Places to Visit
Goodwood, Is the home of the Earl & Countess of March, it is a stately home with a difference. The Egyptian State Dining room is stunning, so are the collection of Canaletto’s & George Stubbs paintings, plus the exquisite Sevres dinner service. Goodwood House is open from 1-5pm most Sundays and Mondays from 16 March – 13 October. From 4 - 28 August, it is open for five days a week (Sundays to Thursdays) so this is a good time to visit West Sussex. Please always check Recorded Information on 01243 755040. Goodwood has a world famous Horse Race Course and a Motor Racing Track and holds sporting events, such as the Festival of Speed & Revival meeting. Also Goodwood has introduced a new golf course to complement its exciting course. The famous Goodwood motor racing circuit offers a number of “experience days” where you too can race around the track,
Goodwood Sculpture Park, very different with large sculptures set against the backdrop of the Sussex downs. Please note the entry is about £10 for adults, so best to make a day of it & take a picnic. Open until November Tues - Sun & bank holidays.
City of Chichester is a truly cultural experience dominated by the impressive cathedral, with its spire towering over the Sussex
plain, home to the internationally renowned Chichester Festival Theatre. To the north lies the historic market towns of Midhurst and Petworth, set amid the beautiful South Downs.
Chichester Festival Theatre Opened in 1962 under the direction of Sir Laurence Olivier, Chichester Festival Theatre remains a key-player on the British, and World, theatre scene. Well worth a visit.
Chichester Cathedral In the heart of the city, this fine Cathedral has been a center of Christian worship and community life for more than 900 years and is the site of the Shrine of St Richard of Chichester.
Weald & Downland Museum - Singleton, this is a captivating place for all ages from 1-91. Set in 50 acres within the downs, with houses, crafts, rare breeds of animals and demonstrations of country occupations such as blacksmithing, timber frame building, milling, charcoal making & even brick making. You must try their café that makes the best cakes ever!!!!
Fishbourne Roman Palace the remains of one wing of the largest domestic Roman building yet found in Britain can be seen
inside a covered building, with many impressive mosaic floors, underfloor heating systems, corridors and courtyards. The story of the site is told in a
new audio-visual programme using computer generated imagery, and also in the museum gallery, using artifacts from the excavations. Outside, the formal garden has been re-planted to its original plan, based on excavated bedding trenches. This is supplemented by a plant display area and museum of Roman gardens.
South Downs Planetarium was founded by Patrick Moore & is the third biggest planetarium in the UK. Show dates & times do vary
but it is a great night out!
Pallant House & Art Gallery, the gallery is one of the strongest & interesting collections of 20th-century British Art. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs
10am-8pm.
West Dean Gardens, since 1622 the house & gardens have evolved in harmony, creating a place of beauty & tranquility in the rolling
South Downs. A great example of using the skills of sustainability to protect & enhance the beauty of the gardens. Free entry to the Sussex Barn
Art Gallery. Also lovely visitor center with cafe for lunch or tea.
Petworth, discover the National Trust's finest art collection displayed in a magnificent 17th century mansion within a beautiful 700-acre park. Petworth
House contains works by artists such as Van Dyck, Reynolds and Turner.
Uppark House High on the South Downs with magnificent views, Uppark's impressive, multimedia exhibition tells the story of the disastrous 1989 fire
and restoration of this fine late 17th Century National Trust house and its treasures. This is the house that Nelson proposed to Lady Hamilton.
Amberley Working Museum is a 36 acre open-air museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of the south-east. Ranging from many transport-based collections and displays of a number of traditional resident crafts people; a great day out for all!
Bignor Roman Palace Remains of one of the largest Roman villas found in Great Britain. Longest mosaic (24m) on display. All mosaics in situ and under cover. There is ample car parking. Small cafe serving hot and cold beverages and light snacks. Picnic area for paying visitors to the villa.
The Local Coast Line and area combines the ambiance of Chichester Harbour with long stretches of beaches or you can take a trip along the Chichester Canal or join the birdwatchers at Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. The varied countryside encompasses areas of outstanding
natural beauty, national nature reserves and the breath taking South Downs.
