Chichester from Pagham
The cathedral city within easy reach
Chichester is the nearest city to Pagham, lying approximately seven miles to the north-east. The drive takes around 15 to 20 minutes via the B2166 and the A27, and the city provides a wide range of services, cultural amenities and shopping that Pagham itself cannot offer.
Chichester is a compact, historic city built around the four main streets that radiate from the medieval Market Cross. The cathedral, dating from the eleventh century, is the centrepiece of the city and one of the finest in southern England. The Bishop's Palace gardens, the cloisters and the cathedral precincts provide a peaceful setting for a visit.
Chichester Festival Theatre, on the northern edge of the city centre, is one of the most important theatres in England outside London. The theatre's summer season attracts leading actors and directors, and productions regularly transfer to the West End. The Minerva Theatre, the smaller studio space, hosts more experimental and intimate work. For Pagham residents with an interest in theatre, the proximity of a venue of this calibre is a genuine asset.
The city's shops include independent boutiques, bookshops, gift shops and specialist retailers alongside the national chains. The Butter Market and the surrounding lanes are particularly strong for independent shopping. The city also has a good selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs, ranging from casual eateries to established fine dining.
The Novium Museum in the city centre tells the story of Chichester and its district, with displays covering Roman Chichester, the medieval city and the modern era. The museum is built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse, which is visible through a glass floor.
Chichester also provides healthcare services at St Richard's Hospital, dental practices, specialist medical clinics and professional services including solicitors, accountants and estate agents. For many Pagham residents, Chichester is the destination for anything that Bognor Regis cannot provide.
Goodwood, the country estate north of Chichester, hosts horse racing, motor sport, the Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival. These events draw large crowds and international attention, and their proximity to Pagham is one of the incidental benefits of living on the Manhood Peninsula.
The drive from Pagham to Chichester is one of the routine journeys that Pagham residents make, for shopping, healthcare, cultural events and professional services. The A27, which forms the northern boundary of the Manhood Peninsula, is the main route, and congestion around Chichester during peak hours can add time to the journey. Plans to upgrade the A27 around Chichester have been discussed for decades, with a bypass or dualling scheme periodically proposed and then shelved or delayed.
For residents who do not drive, the journey to Chichester involves a bus to Bognor and then a change to a Chichester-bound service. The total journey time by public transport can be significantly longer than by car, and the inconvenience limits the frequency with which non-drivers visit the city. The gap in accessibility between car owners and non-drivers is one of the persistent inequalities of semi-rural living.
The seasonal calendar of events at Chichester adds variety to life on the Manhood Peninsula. The summer theatre season, the autumn literary festival, the Christmas market and the spring exhibitions at Pallant House provide a rolling programme of cultural stimulation that enriches the lives of Pagham residents who take advantage of it. The proximity of a city of this cultural richness is one of the underappreciated assets of living in a village that might otherwise seem remote.