5 places for outdoor walks in and around Chichester and Bognor Regis
Enjoy the glorious scenery West Sussex has to offer, from coastline to countryside, visit these scenic spots for fresh air and exercise.
Bishop’s Palace Gardens | Chichester
A hidden treasure, nestling between the south-western edge of the Cathedral and the City Walls lie the beautiful Bishop’s Palace Gardens. A peaceful oasis, the gardens date back to 1147-48 and have recently undergone a major refurbishment.
The addition of water features, new seating and a pergola walk, alongside improved access and the creation of a wildlife friendly garden space make this the perfect place to unwind and visit with an elderly visitor.
The garden has many great assets, including rare and champion specimen trees, a fantastic location and a peaceful ambiance. Thousands of new shrubs, trees, roses, climbers and herbaceous plants have been added recently. Open from 8am until dusk, the garden is just a short walk from the Cathedral.
Access the Gardens via Canon Lane, which is through an archway halfway up South Street on the west side. The Gardens can also be discovered behind the cathedral via the Cloisters and St Richard’s Walk. Turn right at the end. A third entrance can be found on the inner ring road, Avenue de Chartres, near the roundabout into West Street.
The Bishop’s Palace Gardens are flat and Care Professionals have no issues with using a wheelchair throughout so that elderly visitors can enjoy the scenery, the calm ambience and the fresh air.
The Promenade & Marine Park Gardens | Bognor Regis
Take in the crisp sea air with a stroll along the promenade at Bognor Regis and enjoy some quiet time (and perhaps an ice cream) in the tranquility of Marine Park Gardens.
There is plenty of parking along the promenade, from the east end at Butlins down to the beach huts at Aldwick in the west. Elderly visitors will enjoy the flat surface, perfect for strollers, wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Care Professionals have a great time supporting their clients with a walk along the prom. There are plenty of benches along the route to take a breather or just watch to sit, relax and watch the world go by.
At the Aldwick end of the promenade, visitors can access Marine Park Gardens at various points, the most obvious being at either end, by The Waverly Pub or West Park Car Park. For the adventurous there is an 18-hole putting green. Alternatively the gardens offer plenty of seating, a water fountain and during the summer months, the flower beds are full of colour and design. All in all, a great place for elderly visitors to take a walk, relax and enjoy nature.
Swanbourne Lake | Arundel
A little further afield, east of Chichester, Arundel offers lots to do for visitors. One location in particular, Swanbourne Lake, offers the opportunity for visitors to take a leisurely walk around the lake and experience the birdlife area has to offer.
The east bank of the lake offers elderly visitors the flattest and safest surface. There are plenty of benches to take a rest and admire the abundant bird life the lake has to offer. Additionally there is an excellent tearoom besides the lake as well as an ice cream outlet.
Home Instead Care Professionals love bringing their clients to this location. Parking can be an issue during busier periods. Limited parking is available on Mill Road immediately opposite the entrance gates to the lake. Alternatively, parking can often be found further south on Mill Road, beyond the old stone bridge. Access to the lake is free of charge and opening hours are 0930-1700 daily.
Chichester Canal Towpath | Chichester
The Chichester Ship Canal is a leisurely waterway linking historic Chichester to the sea. The canal runs 4 miles from the Basin to the Harbour at Birdham and, today, the 2 miles as far as Donnington is navigable.
Elderly visitors, with support, can enjoy a walk along the canal from either the Chichester canal basis, off Stockbridge Road and Canal Wharf. Alternatively, if you’re out of the city, walkers can commence their walk from Hunston, parking available at Hunston Bridge Car Park.
The canal path is predominantly a gravel/stone surface and flat. Due to the proximity of water, elderly visitors are advised to take a walking companion.
Priory Park | Chichester
Priory park is a public park in the centre of Chichester operated by Chichester District Council. The park has a rich heritage and is bordered by the medieval city walls to the north and east which are built upon the original Roman foundations. The park contains Chichester Castle and the Guildhall.
Visitors can enjoy a stroll around the perimeter of the park, which is flat and suitable for wheelchairs. Conveniently tucked in the north-east corner of the park is Fenwicks Café which has indoor or outdoor seating, parsols with heaters and blankets for chilly days.
Priory Park does not have its own car parking, therefore visitors will need to park in the adjacent roads or in Northgate Car Park which is close by.
