Enclosed within the Cloisters lies Paradise, the central area. Paradise is a living churchyard and place of burial, and is open daily as a place of quiet reflection. In this space you are invited to remember those ‘whom you love, but see no longer’.

Built in the 15th century, Chichester Cathedral’s historic Cloisters have been a busy thoroughfare for over 600 years. As well as providing covered passage for clergy and worshippers, the Cloisters extend the visitors’ experience to the historic Cathedral Close and the beautiful Bishop’s Palace Gardens.

Admission to Chichester Cathedral is by donation. The recommended donation is £7.00 per person. As an independent charity we rely on your support, as we receive no automatic funding from the Government or Church of England. Your donation will keep this Cathedral free for everyone, and open for generations to come.

Also known as The Sailors’ Chapel, The Chapel of St Michael is a memorial to the Royal Navy and the people of West Sussex who gave their lives at sea in World War II. It was dedicated by Queen Elizabeth 2nd and the Duke of Edinburgh in July 1956. The Chapel was substantially refurbished and re-dedicated in 2017 thanks to a generous bequest and money from the Chichester Cathedral Friends. Find out more here.

The Arundel Tomb in the north aisle of Chichester Cathedral was brought from Lewes Priory after its dissolution in 1537. It is a tomb chest and on top lays the recumbent figures of Richard Fitzalan, 2nd Earl of Arundel, and his wife, Eleanor of Lancaster – they are gently holding hands.  The tomb is best known today for inspiring Philip Larkin’s 1955 poem, An Arundel Tomb and its touching final line ‘What will survive of us is love’. Find out more here.

One of the greatest figures in British 20th century music, Gustav Holst had a special connection to Chichester Cathedral. The composer, who wrote The Planets suite, was a friend of Chichester's Bishop Bell and worked with him on the Whitsuntide Festivals. Holst died in 1934, before winning international recognition for his work. On his death, his ashes were buried in the North Transept underneath a memorial to his favourite Tudor composer, Thomas Weelkes. The memorial to Holst was installed and dedicated in 2009, and reads: 'The Heavenly Spheres make music for us.'

This space was originally part of a pre-Cathedral church dedicated to St Peter. The North Transept is now home to a second set of Tudor paintings by the artist Lambert Barnard, who also created the large Tudor paintings in the South Transept.  

Located in the Treasury alongside a fine collection of items on loan from churches throughout Sussex, as well as other pieces used in the life of the Cathedral is the Cathedral Shop. Whether you’re looking for a special memento of your visit to Chichester Cathedral or that perfect gift for a loved one – we will have something to catch your interest.

This is one of the Cathedral's most famous artworks. This glorious window was installed in 1978.

The Chapel of St John the Baptist is home to a Reredos (the painting above the altar) by Patrick Procktor, an English artist of the late 20th Century. It was added to the chapel in 1984 and depicts St John baptising Jesus. In the painting, St John’s extended right arm offers an invitation to all to participate. Find out more here.