Chichester Cathedral: A Self Guided Audio Tour

Discover nearly 1,000 years of English history on this immersive self-guided audio tour of Chichester. From Norman arches and Gothic vaults to spectacular modern art, this self-guided audio experience reveals how every stone, window and sculpture tells a story. Along the way, you’ll uncover how invasions, kings, saints, war and pilgrimage shaped the building over ten centuries. You don’t need any previous knowledge of art, architecture or religion to enjoy this tour. As you walk through soaring arches, chapels and side aisles, you’ll learn how to decode the building around you - from the meaning of carved stone figures to why medieval cathedrals were designed to inspire awe and wonder. You’ll also discover how Chichester Cathedral became an unexpected home for world-famous modern art, creating a remarkable conversation between the medieval and the contemporary.

1. 1

   Chichester Cathedral

   Pass by

   Step into nearly 1,000 years of English history as you begin your exploration of Chichester Cathedral. You'll learn to decode Norman arches, Gothic vaults, and carved stone figures, uncovering how invasions, kings, saints, and pilgrimage shaped this remarkable building.

2. 2

   Stop 2

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   Marvel at this elaborate octagonal market cross standing at the meeting point of Chichester's four main streets. Built around 1501 by Bishop Edward Story, it once let poorer traders sell their goods for free provided they stood beneath its arches.

3. 3

   Pallant House Gallery

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   Explore this striking combination of a Grade I listed Queen Anne townhouse and an award-winning contemporary extension. The gallery houses one of the best collections of 20th-century British art in the world, founded on works left to the city by Walter Hussey in 1977.

4. 4

   The Novium Museum

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   Walk through a museum built directly over the remains of Chichester's Roman bath house, discovered decades earlier beneath the city streets. Enjoy exhibits spanning prehistory to the present day, with the ancient baths visible right beneath your feet.

5. 5

   Stop 5

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   Stroll along the peaceful towpath of this historic waterway, opened in 1822 and running 3.8 miles from the sea at Birdham on Chichester Harbour to Chichester. Enjoy views back toward the cathedral that inspired J.M.W. Turner's famous 1828 painting of the same scene.

6. 6

   Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens

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   Explore the largest known Roman residence north of the Alps, dating to around 75 AD, with its intricate mosaic floors still preserved in place. Marvel at the celebrated Cupid on a Dolphin mosaic, one of the finest examples of Roman decorative art found in Britain.

7. 7

   Stop 7

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   Enjoy sweeping views across this large natural harbour designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the West Sussex coast. Spot wading birds and seals among the tidal creeks and saltmarsh that make this one of the south coast's most treasured wildlife havens.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.