Car Rental Chichester

Parking in Chichester

• Chichester has a blend of Short Stay and Long Stay car parks, as well as designated permit parking for residents.
• The Cattle Market car park is close to Chichester Cathedral and has over 800 spaces.

• You can also find on-street Pay & Display parking within the city centre, which generally charges per hour.

Traffic in Chichester

Chichester traffic reaches its peak between 8AM and 10AM and then again between 4PM and 7PM. As a city, it is generally quieter than its neighbors but can still be congested throughout the day.

Southampton Airport to Chichester

• After exiting the airport, take the M27 to the A27 in Hilsea Portsmouth for just under 20 minutes.
• Take exit 5 to get onto the M27 and follow for another 20 minutes.
• Continue onto the A27 for approximately another 20 minutes and drive onto East Row to reach Chichester.
•  Your journey should take approximately 40 minutes, depending on time of day and traffic.

Roads and freeways

• The A27 connects Southampton to Eastbourne, running through the south of Chichester.
• Follow the A3 north to reach London and beyond. 

Driving rules and regulations

When driving in Chichester, and the UK,  you must drive on the left-hand side of the road in a right-side driving vehicle.

All drivers and passengers are required to wear their seatbelts, and drivers should not use their cell phones.

Varying speed limits are clearly signposted. If driving in residential areas, they will likely be 30mph, reaching as high as 50mph on major roads.

What to see and do in Chichester

Festival of Speed

Goodwood Estate covers 12,000 acres – and is the official site for the most celebrated motoring event in Europe.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual hillclimb through the estate’s private roads. Often undertaken in classic vehicles or famous race cars of old, the event attracts leading drivers from Formula 1, NASCAR, Le Mans and the World Rally Championship. Spectators spend four exhilarating days every summer on the edge of their seats, marvelling at racers speeding by.

Goodwood Revival

Hosted at the Goodwood circuit – the spiritual home of motor racing – Revival is a huge celebration of pre-1966 motorsport, taking place at the estate every September. Festival goers engage with the theme by dressing in vintage clothing and dancing the Charleston to a live swing band. Super Sunday is the biggest hit for racing lovers, with a total of eight exhilarating races taking place over the day.

Chichester Cathedral

Formerly the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, this exquisite example of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture dates all the way back to 1075.

You’ll find some outstanding pieces of medieval workmanship lining the church’s twin aisles. Be sure to visit the two rare reliefs from the 12^th century depicting the story of Saint Lazarus.

City walls and historic sites

Chichester’s city walls are the best preserved in the UK. With over three quarters having survived for more than 1,800 years, walk along the 1.5-mile long line of parapets and enjoy the best views of the city beyond.

Remains and ruins of incredible Roman sites can be found throughout Chichester too. Pay a visit and immerse yourself in the past.

Chichester’s best hotels

Chichester Harbour Hotel (PO19 1NH)

Offering spectacular views of attractions including the cathedral, this Grade II listed building is now a fabulous spa hotel retreat. Book one of the 36 deluxe rooms for a chance to wake to the sight of Priory Park – and enjoy a sumptuous evening meal at their Jetty restaurant.

Flintstone Cottages, The Barn (PO20 3TR)

This self-catering barn is only a 10-minute drive from the city, making it a perfect rural retreat while still being close to the excitement. The luxury master bedrooms boast ensuite facilities with walk-in rainfall shower, while the open-plan kitchen and living areas feature cosy wood-burning stoves to snuggle up in front of.

Chichester’s best places to eat

Field & Fork

A family-run business, Field & Fork is a chef-led independent restaurant with years of experience under its apron ties. Book a table for your lunch break while walking through Priory Park – and pick a dish from their innovative menu.

Cloisters Café

You’ll find Cloisters Café in the heart of the cathedral, featuring secluded private gardens beneath the towering spires. Everything on the menu is homemade, using locally sourced ingredients. Book a table on Sunday to enjoy their delicious Sunday roast.

Goodwood Estate

Rivalling their passion for motoring events, Goodwood Estate has a firm love of great food too. The estate’s organic Home Farm produces fresh ingredients for several on-site restaurants, including reared meat and cheeses, while the surrounding woodland is perfect for foraging wild produce.

Taste the ever-changing menu at ‘Farmer, Butcher, Chef’, which champions the seasonal produce of England, or enjoy a charming afternoon tea inside Goodwood House.

All this and more is at your fingertips with Hertz car rental in Chichester.