What to do and see in Chichester, England: The Best Museums

Merston Gallery is a contemporary exhibition space near to Chichester, and specialises in one-person shows of fine art and design. Please check our website for regular updates on our exhibitions.

Come and discover rescued rural buildings set in a beautiful landscape, which tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in them over 1,000 years. Explore our 40-acre site and visit our collection – we have more than 50 historic buildings, from a replica Anglo-Saxon hall house to an Edwardian tin church. Enjoy a regular programme of demonstrations, including milling in our 17th century watermill; cooking in our Tudor kitchen; blacksmithing in our Victorian smithy, baking in our newly opened bakehouse; plus seasonal demonstrations. Take a walk in the woods, bring the dog (we are dog friendly), visit our waterside cafe or enjoy your own picnic. New exhibit buildings include: a dairy and bakehouse, near the watermill, plus a late 18th century barn and early 19th century stable known as May Day Farm. Need a new hobby or a new skill? Try our day courses in traditional rural trades and crafts or historic building conservation.

This magnificent Cathedral has stood at the centre of Chichester for over 900 years. With unique architecture from each century of its life, this Cathedral is both ancient and modern, where original medieval features sit alongside world famous contemporary artworks. Chichester Cathedral is open every day from 10.00am - 4.00pm. We have made a number of changes to ensure that you can visit our historic site safely. Measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 include the provision of hand sanitiser stations, an enhanced cleaning regime and all Cathedral staff and volunteers will be wearing face masks. We are also delivering a revised schedule of services. Further details about attending for public worship can be found on our website.

Pallant House Gallery is one of Britain's most distinctive modern art museums, located in the heart of historic Chichester. It tells the story of British art from 1900 to now through original exhibitions and a world-class collection. In 20 galleries, housed in a Queen Anne townhouse with a striking contemporary wing, discover artworks by many of the greats of British modern art including Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, John Piper, Peter Blake and contemporary artists Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst.

The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre in Chichester is a registered educational charity run by a team of dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers.

Miltary Aviation Museum covering from the First World War to the Jet age with a selection of unique aircraft and mementos associated with this historic site.

The Oxmarket Centre of Arts is a volunteer-run charity whose mission is to promote art and support artists in a professional and inclusive manner. All our exhibitions, over 150 every year, are free to the public, to encourage people in our community to engage with art.