The University of Chichester will be opening the doors of its two campuses to showcase some of its historical buildings on 10th and 11th September as part of the annual Heritage Open.

The scheme celebrates England’s architecture and culture by offering free access to hundreds of buildings during the course of four days each September.

On Thursday 10th September two tours of Hothamton Crescent on the University’s Bognor Regis campus will take place. The Crescent contains three fine Regency buildings which were built at the end of the 18th century. The buildings were designed to be part of Sir Richard Hotham's grand plan to turn Bognor Regis into a seaside resort for the rich and famous. In 1808, Princess Charlotte visited Bognor and stayed in the centre building of the Crescent, known as the 'Dome'. The Princess was just one of many famous people to have stayed or lived in these buildings.

On Friday 11th September, 2009 the Bishop Otter Campus in Chichester will be open for two one hour tours of the buildings. The Bishop Otter campus was originally an early 19th century church college, founded by William Otter, Bishop of Chichester. Now one of the best modern university’s in the UK, the guided tours will take visitors around some of the University’s beautiful buildings, historic features and will bring to life the many famous visitors and associates from the past. After each tour there will be an opportunity to take part in a University Campus Tree Walk which will take around 45 minutes.

Tours of the Bognor Regis Campus will commence from the main reception desk in St. Michael’s House. Each tour will last approximately 1 hour and will begin at 12.00 and again at 15.30.

The number of places on each tour will be limited so prior booking is advisable. Parking is not available on the campus, however a public car park is located in Hotham Park at its junction with the High Street and Upper Bognor Road. This car park is situated immediately opposite the main entrance to the University.

The tours of the Bishop Otter Campus will commence at 11.00 and 13.00 from the main reception desk. Each tour will last approximately 1 hour. Parking is not available on campus but there is a public car park on the other side of College Lane adjacent to the Chichester Festival Theatre – a five minute walk up the Lane will bring you to the main entrance.

To book a place on one of the tours please contact j.carter@chi.ac.uk or telephone (01243) 816087 and for more information visit the website on http://chiuni.ac.uk/info/HeritageOpenDays.cfm