Surroundings, Chichester

West of Chichester lies Chichester Harbor with an attractive and distinctive landscape of its own - an area of waterways and marshland with large numbers of waterfowl, thatched cottages, little sandy bays and reed fringed shores.

On one of Chichester Harbor's many creeks stands the village of Bosham (about 4mi/6km west of Chichester; pop. 2,800), with a church dating from Saxon times. The tower and pulpit are Saxon, other parts are 13th century. The church is depicted on the Bayeux tapestry; it was from here that Harald set sail in 1064 on his unsuccessful mission to Normandy.The Bosham Walk and Arts Centre showcases the arts, crafts, fashion and antiques of local artisans.Bosham is divided into two sections: Old Bosham and New Bosham. High tide in Old Bosham comes into the village flooding lower roads and some parking spots.

The foundations of Fishbourne Roman Palace (c A.D. 75; 1mi/2km west of Chichester) were excavated mainly between 1960 and 1968. The unusually large building, 16,000ft/1500sq.m in area, every one of its 100 or so rooms once paved with mosaics, would originally have stood at the water's edge. It is thought to have belonged to a Celtic tribal chief called Cogidubnus, who became a trusted friend and ally of the Romans. The numerous Roman pavements uncovered illustrate a range of mosaic techniques and variations in quality; there is also an interesting and informative museum about life in Roman Britain.A property of the Sussex Archaeological Society.

Goodwood, seat of the Duke of Richmond, is situated 3.5 mi/6km northeast of Chichester. The house was built between 1790 and 1800, mainly by James Wyatt, and contains fine furniture and pictures including works by Canaletto and Van Dyke. The large park incorporates a racecourse where the well known Goodwood Races are held at the end of July.