A scenic view over a waterway in Chichester, with historic red brick buildings and trees in the background

Retire to Chichester

The only city in West Sussex, Chichester is an idyllic cathedral city with origins that are traced back to Roman times. It offers a lively community and cultural scene with plenty of things to do for a happy retirement. 

Local retirees love:

  • Walks through the city’s green spaces, like Bishop’s Palace Gardens, and along the banks of Chichester Canal or around the picturesque harbour.
  • Regular farmers' markets and craft fairs, as well as other seasonal events celebrated throughout the city centre.
  • A strong community - the Chichester Festival Theatre and Novium Museum are both cultural hubs, while local sports and community centres offer crafts, fitness and social activities.
  • A lively city centre with plenty of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and traditional pubs to enjoy.

2 retirement developments near Chichester

Explore places in the Chichester area

Retirement living in Chichester

Chichester offers an enticing combination of history, modern convenience, community activities and cultural events to keep you busy throughout the year. It’s ideal for retirees looking for a varied retirement.

people walking on a street

Amenities in Chichester

Our retirement homes in Chichester are thoughtfully placed to give you easy access to all the health care, shops and amenities this city has to offer.

  • Groceries – you’ll find a Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, among other supermarket chains as well as independent butchers, bakers and delis.
  • Shops – The city centre is a treasure trove of high street favourites, as well as independent boutiques, unique stores, seasonal artisanal markets and craft fairs.
  • Healthcare  –  St Richard’s Hospital is under 5 minutes from the city centre, while several GP surgeries, such as Langley House and Lavant Road Surgery, are on hand to help with daily healthcare. You can also find multiple opticians, dentists and pharmacies in the city. 
a large building with a tall spire

Things for retirees to do in Chichester

Chichester’s city centre provides a perfect blend of activities to suit every taste. 

a golf course with trees

An active retirement in Chichester

Chichester is the perfect setting for an active retirement, with a mix of modern amenities and close proximity to some of West Sussex’s finest walking trails. 

  • Westgate Leisure Centre includes a sauna, gym and swimming pool, as well as an excellent selection of fitness classes.
  • Chichester Canal and various parks throughout the city are perfect for solo strolls or can be enjoyed by joining one of the many walking groups. From Chichester Harbour you’ll discover coastal paths and views over the sea.
  • Chichester Golf Club is an excellent option for enthusiasts, with two 18-hole courses and a 9-hole short course. There are also several tennis courts and bowls clubs nearby if you’re looking to connect (or compete!). 
a marina full of boats

Transport and connections

Chichester’s public transport connections are well-suited to retirees who prefer not to drive, with a reliable network of buses and trains making it easy to explore the city or further afield.

  • By car - The A27 connects the city to Portsmouth and Southampton to the west and Worthing and Eastbourne to the east.
  • By bus - buses regularly run to Selsey, Midhurst, Bognor Regis, and Arundel, among other towns and villages in the surrounding area.
  • By rail - Chichester Railway Station offers direct services to London, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Brighton.
  • By air - The closest airport is Southampton International Airport however you can widen your travel options with a trip to Gatwick Airport – just over an hour away by road.

Browse by Retirement Living services

Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.

Retirement living in Chichester FAQs

Yes, in part thanks to its blend of modern amenities, stunning nature and historic charm, Chichester is a great retirement destination among retirees who want an active pace of living. The city is well-connected, with many friendly communities, and all the amenities you need to thrive in retirement.

Chichester provides plenty of opportunities for older adults to make friends. The welcoming U3A offers a long list of interest and hobby groups tailored to retirees, while you can also find clubs, events and volunteering opportunities at community  centres throughout the city.

St Richard’s Hospital is the first port-of-call for emergency services, outpatient care, and specialist services. Multiple GP practices, such as Cathedral Medical Group and Lavant Road Surgery, serve the city’s daily healthcare needs alongside a number of dentists, opticians, and pharmacies.

Browse our retirement homes by city and county

Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a city or county to explore.

Sign up to our newsletter

Be the first to discover exclusive offers, welcoming events, brand new homes near you and so much more. Don't miss out!


This may include personalised advertising on platforms such as Google and other advertising partners. You can unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy & cookies policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.