Ch-Ch-Chichester!

I have a confession to make. Until my history mad sister took it into her head to drag me down to Chichester, Id never really paid it much attention. And while I dont share her enthusiasm for clambering over bits of rubble and wondering whether her beloved Julius ever came here (probably not), my eyes were opened to the beauties of the city. I decided there and then to visit it another time, soak up the history and background. Two years after this resolution, I visited this previously neglected city. I was startled by what I found. Instead of the sleepy market town of my imaginings, its a vibrant, cultural place, full of surprises. So should you ever find yourself in Chichester and wanting to see something special, here are some of the best!

South Downs Planetarium Yes, you read that correctly. However peculiar that sounds, theres a Planetarium based in Chichester- one of the largest in the British Isles. While its a great day out for the kids, its not just a magic lantern show for their amusement but a proper scientific tool. Want to witness the wonders of the night sky, such as comets and eclipses? Want to theorise what the Star of Bethlehem is? You can do all this and more, in a fun, informative way. Its terrific facilities include a 100 seat theatre, a library and IT centre, satellite weather picture and Hubble Space Telescope images. Be prepared to be dazzled!

Chichester Cathedral While Im not hugely keen on churches, Chichester has plenty of points of interest. Not only is its architecture a picturesque blend of Norman and Gothic, it boasts a number of unique features (rare mediaeval sculptures, a free standing bell tower) and an impressive collection of modern art. There are also the ruins of a Roman mosaic, visible through a glass window. Music lovers may be interested to know that the Cathedral is the resting place of Gustav Holst, mastermind behind The Planets.

Chichester Festival Theatre

The plume in Chichesters cap is definitely its arts festival. Founded in 1955, its intended to encourage and promote the arts to the young, and runs for three weeks in July. This doesnt mean its culturally barren for the rest of the year. If you want to sample the very best entertainment Chichester has to offer, you cant go wrong by visiting the Chichester Festival Theatre. Split across three buildings- the Festival Theatre, the Minerva Theatre and the Steven Pimlott Building- it offers an eclectic range of shows, be they provocative Brechtian pieces such as The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui or crowd pleasers like Roald Dahls The Witches. Whatever show you see, itll be stamped with the Festival Theatres seal of approval!

Crouchers Hotel I was at Chichester for three days altogether; at the end of a days gallivanting Id come back to the Crouchers Hotel. Originally a B and B, its since blossomed into a first rate hotel with brilliant facilities- speedy Wi-Fi, room service and (I squealed when I saw it), four poster beds! Im not one to be effusive but I was thoroughly impressed by my stay. The full English breakfast was divine, the Sunday lunch simply marvellous. At one point, completely on a mad whim, I requested a bottle of champagne- it was duly brought up to us. The other half and I are seriously considering having our wedding reception there!