Cheap train tickets to Chichester
Located near the South Downs National Park, and within easy reach of Southampton and Portsmouth, the West Sussex city of Chichester is ideally-located for a city break. With its 12th-century cathedral, history dating back to Roman times, and the Grade I-listed Goodwood House (home of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival), the city has a past which is well worth exploring, and you can get even more value out of your break with cheap train tickets made available through the wonders of split ticketing. The city is twinned with Chartres in France, Ravenna in Italy, and also Speyer in Germany. Some well-known people to come from Chichester are the composers Harry and Rupert Gregson-Williams (both of whom have worked with renowned British animation studio Aardman Animations), comedian Alex Horne, and astronaut Major Tim Peake.
Image Credit: Keith Potts | Unsplash
Getting to Chichester is relatively simple. The city has a direct link to London Victoria, and also has direct trains to Portsmouth, Southampton, and Brighton, so alternative routes which may result in cheap train tickets have a number of possibilities. If you're travelling from further afield, then the city has a direct rail link to Gatwick Airport, with other airports such as Luton also being fairly easy to travel from in order to arrive in Chichester.
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Getting around Chichester
There are many ways of getting around Chichester, and we've covered the key ones below.
- Walk/cycle. The compact size of Chichester's city centre makes it easy to get around, which can make it an attractive option if you're on a bit of a budget or are happy to get some exercise in on your break in the city. Given the city's proximity to the South Downs National Park - England's newest National Park - it can be a really useful base if you want to go walking in the local area. Some options for walking routes can be found HERE and HERE. In terms of cycling, there are a number of routes you can take if you want to see more of the local area, with additional information being found HERE and HERE.
- Bus. There are a number of bus routes in and around Chichester, with one of the main operators being Stagecoach. These can be a really convenient way of getting around the area and exploring different places while in Chichester. Some additional information on the routes can be found HERE, and an additional Dial-A-Ride service is in operation for those who may need it, with further information on that being found HERE.
- Taxi. Taxis are a great way of getting around if you have restricted mobility, a sizeable amount of luggage, or want to visit somewhere not routinely served by public transport. It's worth noting that the costs of taxis can add up if you plan on taking a few, so this is worth bearing in mind.
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So what is there to do in Chichester? Well, read on, and you'll be able to find out - don't forget to use our website to get some great deals on cheap train tickets!
Sport
There are a number of sports with a presence in Chichester and the local area. The local football club is Chichester City FC who at the time of writing are in the Isthmian League South East Division, and they play their games at Oaklands Park to the north of the city centre. Also playing their home games at Oaklands Park is the rugby club Chichester RFC. If you fancy something a bit bigger, then Portsmouth FC isn't too far away on the train. Also within easy reach is Bognor Regis FC, who play their home games in the Isthmian League Premier Division at the MKM Arena. There are, of course, other sports that can be found in the city, with some of them including cricket, hockey, and American Football. It would also be remiss to not mention the Goodwood Estate, set within an estate of roughly 49 square kilometres. The house itself is Grade I-listed, and has played host to some important motorsport events - the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which was first hosted there in 1993, and the Goodwood Revival, which was first hosted there in 1998.
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The grounds are also home to Goodwood Racecourse, and there are also plenty of other events held there during the course of the year.
Are you a Sports Fan? Trainsplit has partnered with Pledgeball, a grassroots charity that rallies fellow fans to take action to protect where we play, making changes that improve our air and our green spaces. It can be as simple as swapping to reusable water bottles or taking the train to a match instead of driving. Fans, players, clubs, grassroots teams – the impact we can have together is game-changing.
History
Chichester has history dating back to the Roman period, and there's some evidence that the area was important during the Roman invasion of 43AD, with some of this being on show at the nearby Fishbourne Roman Palace. The cathedral is one of the landmarks in the city, and is conveniently-located in the city centre itself. Chichester Cathedral was consecrated back in 1108, being constructed in the Norman and Gothic styles, having been founded as a cathedral in 1075 when the seat of the bishop was moved from nearby Selsey. The cathedral's formal name is 'The Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity'.
Image Credit: Dan Edwards | Unsplash
If you want to learn more about the history of Chichester, then the Novium Museum on Tower Street - just a short walk from the Cathedral - is an ideal place to visit, with plenty of exhibits on the Roman period of the city, and other collections as well. A few miles to the north of Chichester is the Weald & Downland Living Museum, located in the village of Singleton. The museum dates back to 1965, opening in 1970, and offers visitors the chance to explore what life in rural Sussex was like in the past, with a collection of farm animals also present on site. It's also featured as a filming location for a number of TV shows, with one of the most notable of recent years being the BBC show The Repair Shop. For fans of military history, the nearby Tangmere Military Aviation Museum should be of interest, with planes on show including a Folland Gnat, an English Electric Lightning, a Westland Wessex helicopter, a Hawker-Siddeley Harrier GR3, and many more.
Culture
For fans of the theatrical arts, then one of the best places to visit in Chichester is the Chichester Festival Theatre in Oaklands Park. First opened in 1962, the Grade II*-listed theatre plays host to a number of touring productions, as well as some shows that are produced in-house. The theatre's first artistic director was the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier, and the theatre played a role in the initial development of the National Theatre. One of the other famous names to have been artistic director of the Chichester Festival Theatre is Sir Derek Jacobi. Also of note is the Festival of Chichester, which takes place over a few weeks every June and July, with a wide programme of events to suit all kinds of personal preferences. If art galleries are more your kind of thing, then perhaps the Pallant House Gallery on North Pallant will be of interest. Established in 1982, the gallery hosts a collection of British art from 1900 to the present day. Artists with work on display include Dame Barbara Hepworth, Damien Hirst, Rachel Whiteread, and more. For music fans, the Chichester Symphony Orchestra is worth looking into, with a number of concerts taking place each year. If you enjoy independent films, then why not pay a visit to the Chichester Cinema at New Park? Founded in 1979, the cinema shows a variety of films across the week, both mainstream and small-budget, as well as some older films.
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Dining recommendations
When considering a city break to somewhere new, one important thing that you'll likely be thinking about is finding somewhere to eat. There are a number of places in and around Chichester for all kinds of budgets, and we've collected a list of just some to give you a flavour of what Chichester has to offer. Perhaps you could use some of the savings you've made on your cheap train tickets to go towards a meal out somewhere.
Cheap eats
The Pass Street Food Café
Address: 26 Deanery Farm Lane, Southgate, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1ES
Tucked away on a side street just to the north of the station, you'll find The Pass. The menu here is simple, but varied, and they have a number of different special dishes on offer as well. One of the main items on the menu here is burgers, and The Pass has plenty of options here - there's the Pass Classic burger (6oz beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, gherkin, ketchup, mustard, served in a warm bun), the Pass Vegetarian (roasted sweet potato, lima bean & smoked chipotle burger, sriracha mayo, salad), and the Mexican Burger (grilled chorizo, chilli mayo, fresh chillies, cheese, sliced tomato). If you're in a group of two and want to share (or if you're very hungry!), then the Viking Sandwich is well worth considering - it's filled with spiced pork shoulder, piri piri chicken, smoked bacon, grilled chorizo, sliced ham, crispy fried chicken, crispy onions, melted cheese, and roast garlic & parsley mayonnaise. Some of the other options on the menu include quesadillas (the Refried Texan BBQ quesadilla consists of refried beans, rice, yam, avocado, cheese, crispy onions, basil tomatoes, and BBQ sauce - it can also be made vegan), the Triple Pork Ciabatta (14hr spiced pork shoulder, cheese, fresh red chillies, grilled chorizo, honey roast ham, chilli mayo), and veggie loaded chips (basil tomatoes, crushed avocado, crispy onions, melted cheddar, and sriracha mayo).
The Old Cross
Address: North Street, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1LP
In the northern area of the city centre, you'll be able to find The Old Cross. It's a local pub with a focus on the community, and it's also run by popular chain Greene King, which makes it ideal if you're looking for something that may be more familiar. Starting a meal with a collection of small plates is relatively popular these days, and the options at the Old Cross include pulled pork tacos (two charred tortillas stuffed with Texan BBQ pulled pork, shredded lettuce, and a spicy herb garnish), katsu chicken fries (skin-on fries topped with buttermilk chicken strips, katsu curry sauce, and a spicy herb garnish), and corn ribs (charred, sweet chili glazed corn ribs served with vegan mayo and a spicy herb garnish). There are many options for main courses, and these include a hot honey halloumi flatbread (Greek-style flatbread topped with garlic & rosemary mayo, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and grilled halloumi, drizzled with hot honey sauce), grilled gammon (8oz gammon steak with chips and garden peas topped with a fried free-range egg and grilled pineapple), chicken & ham pie (slow-cooked chicken breast and thigh in a rich, indulgent wholegrain mustard sauce with pulled ham hock encased in a shortcrust pastry, served with broccoli and rich gravy with buttered mash or chips), and a mixed grill (rump steak, chicken breast, two pork sausages, and gammon steak topped with a fried free-range egg and grilled pineapple). The dessert options include a chocolate lava cookie (a large, warm chocolate chip cookie with a gooey chocolate centre, topped with vanilla & coconut ice cream and strawberry flavour sauce - vegan-friendly option available), a white chocolate & raspberry blondie (served warm with raspberry coulis and a raspberry sherbert biscuit crumb), and a jam roly poly pudding (served warm with custard, and drizzled with raspberry coulis).
