A Bishop’s Gift

252 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

5/5

Review type

Things to do

Date of travel

April, 2022

Product name

The Bishop's Palace Gardens

Product country

United Kingdom

Product city

Chichester

Travelled with

Couple

Reasons for trip

Culture/Sightseeing

Free admission to a lovingly tended and delightful large city-centre garden – that is the Bishop’s Gift to Chichester, not that the city is short of delights. We visited twice, and could have gone several more times had we not been on a short break.

From the central pedestrian area the cathedral is an obvious landmark. There are ways in from the cathedral green or by the arch into Cathedral Close. The latter allows views of other gardens as you walk towards an inner gate, with ever-changing glimpses of the cathedral. It is tempting to turn into the cloister and visit the cathedral itself, well worth doing as we found on a previous occasion. The gardens are the big draw, however.

Almost the first attraction is a Dicksonia, just unfurling in later April. It stands at the beginning of a long border, large enough for many a private garden but here an introduction to the delights beyond. Bluebells abound with daffodils still in bloom and the first tulips as punctuation. They would be the commas to the semi-colons and full stops of a variety of shrubs and trees. There are also the asides as paths turn and steps rise. Walls and hedges prepare for other surprises.

The main garden allows for – and was enthusiastically used by – families, small children set free by mothers, and one father dutifully pushing a baby while checking his phone at intervals. Teenagers strolled through, enjoying the last days of Easter holiday in the sun. It was hard to accept this was only the beginning of spring, so warm was the weather.

Large areas of grass surrounded beds and trees, and there was always the sight of mellow walls with aspects of the cathedral above and beyond. The Roman wall encloses the garden along two sides, with steps up for a new angle. Total peace inside; busy roads outside. It is an Eden for as many as care to enter, and who would wish to leave?

John.Pelling

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.