Christmas Trail | The Great Christmas Hunt with Wilfrid the Seal

This Christmas, join Wilfrid the Seal on a magical journey through Chichester Cathedral as he sets out to discover the story at the heart of Christmas.

Event details

Tickets
Free to collect, donations welcomed
Date
-
Venue
Chichester Cathedral
Category
Children & Families, Children & Families, Community, Free

It’s Wilfrid the Seal’s very first Christmas at Chichester Cathedral – and he’s full of excitement! The Cathedral has been beautifully transformed for this special time of year, but Wilfrid doesn’t yet understand what Christmas is all about.

Join Wilfrid as he encounters familiar characters from the Nativity story, explores the Cathedral's colourful artworks, and enjoys moments of festive wonder in one of Chichester’s most beautiful settings.

This self-guided trail is brought to life with charming hand-drawn illustrations by local artist Chloe Robertson, and is designed to delight children and grown-ups alike.

  • Perfect for the Christmas holidays - especially that quieter time between Christmas and New Year - but available throughout the festive season.
  • Free printed trail handouts are available at the Cathedral entrance - no booking required - but donations very much welcome.
  • Ideal for all of the family, with a focus on children below the age of 12, but open to all who are young at heart.
Seal

About Wilfrid the Seal

Wilfrid the Seal was created to celebrate Chichester Cathedral’s 950th anniversary in 2025. He’s inspired by St Wilfrid, the founder of the original Cathedral in nearby Selsey - a place once known as “Seal Island” because of its Old English name, Seolesige, meaning “Seal’s Island” or “Isle of Sea Calves.”

St Wilfrid is often shown with a seal, and Wilfrid the Seal is a playful tribute to that connection - a friendly character who links the Cathedral’s ancient past with the present day. Hand-drawn by local artist Chloe Robertson, Wilfrid invites children and families to explore the Cathedral and discover the story of Christmas in a fun and meaningful way.

 

Frequently asked questions

When is the trail open?

The trail runs throughout the Christmas season, from 28 November 2025 through to 7 January 2026. It’s available during the Cathedral’s regular opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
  • Sunday: 12.30pm – 2.30pm 

Given the time of year, we have an increased number of special services and events. Please check our website for planned closures>> 

How much does it cost, and do we need to book in advance?

No booking is required - just turn up and collect your free trail sheet from the Cathedral entrance. Donations are welcome and support the daily upkeep of the Cathedral, a registered charity.

How long does it take?

Most families spend around 30–45 minutes completing the trail, but you’re welcome to take your time and explore at your own pace.

Who is this trail for?

The trail is designed especially for children under 12, but it’s fun for the whole family - including older siblings and grown-ups.

Is the Cathedral accessible for buggies and wheelchairs?

We aim to help all visitors make the most of their experience – if you have any questions or need particular assistance please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

General Access

Step-free, level access into the Cathedral is available through the South West Door, which is marked 40 on the Cathedral Plan.

Within the Cathedral and the Cathedral precincts there are ramps for easy level access. 

Step-free access is available to most areas of the cathedral including the Nave, Lady Chapel and the Cloisters. A small number of areas may have limited access due to steps. However, removal ramps are available to visitors to access the Quire. Please speak to a member of the team on the welcome desk, a volunteer or a member of the Verger team who will be on-hand to offer assistance.

The Cathedral has two wheelchairs which may be used, free of charge, on a first-come first-served basis. 

There is step-free access to the Cathedral Café, Cloisters Kitchen & Garden. 

The General Guided Tour (11.30am/2.30pm, most days) is approx. 45 minutes and involves the ground floor only. There are points throughout the tour where seating is available. 

There is seating available throughout the cathedral for those who need to rest during their visit. 

Toilets

Toilet facilities are available in the North Transept opposite the Treasury & Shop. 

There is an accessible toilet in the Cathedral. There is also an accessible toilet in the Cloisters Kitchen & Garden (a RADAR key can be obtained for this toilet from the café team). 

Full details of Changing Places facilities across Chichester can be found here. 

Travel & Parking

There is no visitor parking available on site. The nearest available car park is East Pallant (0.3 miles). 

There are a limited number of Accessible parking spaces situated on the approach to the Cathedral via West Street. These spaces can be used free of charge provided the vehicle is displaying a blue badge. 

For further information on Accessible parking in Chichester please click here.

By Train

Chichester Train Station is 0.4 miles from the Cathedral. 

By Bus

There are multiple routes which stop along West Street for easy access via bus to the Cathedral including the 600, 700 and 46. 

Dogs

Dogs are welcome to explore the Cathedral, and its grounds, during key visiting hours (Monday – Saturday, 9.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday, 12.30 - 2.30pm). 

Dogs are permitted in the Garden of the newly opened Cloisters Kitchen & Garden. 

To ensure that the Cathedral remains a safe and enjoyable space for all visitors, the following rules will apply to visitors with dogs: 

  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times
  • Owners must clean up after their dogs
  • Dogs must be well-behaved and not disturb other visitors 

Guide, Therapy and Assistance Dogs are welcome in the Cathedral for services and events.

If you are planning a visit to the Cathedral and have any questions regarding access please contact us, 01243 782595 or info@chichestercathedral.org.uk

For further information regarding general travel advice you may wish to visit the DisabledTravelAdvice website.

What facilities are on-site?

Café

Nestled within the Cloisters themselves, this peaceful corner makes the perfect meeting place for friends, shoppers or colleagues and enjoys a secluded sunny garden to enjoy those warmer sunnier days.

Chef and the team boast fantastic freshly prepared dishes using seasonal local produce. Each day you can choose from the breakfast menu, an array of enticing cakes and sweets made on site by our own pastry chef or sample a little something from the grazing dishes which are available.

Find out more

Cathedral Shop

Whether you’re looking for a special memento of your visit to Chichester Cathedral or that perfect gift for a loved one - the Cathedral Shop will have something to catch your interest.

Run entirely by our volunteers, The Shop offers an ever-changing range of Chichester Cathedral souvenirs, unique items created by local craftsmen, Fair trade gifts, vibrant traditional toys and sacred music.

Opening hours*

  • Monday, Wednesday - Saturday, 10.00am - 4.00pm

  • Tuesday, 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm

*these opening hours are subject to change, check our upcoming closures.

Toilets

Toilet facilities are available in the North Transept opposite the Treasury & Shop. 

There is an accessible toilet in the Cathedral. There is also an accessible toilet in the Cloisters Kitchen & Garden (a RADAR key can be obtained for this toilet from the café team). 

Full details of Changing Places facilities across Chichester can be found here.