross, Chichester’s main streets run neatly off the points of a compass, North, South, East and West. However, don’t miss the characterful side streets which are packed full of charming independent shops, including The Hornet, Crane Street, Little London, St Martin’s Street and indie havens Drapers Yard and Almshouse Arcade.
If perusing the shops isn’t your thing, why not pay a visit to the renowned Pallant House Gallery. Known for its extensive collection of British art from 1900 through to modern day, Pallant House features an impressive collection within the walls of an historic Queen Anne townhouse, showcasing work by artists such as Lucian Freud and Barbara Hepworth. You can explore the links between the Gallery and Chichester Cathedral, beginning when the then Dean of Chichester Cathedral, Walter Hussey (1909-85), offered his private collection of Modern British art to the city of Chichester on the condition that it would be displayed in the domestic setting of Pallant House.
Afternoon
As lunchtime approaches, take a moment of quiet within the walls of the Cathedral Quarter. Cloisters Kitchen & Garden is located within the Cathedral cloisters and is a beautiful spot for lunch. Complete with a stunning garden and a delicious seasonal menu, the café also caters to all the family with a great children’s menu.
Once you are feeling refreshed, make your way the West Doors to ensure you experience the full impact of Peter Walker's immersive installation, Peace Doves.
Consisting of 15,000 handmade paper doves suspended from the historic Nave, each dove features a message of hope, love and peace written by our local community. With a host of special events planned to celebrate the installation including storytelling, art workshops, evening viewings and family fun, click here to coincide your visit with one of these event days. Alternatively, visit us from 30th September - 14th October and 21st October - 12th November to immerse yourself in this beautiful visual spectacle. General admission by donation, unless specified.
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Following your visit to Peace Doves, why not soak up over nine centuries of history at the Cathedral and join one of our drop-in tours. The tour takes you on a journey through significant moments in English history, highlighting an impressive collection of famous artworks including a vibrant John Piper tapestry and a Marc Chagall stained glass window.
Finally, meander down rose lined paths to conclude your time at our Cathedral with a picturesque walk through the Bishops Palace Gardens.
Evening
No trip to Chichester is complete without a visit to the world class Chichester Festival Theatre. Why not take advantage of the pre-theatre menus available from restaurants like Purchases or The Ivy, or alternatively visit the theatre’s own restaurant The Brasserie, which opens 90 minutes before a show.
Not yet ready to call it a day? Finish your day in Chichester at one of the many bars and pubs.