Chichester Harbour Water Tours, why not take a relaxing boat trip around Chichester Harbour? There are 48 miles of shoreline from ancient woodlands to eroding sand dunes. All types of boats, yachts and wildlife to see throughout the year. A full commentary is given and light refreshments are available. Daily public trips from April till September, weather permitting. Charter trips all year; mostly at weekends. Winter bird watching trips are a speciality. Please ring Adam or Angela Shaw on 01243 670504 (24hrs)
Cowdray House Ruins is one of Southern England's most important early Tudor courtier's palaces set in the stunning grounds of Cowdray Park,
at Midhurst, West Sussex. Built in 1520 and partly destroyed by fire in 1793, royal visitors include Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Explore the Tudor kitchens, splendid gatehouse, visitor center and shop. Also Midhurst is a beautiful market town that is quaint and the film set for series such as Foyles War. One of the best tea shops is to be found next to the church, and their apple cake is the best ever!!!
Stansted House is one of the South's most beautiful stately homes. A prime example of the Caroline revival, it is set in 1,750 acres of glorious parks and woodland and retains the charm of a much loved home.
Arundel Museum 2000 years of Arundel's fascinating heritage, fabulous old photographs, and
superb scale models. Special seasonal exhibitions. Open: Apr-Sept: Mon-Sat 1030-1600. Sun 1400-1600. Last admission 15.30.
Beaches
West Wittering Beach one of the best golden sand beaches with views of the Isle of Wight has facilities such as showers toilets cafe and lifeguards. A great place for beach pursuits such as windsurfing. Also the west of the beach is east head an area on conservation and natural beauty with great walks. Car parking charges are applied to this beach and we must warn you that it is very busy in the summer so an early start is a must. Approx. 12 miles.
Climping Beach is also known as Atherington Beach, as with many along the south coast, has wooden groynes and is pebbles at high tide. But at low tide, a huge expanse of dark, fine, hard-packed sand is exposed, making it an ideal spot for families and shallow swimming. Very popular with kite surfers and windsurfers with grass areas for setting up. Climping Beach is a quieter area of coastline than its neighbors of Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. Much of the area is now designated of scientific interest, and parts are a nature reserve, although many sections of the sand dunes are now fenced off to protect against erosion and help local species to thrive.A great place to base a coastal walk at high tide you have pebble and grass banks whilst at low tide you have the flat hard compact sand of the beach. You can head in either direction; to the East you have the dune eco-system and then Littlehampton. To the West you are backed by countryside and then hit the many private beach estates (Elmer, Middleton-on-sea, Felpham) that line this stretch of Coast.
Pagham Nature Reserve Beach & Harbour. One of the areas hidden beauties. A very quiet clean beach with pebbles and a place to get away from it all. Very safe for bathing and great for crabbing or fishing. The harbour is breath taking and great to visit in all weathers as there are gravel pathways. A must for all bird watchers and the best place to see the sun setting. Please ask for details on a two mile walk to a pub that nestles within the wetlands of the harbour great for a traditional pub lunch. Approx. 7 miles
Aldwick Beach within walking distance, approximately a mile, a quieter beach with pebbles although at low tide there is sand. Some great rock pools to the west great for children to explore. Opposite the beach is a picnic and garden are with water fountain and a pitch & put mini 18 hole course great fun and very well maintained. Also a great choice of pubs overlooking the sea and a beach front cafe and toilet facilities. Parking charges in summer on the road adjacent to beach but two hour free in the road behind the park. Approx. 7 miles
Bognor’s Beach is full of fun and amusements although the beach is pebbly it is sandy when the tide goes out. A very clean beach with lifeguards patrolling. All a the facilities such as toilets pubs, takeaways, mini golf and fair on the beach. Sailing is available from Bognor’s yacht club and the east adjacent to Butlins is the jet skiing area with launching slip. Bognor was vote as the second best area for diving in the UK. Approx. 6 miles
Walking
Please find detailed walking books in the lounge and please ask if you wish for more walking ideas.
