
Bishop's Palace Gardens
A serene, free-entry garden sanctuary in Chichester, featuring native flora, an arboretum, and a charming pergola walk.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom

Bishop's Palace Gardens
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, free-entry garden sanctuary in Chichester, featuring native flora, an arboretum, and a charming pergola walk.
"A real sanctuary and haven of peace, accessible to all and free to visit."

Free Entry Delight
Enjoy this beautiful garden completely free of charge! A true gem for budget travelers. :moneywithwings:
Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the benches or lawns. A lovely way to relax and soak in the scenery. :sandwich:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Arboretum's Charm
Within the gardens
Wander through a collection of trees, offering shade and seasonal beauty. A true natural retreat.

Pergola Walkway
Garden paths
Stroll under a vine-covered pergola, a picturesque spot for photos and a moment of quiet reflection.

Native Flora Displays
Throughout the gardens
Appreciate the diverse native plants, thoughtfully displayed with informative storyboards.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Chichester's Hidden Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry Delight
Enjoy this beautiful garden completely free of charge! A true gem for budget travelers. :moneywithwings:
Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the benches or lawns. A lovely way to relax and soak in the scenery. :sandwich:
Restroom Access
Public toilets are available in the nearby cathedral cafe. Plan accordingly! :toilet:
Year-Round Beauty
The gardens are well-maintained and offer something to see in every season. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry Delight
Enjoy this beautiful garden completely free of charge! A true gem for budget travelers. :moneywithwings:
Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the benches or lawns. A lovely way to relax and soak in the scenery. :sandwich:
Restroom Access
Public toilets are available in the nearby cathedral cafe. Plan accordingly! :toilet:
Year-Round Beauty
The gardens are well-maintained and offer something to see in every season. :evergreen_tree:
Relax and Recharge
Escape the city hustle and find peace in this tranquil sanctuary. :lotus_position:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bishop's Palace Gardens as a beautiful, well-maintained sanctuary offering peace and tranquility. Its free entry and lovely scenery make it a highly recommended spot for relaxation, picnics, and gentle strolls, though restroom facilities are located off-site.
"I originally come from Chichester and return a couple of times a year. I never tire of visiting the beautiful Bishop's Palace Gardens. They are a real sanctuary and haven of peace, accessible to all and free to visit.
They are very well maintained by the gardeners and there is something to see all year round.
My attached photos are from different seasons of the year to show the variety of plants.
There aren't any toilets in the gardens but there are public toilets in the cathedral cafe which is also excellent and very well worth a visit, especially the outside seating area."
Pam Watson
"Very beautiful and well maintained garden. A great place to have a picnic or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Well worth a visit."
Liakat Khan
"Pretty good area in town. Beautiful greenery sitting next to Cathedral. Love to walk around. This part of city is away from hustle bustle of city crown and traffic sound."
UK Photo Journey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bishop's Palace Gardens are located in Chichester, adjacent to the cathedral. They are easily accessible on foot from the city center. Parking is available in nearby public car parks, such as the Northgate Car Park.
Chichester has a main bus station and train station, both within walking distance of the gardens. Regular bus services operate to and from the city center.
Yes, cycling is a great way to reach the gardens. There are usually cycle racks available near the cathedral entrance.
The gardens are well-signposted and are situated right next to the prominent Chichester Cathedral, making them easy to locate within the city.
Many visitors enjoy walking through the cathedral grounds first, then discovering the gardens. The entrance is usually clearly marked.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bishop's Palace Gardens are free to enter and explore. This makes it an accessible and popular spot for locals and visitors alike. :ticket:
The gardens are generally open daily from morning until dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official website for any seasonal variations or specific closing times.
There are no admission fees for the Bishop's Palace Gardens themselves. It's a wonderful free attraction in Chichester.
Yes, the gardens are open year-round and offer different beauty in each season, from spring blooms to autumn colors. :evergreen_tree:
The gardens are typically accessed via gates near the cathedral. Look for signage directing you to the garden entrance.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a peaceful walk, admire native flora with storyboards, relax on benches, and explore the arboretum and pergola walk. It's a place for quiet contemplation and enjoying nature. :camerawithflash:
There are no toilets directly within the gardens. However, public toilets and a cafe are available at the nearby Chichester Cathedral. :coffee:
Yes, children can enjoy the open spaces for a gentle run-around and exploring the plants. It's a calm environment, so supervision is recommended. :child:
Absolutely! The gardens are very photogenic, especially with their diverse plant life and the backdrop of the cathedral. :iphone:
Wi-Fi is typically not available within the gardens themselves. You might find it in the nearby cathedral cafe.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities directly within the gardens. However, the Chichester Cathedral cafe is located nearby and offers refreshments. :sandwich:
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are benches available, and you can find lovely spots on the lawns to lay out a blanket. :bread:
Chichester city center, just a short walk away, offers a wide range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. :forkandknife:
Yes, you can purchase food and drinks from shops and cafes in Chichester city center before heading to the gardens for your picnic.
The cathedral cafe typically serves light meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a convenient option for a quick bite before or after visiting the gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
The pergola walk, the arboretum with its diverse trees, and any area with blooming flowers offer excellent photo opportunities. The cathedral backdrop is also a great feature. :camerawithflash:
Yes, personal photography is generally welcomed in the gardens. Capture the beauty of the flora and the serene atmosphere. :iphone:
While personal photography is fine, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. Commercial photography may require permission.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for photography. Spring and autumn offer vibrant colors for stunning shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in such areas to respect privacy and safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Sanctuary of Greenery
Beyond the trees, the gardens feature a charming pergola walk, draped with climbing plants, offering a romantic and shaded pathway. Numerous benches and paths are strategically placed throughout, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and simply enjoy the serene atmosphere. The gardens are meticulously maintained by dedicated gardeners, ensuring there's always something to admire, whether it's the vibrant spring blooms or the rich hues of autumn.
Many visitors describe the gardens as a sanctuary and haven of peace, a welcome contrast to the bustle of city life. The free entry makes it an accessible delight for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read, a picturesque location for a picnic, or simply a pleasant walk. The proximity to the cathedral also means you can easily combine a visit to the gardens with exploring the historic religious site.
Community and Accessibility
While the gardens themselves are a delight, it's worth noting the practicalities. There are no toilets within the gardens, but visitors can utilize the facilities at the excellent cathedral cafe nearby. This cafe is also recommended for its outdoor seating area, offering a pleasant spot to relax after exploring the greenery.
The gardens are praised for being very well maintained, with something to see throughout the year. This consistent care ensures a beautiful experience regardless of the season, from the first spring flowers to the autumnal foliage. It’s a place that truly offers a restorative experience, allowing visitors to 'relax, recharge the energy and see the beauties of the gardens'.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit