Parks and gardens
Chichester District Council is responsible for approximately 117 acres of land that comprises of parks, gardens, ponds, sports pitches, play areas, local nature reserve and general open space. These areas are used for a variety of leisure pursuits. It is important to maintain a balance between the various user groups in order to maintain maximum usage by all the community. Please also see our Green Spaces and Grounds Maintenance Service.
Many of the Districts' parks and green spaces are within Chichester, although some are situated outside of the city, for example, South Pond and East Beach at Selsey.
Many of the parks are available for hire, either for sports, private functions or public events. If you wish to make a booking enquiry please visit our Hire of land for events webpage.
Report a problem within a park or green space
Priory Park
Priory Park is situated in the north-east corner of the walled city of Chichester. The park is bounded on the north and east by the city walls and their rampart is within the park area. To the south and west the park is bounded by Priory Road and Priory Lane. There are two formal entrances to the park with wrought iron gates. Dogs are prohibited from the park as is cycling and barbeques.
Monuments
Priory Park contains three scheduled monuments; the city walls, The Guildhall and the remains of a Norman motte. Scheduled monument status indicates their national significance. Priory Park became a subscribers park in the mid-nineteenth century when it was owned by the Duke of Richmond. It was presented to the City of Chichester Council by the Duke in 1918. The park is now managed by Chichester District Council. The site is within the Chichester City Conservation Area.
Facilities
The park has many modern facilities which include children's equipped play area, aviary, bowling green, cricket square, numerous mature trees and planting. There are plenty of open grass areas for recreational use and seating. Toilet facilities are located on this site.
The park is now home to Fenwicks Cafe (opens new window) which provides hot and cold refreshments in an idyllic location.
Sport
Priory Park is home to several sports clubs. These include Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club (opens new window) and Chichester Bowling Club (opens new window). The cricket pitch and pavilion are also available for club and private hire during the summer. Priory Park also has 3 Mini football pitches which are available for hire. Please see our webpage for Cricket pitch fees and contact information. The park also holds the Chichester junior parkrun (opens new window) every Sunday morning at 9am.
Events
The Park has been used on many occasions for large community celebrations at Coronations and Jubilees, as well as the Real Ale and Jazz Festival and smaller charity events. The Guildhall is regularly used for Exhibitions, talks and music recitals and is now licensed as a wedding venue. All Guildhall enquiries are managed by The Novium (opens new window)
Oaklands Park
Oaklands Park is the largest, public, recreational space in Chichester. Situated in the northern end of the City it is easily accessible by road and public transport.
Facilities
Parking is located to the south of the park at Northgate car park. Other attractions within the park include two play parks, an orchard, a meadow area and a vegetable garden. Situated on the outskirts of the park is the popular Chichester Festival Theatre (opens new window) providing a full programme of entertainment.
Sports
The park has 4 adult rugby pitches, 1 adult football pitch, 1 softball pitch and 1 pavilion. Oaklands Park is also home to the Chichester parkrun (opens new window) which is held every Saturday morning at 9am. For a full list of what is available and where, please visit our Hire a sports pitch webpage.
There are also floodlit tennis courts which are available for booking through Chichester Raquets and Fitness Club (opens new window)
Events
Due to its size and location, large scale events such as funfairs and circuses tend to take place on this park. If you wish to book an event, please visit our Hire of land for events webpage.
Bishop's Palace Garden
Bishop's Palace Garden is in the south-east corner of the walled city of Chichester. The park is bounded on the south and west by the city walls and its ramparts. The park can be accessed through:
- Canon Lane, off South Street.
- the Cathedral Cloisters.
- a pathway at the rear of the park, off Avenue de Chartres.
Dogs, cycling and barbeques are prohibited in the park.
The gardens have several features, including:
- a formal garden with part-Tudor walls;
- a boardwalk bed planted mainly with Mediterranean plants;
- an alpine garden; plus,
- an area called 'The Vista' which is planted with herbaceous beds with warmer colours to the east and cooler colours to the west.
There is also a rose pergola that features climbing roses, clematis, and honeysuckle, plus an arboretum which contains around 100 rare and unusual trees and shrubs. This includes a Giant Redwood tree (sequoia) and a Handkerchief Tree. A wildlife garden has been created, complete with a bog garden which encourages birds, bees, and other insects.
Bishop's Palace Gardens (opens new window) is truly one of Chichester's hidden gems and we are very grateful to the team of dedicated, talented, and hardworking volunteers that help it look its best in all seasons. You can find out more from the volunteers by visiting the Friends of Bishop Palace Gardens (opens new window).
Other parks
Facilities
Many of the parks have children play areas. For further details, please see our Children's play areas webpage.
The Council also own 4 pavilions which can be hired for sports events.
Sports
Several of our parks are used for sports activities. For a full list of what is available and where, please visit our Hire a sports pitch webpage.
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