Eartham Woods are one of the best places to see bluebells in the spring, although there are many people who
believe Eartham Woods to be a sinister place which can play tricks with the minds of the unwary or soft headed. As with most things, though, there is an upside to this risk - the parking facilities are good. The George at Eartham is an attractive village pub with a lovely garden - which is
often well patronized by racegoers counting their winnings after a hard afternoon at nearby Goodwood or Fontwell Park races. The george has a great 3.7 mile walk over Nore hill and back. Stane Street at Eartham is one of the best places from which to enjoy a walk along the great Roman road of Stane Street - which linked Roman Chichester and London. The run of the road here is fairly uninterrupted from Eartham Woods all the way to Glatting Beacon, 245 meters above sea level and there's a great viewpoint along the arrow-straight road towards Chichester and the Solent and Isle of Wight beyond it. You can see a section of the embankment of the Roman Road in the picture below.
Arundel one of our local gems about 4 miles away. The town is steeped in History with quaint antique shops and tea shops. Not forgetting the castle and the Catholic cathedral & not forgetting the Wetlands & Wild Fowl Trust, they even have electric boat rides through the reed beds you will see lots of water voles!!! .
Goodwood and the South Downs, the views are breath-taking and the countryside is vast and provide pleasurable short ambles to a full days walking. Parking is mostly free. Kingley Vale is a must on a good day about a 4-6 mile walk through the oldest Yew tree forest in Europe, to the
burial grounds of Saxon & Viking Kings. Here it is one of the highest points on the downs with spectacular views of Chichester Harbour, Brighton, Southampton & the Sussex Countryside.
Pagham Nature Reserve, words are difficult to find to describe how beautiful this is with its beach and harbour of scientific interest. A must for bird & wildlife watchers. The reserve is accessible from Pagham and also Selsey end where there is a visitor and information center.
Bosham, a lovely coastal village for walking with a great pub at the water’s edge. Parking in the car park is essential since at high tide the water has been known to submerge the cars. This is where King Canute was said to have tried holding back the sea. The church is old and worth a visit as they believe King Harold is buried within an unnamed vault.
Chichester Wall Walk. Great for all weather and gives an interesting view of the city and its history. There are also guided Chichester walks on Saturdays at 2.30 pm, meeting at the Tourist office, the cost is £2.50 each
Chichester Harbour is great if you want access to coastal paths for walking or cycling.
Goodwood, Is the home of the Earl & Countess of March, it is a stately home with a difference. The Egyptian State Dining room is stunning, so are the collection of Canaletto’s & George Stubbs paintings, plus the exquisite Sevres dinner service. Goodwood House is open from 1-5pm most Sundays and Mondays from 16 March – 13 October. From 4 - 28 August, it is open for five days a week (Sundays to Thursdays) so this is a good time to visit West Sussex. Please always check Recorded Information on 01243 755040. Goodwood has a world famous Horse Race Course and a Motor Racing Track and holds sporting events, such as the Festival of Speed & Revival meeting. Also Goodwood has introduced a new golf course to complement its exciting course. The famous Goodwood motor racing circuit offers a number of “experience days” where you too can race around the track,
Goodwood Sculpture Park, very different with large sculptures set against the backdrop of the Sussex downs. Please note the entry is about £10 for adults, so best to make a day of it & take a picnic. Open until November Tues - Sun & bank holidays.
City of Chichester is a truly cultural experience dominated by the impressive cathedral, with its spire towering over the Sussex
plain, home to the internationally renowned Chichester Festival Theatre. To the north lies the historic market towns of Midhurst and Petworth, set amid the beautiful South Downs.
Chichester Festival Theatre Opened in 1962 under the direction of Sir Laurence Olivier, Chichester Festival Theatre remains a key-player on the British, and World, theatre scene. Well worth a visit.
Chichester Cathedral In the heart of the city, this fine Cathedral has been a center of Christian worship and community life for more than 900 years and is the site of the Shrine of St Richard of Chichester.
Weald & Downland Museum - Singleton, this is a captivating place for all ages from 1-91. Set in 50 acres within the downs, with houses, crafts, rare breeds of animals and demonstrations of country occupations such as blacksmithing, timber frame building, milling, charcoal making & even brick making. You must try their café that makes the best cakes ever!!!!