The Cockpit Café
Address: Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, Gamecock Terrace, Tangmere, West Sussex PO20 2ES
In nearby Tangmere, at the military aviation museum, you'll find the Cockpit Café. It's ideally-located if you're visiting the museum and want to get something to eat or drink, and they do have a variety of different seats available (inside, covered terrace, outside) to suit different desires and for all weathers. There are plenty of varied items on the menu, including speciality hot drinks, sandwiches, paninis, pastries, a cooked breakfast menu, seasonal specials, locally-produced ice-cream, and locally-sourced cakes. There's also an afternoon tea option available if you pre-book.
Mid-range
Masala City
Address: 8 St Pancras, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 7SJ
East of the city centre on St Pancras (not to be confused with the station in London!), you'll find the Indian restaurant 'Masala City'. The dishes you can find here come from across the Indian subcontinent, and it's worth noting that they're one of the most-liked restaurants in Chichester. There are a good number of starters to choose from, including onion bhaji (spices, gram flour, sliced onion, served with mint yoghurt & salad), chicken tikka (boneless chicken marinated in spices, yoghurt, and herbs, cooked on skewers, served with salad & mint chutney), and crispy Malabar prawn (prawn pane with fine panku-style breadcrumb). As you'd expect at an Indian restaurant, there are a huge variety of main courses on the menu, and these include the butter masala (tomato, onion, methi leaves, chilli powder, cumin, coriander, gram masala, cashew nuts, butter, cream, with a choice of additional filling), lamb shaslik (lamb marinated with garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, gram masala, tomatoes, capsicum, onion, seared onions, peppers), chicken tikka balti (chicken tikka, onions, fenugreek leaves, special Balti spices), and many more. You can also expect the typical side dishes to appear here, including different types of rice, naan breads, Bombay aloo, and more.
Santorini
Address: 14 Southgate, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1ES
Greek food might not be the first thing on people's lists, but it's well worth looking into. One such example that can be found in Chichester is at Santorini, conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from Chichester station. For cold mezze dishes, the choices here include tirokafteri (spicy Greek feta dip), dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), and tzatziki (Greek dip with yogurt and cucumber). There are plenty of hot mezze dishes as well, including gigantes sto fourno (baked giant beans), calamari (squid), and loukaniko (Greek sausage). For main courses, you'll have plenty of variety here, including chicken gyros, lamb moussaka, vegetable souvlaki, and many more. For dessert, the selection here includes Greek yogurt with honey & nuts, portakalopita (Greek orange cake), and a mix of baklava (filo pastry traditionally filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey).
Brasserie Blanc
Address: Richmond House, The Square, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 7SJ
If you enjoy French cuisine, then look no further than Brasserie Blanc. Found towards the east of the city centre, it comes highly-rated on Tripadvisor, and also hosts Jazz Nights on the first Thursday of every month. There are a whole host of starters from which you can choose, including a cheese soufflé (with a rich coastal Cheddar sauce), crab & sweetcorn bon-bons (with guacamole, brown crab mayonnaise, and rhubarb chutney), and escargots (six snails with garlic & herb butter, and baguette). The main courses include a Gressingham duck leg confit with citrus sauce (alongside Dauphinoise potato, French beans, confit orange), seared Devon scallops (with cherry tomato fondue, braised fennel, pommes persillade), and a curried cauliflower steak (with cauliflower couscous and cauliflower purée). If you want to end your meal on a sweet note, then consider the Madagascan vanilla crème brûlée, the pistachio soufflé (served with Jude's chocolate ice-cream), or the Basque cheesecake (served with macerated raspberries and coulis). One alternative to finishing the meal off here is with the cheeseboard (Poumoué, Sparkenhoe Red Leicester, St Giles, Chaource, Bleu d'Auvergne, served with crackers & accompaniments).
