Jobs in Chichester | Pictures of Chichester

Chichester has successfully managed to merge its countryside charm, rich heritage and cultural charisma to become a cosmopolitan city that has justified its status as one of the top places to live and work in England .

Nestled on the south coast and just a short drive away from cosmopolitan conurbations, idyllic countryside and brash seaside resorts, Chichester has the best of both worlds on its doorstep.

Getting around Chichester
Chichester is the hub of several main roads, the most important of which is the A27 coastal trunk road connecting the city to the rest of the south coast. The A286 and A285 connect the city to the north, both roads heading towards the A3, and eventually the capital.

Chichester is prone to much traffic congestion along the A27 during the rush-hour, as well as a significant volume of traffic travelling through the nearby villages and residential areas to avoid the main roads. Improvements to this stretch of road are being considered, such as the introduction of a Park & Ride scheme, but nothing has yet been decided.

Alternatively, Chichester train station – on Stockbridge Road – runs regular services from the nearby towns of Barnham, Havant and Fishbourne as well as the wider rail network.

Stagecoach South East run the majority of the local bus routes from around the area, terminating at the bus station on South street, opposite the train station.

Eating, drinking and shopping in Chichester
When walking around Chichester , you could think that the city centre was purposefully designed around the needs and convenience for the hoard of tourist and shoppers that congregate here throughout the year. As the largest populous in West Sussex, it goes without saying that Chichester has the best choice of shops in the county.

But this is a small county so don't expect huge shopping centres, never-ending high streets and outside malls because that's not what this place is about. And that's just the way the locals like it.

The city centre is pedestrianised and you can easily walk across town in a relatively short space of time without need of a car. Head to the Market Cross at the centre of the city to get your bearing and from there, you will be faced with four cross roads upon which all the shops are concentrated – North, South, East and West Streets.

Each street is much the same as the other in terms of their respective offering, from gifts to antiques, books to fashion along with the familiar high street names such as Marks & Spencer.

And once you have finished shopping, there are a number of coffee houses and tea shops - especially St Martin's Organic Tea Rooms on St Martin 's Street - scattered along the way, including the obligatory Starbucks. Or if you are looking for a quick drink at lunchtime you'll find what you need in the city centre.

The four cross roads along with St. Pancras are home to a number of café bars and pubs along with the city's best choice of eateries and restaurants offering everything from traditional pub grub to international cuisine, brasseries and first-rate options. Woodies Wine Bar & Brasserie on St. Pancras, has a great reputation for the quality of its Mediterranean food.

Chichester is a compact, intimate and affluent place with a cosmopolitan atmosphere that celebrates its past. As such, most of the things to see and do have an historical attachment to them which will appeal to you if you appreciate these things, but will frustrate you if you don't.

Chichester Cathedral and the Pallant House Art Gallery - with one of the best exhibitions of 20th century British art in the country showing work by Peter Blake, Lucien Freud and Richard Hamilton -are both worth spending some time looking around, as is Fishbourne Roman Palace & Museum. And to experience what it may have been like to live in the area more than 500 years ago, the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum is the place to go.

In terms of entertainment, your options are somewhat limited. Chichester Festival Theatre is a modern playhouse that has seen the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Anthony Hopkins grace its stage, whilst the nearby Goodwood estate is the traditional home of motor racing, horse racing and golf.

Main residential areas
If you live here already then you will be all-too aware that Chichester is one of the most expensive places to live in the South of England.

However, if you are willing to look slightly further than the main city centre, there are plenty of places that can give you a great quality of life, within a reasonable budget.

If you're thinking of moving to the area, take a look at some of the current property available to buy or let in Chichester.

Take a closer look
A picture is worth a thousand words. You can see some images from in and around Chichester below.

Looking for local vacancies? See all current jobs in Chichester or find out more information on the local area.