Fishbourne Roman Palace the remains of one wing of the largest domestic Roman building yet found in Britain can be seen
inside a covered building, with many impressive mosaic floors, underfloor heating systems, corridors and courtyards. The story of the site is told in a
new audio-visual programme using computer generated imagery, and also in the museum gallery, using artifacts from the excavations. Outside, the formal garden has been re-planted to its original plan, based on excavated bedding trenches. This is supplemented by a plant display area and museum of Roman gardens.
South Downs Planetarium was founded by Patrick Moore & is the third biggest planetarium in the UK. Show dates & times do vary
but it is a great night out!
Pallant House & Art Gallery, the gallery is one of the strongest & interesting collections of 20th-century British Art. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs
10am-8pm.
West Dean Gardens, since 1622 the house & gardens have evolved in harmony, creating a place of beauty & tranquility in the rolling
South Downs. A great example of using the skills of sustainability to protect & enhance the beauty of the gardens. Free entry to the Sussex Barn
Art Gallery. Also lovely visitor center with cafe for lunch or tea.
Petworth, discover the National Trust's finest art collection displayed in a magnificent 17th century mansion within a beautiful 700-acre park. Petworth
House contains works by artists such as Van Dyck, Reynolds and Turner.
Uppark House High on the South Downs with magnificent views, Uppark's impressive, multimedia exhibition tells the story of the disastrous 1989 fire
and restoration of this fine late 17th Century National Trust house and its treasures. This is the house that Nelson proposed to Lady Hamilton.
Amberley Working Museum is a 36 acre open-air museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of the south-east. Ranging from many transport-based collections and displays of a number of traditional resident crafts people; a great day out for all!
Bignor Roman Palace Remains of one of the largest Roman villas found in Great Britain. Longest mosaic (24m) on display. All mosaics in situ and under cover. There is ample car parking. Small cafe serving hot and cold beverages and light snacks. Picnic area for paying visitors to the villa.
The Local Coast Line and area combines the ambiance of Chichester Harbour with long stretches of beaches or you can take a trip along the Chichester Canal or join the birdwatchers at Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve. The varied countryside encompasses areas of outstanding
natural beauty, national nature reserves and the breath taking South Downs.
Chichester Harbour Water Tours, why not take a relaxing boat trip around Chichester Harbour? There are 48 miles of shoreline from ancient woodlands to eroding sand dunes. All types of boats, yachts and wildlife to see throughout the year. A full commentary is given and light refreshments are available. Daily public trips from April till September, weather permitting. Charter trips all year; mostly at weekends. Winter bird watching trips are a speciality. Please ring Adam or Angela Shaw on 01243 670504 (24hrs)
Cowdray House Ruins is one of Southern England's most important early Tudor courtier's palaces set in the stunning grounds of Cowdray Park,
at Midhurst, West Sussex. Built in 1520 and partly destroyed by fire in 1793, royal visitors include Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Explore the Tudor kitchens, splendid gatehouse, visitor center and shop. Also Midhurst is a beautiful market town that is quaint and the film set for series such as Foyles War. One of the best tea shops is to be found next to the church, and their apple cake is the best ever!!!
Stansted House is one of the South's most beautiful stately homes. A prime example of the Caroline revival, it is set in 1,750 acres of glorious parks and woodland and retains the charm of a much loved home.
Arundel Museum 2000 years of Arundel's fascinating heritage, fabulous old photographs, and
superb scale models. Special seasonal exhibitions. Open: Apr-Sept: Mon-Sat 1030-1600. Sun 1400-1600. Last admission 15.30.
Beaches
West Wittering Beach one of the best golden sand beaches with views of the Isle of Wight has facilities such as showers toilets cafe and lifeguards. A great place for beach pursuits such as windsurfing. Also the west of the beach is east head an area on conservation and natural beauty with great walks. Car parking charges are applied to this beach and we must warn you that it is very busy in the summer so an early start is a must. Approx. 12 miles.
Climping Beach is also known as Atherington Beach, as with many along the south coast, has wooden groynes and is pebbles at high tide. But at low tide, a huge expanse of dark, fine, hard-packed sand is exposed, making it an ideal spot for families and shallow swimming. Very popular with kite surfers and windsurfers with grass areas for setting up. Climping Beach is a quieter area of coastline than its neighbors of Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. Much of the area is now designated of scientific interest, and parts are a nature reserve, although many sections of the sand dunes are now fenced off to protect against erosion and help local species to thrive.A great place to base a coastal walk at high tide you have pebble and grass banks whilst at low tide you have the flat hard compact sand of the beach. You can head in either direction; to the East you have the dune eco-system and then Littlehampton. To the West you are backed by countryside and then hit the many private beach estates (Elmer, Middleton-on-sea, Felpham) that line this stretch of Coast.