Fine dining
Crab & Lobster
Address: Mill Lane, Sidlesham, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7NB
A few miles south of Chichester and west of the village of Pagham, you'll find Crab & Lobster in the small village of Sidlesham. The building itself is over 350 years old, and the restaurant sources its produce as locally as possible, including from fishermen in the nearby seaside town of Selsey. The available starters can include traditional fish soup (with poached langoustine, tarragon oil, rouille, and cheese straw), gochujang pork belly (with coriander & spring onion marinated squid salad), and a nori salmon terrine (with saffron crisp, marinated salmon roe, seaweed & lime aioli). The main courses here can include a pan-roasted fillet of halibut (with steamed clams, Selsey crab orzo, Tenderstem broccoli, and fennel marmalade), roast rump of lamb (with hasselback potatoes, roasted courgette, crumbled feta, caponata, roasted pepper & aubergine purée, lamb jus), and a baked Selsey crab gratin (with warm salad of new potatoes & samphire, confit Nutbourne tomatoes, watercress & sunflower seed pesto). There are a good number of desserts to choose from as well, including Sidlesham berry pavlova (with chantilly cream and strawberry sorbet), coconut cheesecake (with pineapple salsa, toasted coconut, and pineapple & coconut ice-cream), a hot chocolate fondant pudding (with local raspberry curd, fresh raspberries, and raspberry sorbet), and a selection of fine cheese (with Miller's biscuits and quince jelly). If you wish to stay overnight, then you can do so here in a number of rooms, or in the adjoining Crab Cottage.
Potager
Address: Birdham Road, Crouchers Orchards, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7EH
A few miles to the south west of Chichester, you'll find Potager. With a focus on rural British cuisine, the restaurant has two AA rosettes, and utilises a 'farm-to-fork' approach when it comes to sourcing its produce. The sample menu listed on the website gives an indication of what the restaurant serves. The available starters can include smoked kipper pâ
Purchases
Address: 31 North Street, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1LY
To the north of Chichester city centre, Purchases can be found. The restaurant serves modern European food, and there are also accommodation options here if you wish to stay in Chichester. For starters, the options here include gin-cured chalk stream trout (with compressed cucumber, caper popcorn, chervil & lime crème frâiche, and herb oil), breast of quail (with salsify, pan-roasted foie gras, rhubarb compote, and pickles), and marinated local heritage tomatoes (with burrata, wild garlic pesto, and candied walnuts). The main courses include beef wellington (wrapped in Parma ham, chive pancake, and mushroom duxelles, served with dauphinoise potatoes, spinach, red onions, roasted carrots, and red wine jus), a 'duo of duck' (breast of duck, confit duck leg, dauphinoise potatoes, hispi cabbage, orange gel, and caramelised orange jus), and white truffle, Parmesan, and spinach arancini (with tomato & basil sauce, and rocket & Parmesan salad). For dessert, why not choose the chocolate namelaka (with yogurt sorbet and nibbed almond brittle), the port & vanilla poached pears (with summer berry compote and summer berry sorbet, or the selection of Sussex & Hampshire cheese (with quince jelly, celery, grapes, and biscuits)? The wine list here is also quite sizeable, with plenty of bottles chosen from around the globe.
There are many other things to do in Chichester. For example, why not take advantage of some of the city's green spaces and go for a walk in the Bishop's Palace Gardens? These are to the south-west of the cathedral, and date back to the 12th century, with a variety of different features and plants which we're sure will be of interest to anybody. If you want to go for a quiet stroll away from the city centre itself, then the Chichester Canal could be an option. This can be found to the south of the city centre. If you enjoy wine, then it may be worth looking into a tour at the nearby Tinwood Estate, where you can learn about the estate's story and their winemaking process. If you want to indulge in some retail therapy, then Chichester can be a good place for this. There are of course some high-street names there, but there are also a number of smaller independent shops if you want to look for something a bit different. Also of note with Chichester is the nearby seaside resort of Bognor Regis, which is ideal if you want to take a day trip to another town in the area. Travel between Chichester and Bognor can be accomplished by bus, or if you wish, the trains can be an option as well with a change at Barnham - don't forget to use our website to purchase cheap train tickets to get there and back.
