West Stoke House
West Sussex, United Kingdom[view map]
Local restaurants
The Royal Oak in East Lavant (+44 (0)1243 527434) is the place to go for first-class gastropub food in stylish, traditional surroundings; the menu is a most-wanted list of ham-hock terrine, calf’s liver and bacon with celeriac mash, and orange bread-and-butter pudding. The Star and Garter at East Dean (+44 (0)1243 811318) is a pared-down 18th-century inn specialising in seafood. The Hare & Hounds at Stoughton (+44 (0)2392 631433), is another gastro affair with a family feel, a great fireplace and home-made food. On Chichester’s North Street, The Dining Room at Purchases is a lovely restaurant set in a Georgian merchant’s house. It’s a good spot for lunch or dinner; in summer, get a table in the walled garden outside. There’s also a smartly designed wine and tapas bar, 31 North, if you fancy something a little more relaxed (+44 (0)1243 537352).
Local bars
The Horse & Groom in East Ashling (+44 (0)1243 575339) is a good, unpretentious country pub for a pint. The Fox Goes Free at Charlton (+44 (0)1243 811461) is great for a pub lunch among locals; there’s a garden, too.
Local cafes
Moby’s at East Wittering does decent fish 'n' chips.
Worth getting out of bed for
You’re perfectly situated to take advantage of Goodwood’s airfield, racecourse and motor-vehicle extravaganzas (www.goodwood.co.uk). A few minutes’ walk from West Stoke House, Kingley Vale is an ancient and witchily atmospheric yew forest – the UK’s best surviving example and destined for National Park status; follow the trail and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the coast and county. Don’t go at night, though: according to local folklore, the yew trees come alive after dark…
West Dean Gardens (www.westdean.org.uk) is a beautiful private garden. The beach at West Wittering is your best seaside option nearby. Head for viewpoints at the Trundle and Halnaker Hill. Chichester Festival Theatre (www.cft.org.uk) puts on well-received productions.