For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
Although much of West Sussex is in the South Downs National Park, there are no spectacular peaks or great dramas in this landscape; rather the promise of discovering the unexpected. What you may not expect is the rich quantity of space: a drive between sprawl-free villages may lead you up onto a big-sky point on the South Downs Way, or into ancient woodland. The seaside gets a little more crowded, with sailors, windsurfers and sandcastle-builders thronging the region’s pretty beaches and harbours, but the coastline is studded with ample beachside cafés and pubs. And, this being 21st-century England, there’s no shortage of fine food with which to fuel your explorations of this corking county.
With its plentiful supply of natural harbours and beautiful coastal villages, West Sussex is the natural home of the sailing enthusiast; you’re unlikely to travel more than a few miles along this coast without seeing a regatta in progress or hearing water slapping against the hull of a boat. Catch the action at one of Chichester Harbour’s regular meets (see www.chifed.org for dates), or, if spectating from the sidelines is not your style, Chichester Harbour Turtles (+44 (0)7863 567584) will show you the ropes (pun intended), with sailing instruction from £15 a person an hour. Alternatively, take a guided walk or cruise with the Chichester Harbour Conservancy (www.conservancy.co.uk).
… walking from the church in Bosham village around the pretty quay, and choosing which house you’d like to live in; mull it over while you nurse a pint at the Anchor Bleu pub (+44 (0)1243 573956) in the village.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in West Sussex
West Stoke House's grand elements, such as the ballroom, and the dainty French furniture with warm, worldly, opulent touches, give this West Sussex boutique hotel a stately-home feel.
Even those with a taste for Hempel-like restraint will be thrilled by the historical setting, good taste of the furnishings and incredible grounds of Amberley Castle in Sussex.
The 16th-century Crab & Lobster inn on the West Sussex coast is cosy, welcoming and has all the classic ingredients of the perfect pub stay: flagstone floors and fireplaces, great food, and super-comfy rooms to retire to.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
June Goodwood Festival of Speed is vrooming brilliant for motorsports fans: this full-throttle celebration of horsepower features the famous Hillclimb, when vintage vehicles and the latest Formula One cars perform – at speed (www.goodwood.co.uk/fos). Get more details from our European events guide Smith 52, or for the full low-down, buy the book. June–July The Chichester Festivities (www.chifest.org.uk) see classical and jazz artists of the calibre of Sir Willard White and Cleo Laine come to town, plus speakers from the worlds of comedy and politics. July Glorious Goodwood is among the highlights of the English flatracing calendar, and a glamorous social fixture (www.goodwood.co.uk). August Arundel Festival (www.arundelfestival.co.uk) puts pop first; the 2007 line‑up featured Lemar and Level 42; a spot of opera and some fireworks come into it, too. Goodwood Revival is the perfect follow‑on to the Festival of Speed, a celebration of the golden age of motorsports, with elegant vintage attire encouraged (www.goodwood.co.uk).
At the other end of the aesthetic scale from your average beach-shack caff, this brand-new building at Littlehampton combines state-of-the-art architecture with potted shrimps and kedgeree.
Sea Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5NZ
A guilelessly nice, family-friendly spot for a cuppa situated among more than a dozen stalls selling marine paintings, wooden toys, dough initials and so on at the Bosham Walk Art & Craft Centre. The cakes are home-made and the cream teas are good value (www.bosham-walk.co.uk).
Bosham Walk, Bosham, West Sussex PO18 8HX
A first-class gastropub with rooms, where the menu is a most-wanted list of ham-hock terrine, calf’s liver and bacon with celeriac mash, warm orange bread and butter pudding, and the low leather sofas and unfussy decor an unjarring setting for city escapees.
Pook Lane, East Lavant, West Sussex PO18 0AX
It looks like one, but this establishment near Arundel isn’t identifiable as a pub as such: it’s a dining establishment where the local well-heeled come for impeccable Sunday roasts and home-made puddings in a civilised atmosphere. Booking advisable (www.georgeanddragonburpham.com).
Main Street, Burpham, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9RR
For accomplished food and an atmosphere of chic informality, in-the-know locals and weekenders book ahead to eat and/or stay at this lovely Georgian house near the Goodwood Estate. After drinks in the relaxed, red-painted reception room, diners are shown to an elegant former ballroom, to eat Michelin-starred food, such as ravioli of lobster followed by venison with chocolate sauce.
Downs Road, West Stoke, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 9BN
Focusing on seafood and game, this lovely restaurant set in a Georgian merchant’s house is a good spot for lunch or dinner; in summer, get a table in the walled garden outside. There’s also a stylish wine and tapas bar, 31 North, if you fancy something a little more relaxed (www.thediningroom.biz).
31 North Street, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1LY
This charming little inn right next to Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve has – as the name suggests – plenty of delicious fresh fish and seafood on its menu.
Mill Lane, Mill Hamlet, Sidlesham, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7NB
More of a local than many gastro’d pubs, full of character and chat, with cosy winter-time tables by an old open fireplace, plus a good-sized garden, the Fox Goes Free combines the qualities of village institution and decent kitchen admirably (www.thefoxgoesfree.com).
Charlton, near Goodwood, West Sussex PO18 0HU
In nearby East Dean, this pared-down, wooden-floored dining pub is a favourite among Goodwood day-trippers, who come for whole plaice with lemon butter, or fine ham and eggs.
East Dean, near Goodwood, West Sussex PO18 0JG
©2009 Mr & Mrs Smith
Member offer