Overnighting in Chichester
Maximise your Chichester experience by extending your stay in this historic city. Whether you're drawn to its location near the South Downs, its museums, or maybe an event at the Festival Theatre, Chichester provides diverse accommodation options for every preference and budget. Uncover the ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate for another day of exploration.
Looking to book your stay? Click here to explore the variety of accommodations for an overnight break.
We very much hope that we've convinced you to book a trip to Chichester. If we have, then fantastic! Our website is on hand to help you get cheap train tickets for your journey through the wonders of split ticketing, and our customer service team is on hand to assist you if you have any queries regarding your booking.
Getting the best-value rail tickets possible is something that we at Trainsplit are sure many people want to do. This can include booking in advance, using a Railcard if you have one, travelling outside peak times, and – of course – splitting tickets via our website. All these and more can help you get cheap train tickets for your journey to Chichester. If you’d like further information on any of these, please get in touch, and we’ll do what we can to assist you. We do have a comprehensive booking guide here at Trainsplit on the booking process, which we hope will be very useful, and we’ve covered some of the main points below.
Our top tips and ways to cut down train travel costs on your train tickets to Chichester
Book Your Train Tickets Early
If you know when you are planning to travel, booking early can save you money on your train tickets. With Advance fares becoming available up to 12 weeks ahead, this is a great way to save on your rail travel.
Use a Railcard
Teamed up with a railcard, you can get up to a third off the cost, saving you more money on your train tickets. If you make a lot of train journeys, a railcard will pay for itself in no time.
Split Your Tickets
With Trainsplit’s unique journey planner, we search for the best-priced train tickets for your journey. You can easily discover the best split ticketing combinations that maximise your savings on train tickets, and best of all, Trainsplit will do all the work for you and doesn’t charge a booking fee.
Avoid Peak Times
If you don't need to travel early in the morning, consider traveling off-peak to save money on more expensive train tickets. Trains are also likely to be quieter during off-peak hours, which usually start from around 09:30 onwards.
Travelling with a group of 3-9 people
Take a look at GroupSave train tickets. These are a great way to get discounted train fares for groups of people traveling together.
Consider an alternative aoute
If you're travelling from London, then an alternative route to Chichester may potentially involve changing trains at Gatwick Airport or at Barnham. Using Trainsplit’s journey planner, you can search for routes to Chichester which use trains that can potentially save you money on your train tickets.
Claim Delay Repay
If your journey is delayed, you may be entitled to delay compensation on your train tickets.
By following these tips, along with using Trainsplit’s unique journey planner to find the best train ticket deals, now is the perfect time to explore new destinations.
Avoid Booking Fees
Many ticket retailers impose booking fees for each journey booked, adding unnecessary expenses to your travel costs. With Trainsplit, we don't charge a booking fee. Instead, we only charge a share of savings, which is a small percentage of the savings you made if we found a split for your journey. Rest assured, it will still work out cheaper than purchasing a through fare. If no splits are found, no share of savings will be charged.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book Cheap Train Tickets to Chichester?
You can find the cheapest train tickets to Chichester by booking in advance and considering split ticket options. Websites like Trainsplit offer tools to help you find the best deals.
What's the most cost-effective way to travel to Chichester?
The most economical way to travel to Chichester is by booking cheap Advance Tickets and exploring split ticketing options, which can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
When should I book my train tickets to Chichester for the best prices?
To secure the cheapest train tickets to Chichester, it's advisable to book well in advance, as fares tend to increase closer to the travel date. Additionally, consider exploring split ticketing options for additional savings.
Can I save money by splitting my train tickets when travelling to Chichester?
Yes - splitting your train tickets to Chichester can often result in significant cost savings compared to purchasing a single through ticket. Services like Trainsplit can help you find the most advantageous split ticket combinations.
Are there any discounts available for frequent train travellers to Chichester?
Consider purchasing a digital railcard that offers discounts for frequent train travellers to Chichester and other destinations. A railcard can provide significant savings on train tickets, especially when combined with strategies such as split ticketing, to ensure you get the cheapest possible fares for your journeys. Whether you're commuting regularly or planning occasional trips, a railcard is a valuable investment that can help you maximise your savings on train travel to Chichester and beyond.
Is it cheaper to book train tickets to Chichester online or at the station?
When looking to secure cheap train tickets to Chichester, booking online in advance typically provides the most cost-effective fares. Using train ticket booking platforms like Trainsplit can also help in finding split ticket options, further reducing your travel expenses.
Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.
We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.
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