Luxury holidays in West Sussex

When to go

All year round is great, as with much of the temperate south coast, but we particularly love May, when the country lanes are like green tunnels, and the seaside hordes have yet to descend. When there’s a big event on at Goodwood, the country lanes get gridlocked.

Getting there

• Planes

  You’re only a short skip from Gatwick (www.gatwickairport.com) in these parts | with Southampton Airport (www.southamptonairport.com) to the west | too.

• Trains

  It takes around an hour and three quarters by rail from London Victoria to Chichester or Bognor (www.nationalrail.co.uk).

• Automobiles

  Driving from London | you take the A3 south and peel off on to the A287 around Hindhead. The A27 connects Chichester with the rest of the south coast to the east and west. A car’s not necessary but will allow you more independence.

• Taxis

  Chichester’s Central Cars has an office near the station (0800 789432; +44 (0)1243 780780). Arundel Cars are on +44 (0)1903 883366 (www.arundelcars.co.uk). Avowedly friendly and honest, the Ugly Car Co (0800 091 1912; www.uglycars.biz) operates throughout much of West Sussex.