Pagham Nature Reserve Beach & Harbour. One of the areas hidden beauties. A very quiet clean beach with pebbles and a place to get away from it all. Very safe for bathing and great for crabbing or fishing. The harbour is breath taking and great to visit in all weathers as there are gravel pathways. A must for all bird watchers and the best place to see the sun setting. Please ask for details on a two mile walk to a pub that nestles within the wetlands of the harbour great for a traditional pub lunch. Approx. 7 miles
Aldwick Beach within walking distance, approximately a mile, a quieter beach with pebbles although at low tide there is sand. Some great rock pools to the west great for children to explore. Opposite the beach is a picnic and garden are with water fountain and a pitch & put mini 18 hole course great fun and very well maintained. Also a great choice of pubs overlooking the sea and a beach front cafe and toilet facilities. Parking charges in summer on the road adjacent to beach but two hour free in the road behind the park. Approx. 7 miles
Bognor’s Beach is full of fun and amusements although the beach is pebbly it is sandy when the tide goes out. A very clean beach with lifeguards patrolling. All a the facilities such as toilets pubs, takeaways, mini golf and fair on the beach. Sailing is available from Bognor’s yacht club and the east adjacent to Butlins is the jet skiing area with launching slip. Bognor was vote as the second best area for diving in the UK. Approx. 6 miles
Walking
Please find detailed walking books in the lounge and please ask if you wish for more walking ideas.
Eartham Woods are one of the best places to see bluebells in the spring, although there are many people who
believe Eartham Woods to be a sinister place which can play tricks with the minds of the unwary or soft headed. As with most things, though, there is an upside to this risk - the parking facilities are good. The George at Eartham is an attractive village pub with a lovely garden - which is
often well patronized by racegoers counting their winnings after a hard afternoon at nearby Goodwood or Fontwell Park races. The george has a great 3.7 mile walk over Nore hill and back. Stane Street at Eartham is one of the best places from which to enjoy a walk along the great Roman road of Stane Street - which linked Roman Chichester and London. The run of the road here is fairly uninterrupted from Eartham Woods all the way to Glatting Beacon, 245 meters above sea level and there's a great viewpoint along the arrow-straight road towards Chichester and the Solent and Isle of Wight beyond it. You can see a section of the embankment of the Roman Road in the picture below.
Arundel one of our local gems about 4 miles away. The town is steeped in History with quaint antique shops and tea shops. Not forgetting the castle and the Catholic cathedral & not forgetting the Wetlands & Wild Fowl Trust, they even have electric boat rides through the reed beds you will see lots of water voles!!! .
Goodwood and the South Downs, the views are breath-taking and the countryside is vast and provide pleasurable short ambles to a full days walking. Parking is mostly free. Kingley Vale is a must on a good day about a 4-6 mile walk through the oldest Yew tree forest in Europe, to the
burial grounds of Saxon & Viking Kings. Here it is one of the highest points on the downs with spectacular views of Chichester Harbour, Brighton, Southampton & the Sussex Countryside.
Pagham Nature Reserve, words are difficult to find to describe how beautiful this is with its beach and harbour of scientific interest. A must for bird & wildlife watchers. The reserve is accessible from Pagham and also Selsey end where there is a visitor and information center.
Bosham, a lovely coastal village for walking with a great pub at the water’s edge. Parking in the car park is essential since at high tide the water has been known to submerge the cars. This is where King Canute was said to have tried holding back the sea. The church is old and worth a visit as they believe King Harold is buried within an unnamed vault.
Chichester Wall Walk. Great for all weather and gives an interesting view of the city and its history. There are also guided Chichester walks on Saturdays at 2.30 pm, meeting at the Tourist office, the cost is £2.50 each
Chichester Harbour is great if you want access to coastal paths for walking or cycling.