CHICHESTER GUIDE Independent ideas for your day out

Cathedral-side garden / CHICHESTER

Bishop’s Palace Gardens

Step away from the shopping streets into planting, trees and a pergola close to the cathedral. The public garden works as a modest pause between indoor visits: wander through a few sections, find a seat and watch how the cathedral appears above the greenery. This is a garden visit, not admission to the Bishop’s private palace.

Flower beds, seating and historic walls in Bishop’s Palace Gardens
Photo: Ian Cunliffe
Before you go

During cathedral closures, approach from Canon Lane or check the council’s other public entrance routes rather than relying on the cloisters being open.

The practical details

Where to find it
Canon Lane, Chichester, near the cathedral
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking
The public garden is free; follow posted gate times and park rules. Ordinary dogs, cycling and barbecues are prohibited. The palace itself is not included, and flowers or wildlife will vary with the season.
Access and getting around
Public approaches include Canon Lane and a path from Avenue de Chartres, as well as the cathedral cloisters when available. Choose the entrance and surfaced paths that suit your mobility needs; garden paths and planted areas vary. Plan a city-centre toilet stop before arriving.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children
This is a planted garden for a short wander and rest, rather than the city’s main equipped playground. Use Priory Park for a longer play stop. Keep children out of planted beds and supervise near water features.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 30–60 minutes for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

Explore more ideas for your day →

HELP IMPROVE THIS GUIDE

Was this useful?

Tell us what helped, what is missing or what needs correcting. Your feedback goes to the editor.

Please include details when reporting a correction or suggesting an addition.Please leave out personal or sensitive information. How we use feedback