From Selsey to Chichester, our Chichester950 pilgrimage route is inspired by the ancient path of the Cathedral, exploring beautiful countryside and uncovering historic West Sussex landmarks along the way.
Pilgrimages to sacred sites have been recorded for thousands of years, with people from many faiths seeking personal and spiritual transformation travelling to important religious sites. Historically, popular Christian pilgrimage destinations included Jerusalem and Rome, though more local sites, including our own Shrine of St Richard at Chichester Cathedral, were also favoured. Along the benches of the Cloisters, you can still see the marks from games played by pilgrims as they waited for their moment in front of the shrine.
The practice, which continues today, is as much about the journey as it is the destination. With this in mind, we have partnered with British Pilgrimage Trust to create a new Chichester950 pilgrimage route, designed to honour the origins of Chichester Cathedral whilst celebrating our local landscape so rich in history and beauty.
You probably know that 2025 marks 950 years of Chichester Cathedral in the city of Chichester. However, were you aware that before that the Cathedral was located near the coast of Selsey?
In 681, St Wilfrid founded a monastery in Selsey which went on to become the first cathedral in Sussex. In 1066, the Council of London deemed that cathedrals should be relocated to more densely populated areas and so in 1075 the seat of the bishop was moved to the old Roman city of Chichester, and construction began on the Cathedral you know today.
The Chichester950 route
The Chichester950 pilgrimage route allows pilgrims to make this historic journey from Selsey to Chichester. The nine-mile pilgrimage explores peaceful countryside and places rich with spiritual and historic meaning.
Beginning at St Wilfrid’s Chapel in Selsey - thought to be the site of his original cathedral - the route winds past the stunning landscape of Pagham Harbour and through Sidlesham, where St Mary’s Church offers a moment of stillness and reflection. You’ll trace parts of the old Roman road, echoing paths once taken by Wilfrid himself. Continue through the historic manor of Hunston and past St Leodegar's then follow the canal’s gentle course toward Chichester. As you reach the city, consider entering the Cathedral in the traditional pilgrim way - barefoot, through the Cloisters before arriving at the Shrine of St Richard.
On arrival at the Cathedral, all pilgrims can receive a stamp or purchase a fabric Chichester950 pilgrim’s patch from the Cathedral Shop, which has been designed by Liturgical Artist James Blackstone.
Exploring our Chichester950 Exhibition
Within the Cathedral until 15 November 2025, pilgrims are also invited to explore Religion, Rebellion and Reformation, our Chichester950 exhibition tracing the story of the Christian faith across Sussex over the past nine centuries.
Among the many fascinating artefacts on display are a 15th-century pilgrim badge - depicting the crowned Virgin standing on a crescent moon. You can also see a medieval ampulla, once used to collect holy water or oil from a saint’s shrine. Click here to watch a short video by the exhibition’s curator and the Cathedral’s Canon Treasurer, Revd Vanessa Baron, exploring the ampulla’s significance in medieval pilgrimage.
We invite people from all faiths to take part in traditional pilgrim practices and enjoy a renewed appreciation for our local land. Click here to discover more pilgrimage routes to Chichester Cathedral.