Chichester Cathedral

FACILITIES
In the heart of the city, this fine Cathedral has been a centre of Christian worship and community life for 900 years, and is the site of the Shrine of St Richard. See the magnificent architecture and works of art from Romanesque stone carvings to the famous twentieth century paintings, sculptures and tapestries.

LOCATION 
The Cathedral is situated in the centre of the city in the county of West Sussex, in the south of England. Chichester has easy access to major road links via the A27 and A286.

The Cathedral is a short walk from the railway station and the bus/coach station. Coach parties may alight in West Street, near the West Door. There are many car parks within easy walking distance.

Click here to see an aerial MULTIMAP showing the cathedral.

OPENING TIMES
The Cathedral is open daily from 07.30 to 19.00 (summer), 07.30 to 18.00 (winter). Visiting is restricted during services and concerts.

ADMISSION
There is no charge for admission, but donations are invited to ensure that the work and ministry of the Cathedral continues. The suggested minimum contribution is £3 for adults and £1.50 for children.

FACILITIES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES
Access for wheelchairs is via the South West Door into the Baptistery. There are ramps, where necessary, in the Cathedral itself and in its precincts. A loop system is available during Cathedral services, as well as a touch and hearing centre and braille guide for the blind. Guide and hearing dogs only are permitted in the Cathedral. Access is possible to the Refectory and to the toilet facilities off the Cloisters, but not to the Cathedral Shop. However, the staff are happy to bring samples of goods out to show to disabled visitors.

CHILDREN'S EDUCATION
Chichester Cathedral welcomes visits from school groups of all ages and arrangements can be made by contacting the Education Officer on + 44 (0)1243 812497.
E-mail: education@chichestercathedral.org.uk

GUIDED TOURS
(Donation of £3 per for adults and £1.50 for children would be appreciated)
Throughout the year, guided tours of the Cathedral can be arranged by contacting the Visitors' Officer in advance. There is a trained team of official Cathedral Guides who have an expert knowledge of the Cathedral, its history, architecture and art. General tours, which normally last about one hour, are available in English, French and German, and special interest tours can be arranged.

Enquiries should be made to The Visitors' Officer, The Royal Chantry, Cathedral Cloisters, Chichester, West Sussex, P019 1PX. Tel: + 44 (0)1243 782595 (Fax: + 44 (0)1243 812499)

The CATHEDRAL OFFICE is conveniently located on the ground floor of the Royal Chantry, off the Cloister, and is, open Monday to Friday: 9.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 17.00.

Even if no official Cathedral Guide is required, in order to avoid disappointment to parties (and headaches for organisers!) arrangements for all group visits should be checked in advance with the Visitors' Officer.

"STAND-BY" GUIDED TOURS (DONATIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED)
From Easter until the end of September, guided tours of the Cathedral start from the West Door at 11.00 and 14.15 daily (except Sundays), subject to special services, concerts, etc. These tours are intended for individuals and small groups.

"ROVING" GUIDE
A Roving Guide is available, morning and afternoon, throughout the year to answer visitors' questions.

INFORMATION DESK IN THE SOUTH TRANSEPT
Staff are pleased to provide information on the history, architecture and daily events in the Cathedral. Enquiries regarding the Friends of the Cathedral, the Cathedral Restoration Trust can be made at the Desk or at the Cathedral Office.

THE REFECTORY (IN THE BISHOP BELL ROOMS) 
A charming restaurant with a walled garden, serving light refreshments at reasonable prices, is situated off the Cloisters. It is open 10.00 to 17.00 (summer), 10.00 to 16.00 (winter), Monday to Saturday. LAVATORIES (including facilities for the Disabled) are available in the Bishop Bell Rooms, when open. The nearest public facilities are situated across West Street in Tower Street.

THE CATHEDRAL GIFT SHOP 
The Shop is situated in the detached fifteenth century Bell Tower, pictured right, (itself of considerable architectural interest). Guide books, postcards, souvenirs and gifts may be purchased, and visitors and tour organisers are advised to leave time in their schedule for a visit to the Shop. It is open 09.00 to 17.30, Monday to Saturday, and 12.30 to 17.30 Sundays.

THE VICARS HALL
A unique setting for private and business functions in the heart of Chichester, the mediaeval Vicars' Hall is an ideal venue for wedding receptions, birthday parties, club lunches or dinners, society lectures, coffee mornings, conferences, product launches, etc. Available for hire each day from 09.00 to 23.00 (minimum letting period 3 hours). Price includes the use of kitchen facilities, crockery, glasses and cutlery.