A weekend in... Chichester

For a diverse blend of city, culture and countryside, head to Chichester and discover why this unique city makes an ideal weekend destination. By Karen O'Grady

Situated on the English south coast in West Sussex, Chichester makes a great base for enjoying the stunning scenery of the South Downs along with the pretty market towns of Midhurst and Petworth. With its mix of markets, museums, galleries, restaurants, coastal and country walks, it's not hard to see why this historic city makes an ideal location for a short break.

 

I found the stunning scenery to be one of the best surprises about Chichester. When I visited it was autumn and the leaves were just beginning to fall from the trees. The countryside is truly spectacular making a trip at this time of year highly recommended.

 

History on every corner
Originally a Roman fort, Chichester dates back to 44AD. The layout of the town has changed very little since then with the market towns and Cathedral giving visitors an insight into Chichester's historic past.

 

Chichester Cathedral dates back to 1108, and is the site of the Shrine of St Richard of Chichester. Celebrating its 900th birthday this year, the Cathedral is a spectacular combination of the ancient and the modern, and is famous for its modern art which was commissioned mainly during the late 20th century. You can see a window by Marc Chagall, a tapestry by John Piper and a painting by Graham Sutherland. Visit www.chichestercathedral.org.uk (tel 01243 812482).

 

Fishbourne Roman Palace was uncovered by accident in 1960 and provides a wonderful opportunity to see mosaic floors, underfloor heating systems, corridors and courtyards from Roman times. Outside, the formal garden has been re-planted to its original plan, based on excavated bedding trenches. Throughout the year there are lots of special events including theatre performances, musical concerts and cooking demonstrations. Visit www.sussexpast.co.uk (tel: 01243 785859).

 

Weald & Downland Open Air Museum is set in 50 beautiful acres of the South Downs, making a trip to this open air museum a must. At the heart of the Museum's collection are over 45 historic homes, farms and workplaces that have been rescued from destruction and restored as far as possible to their original form. See a working Tudor kitchen and a working water mill used to produces stoneground wholemeal flour. Visit www.wealddown.co.uk (tel: 01243 811363),

Art and culture
Chichester has a wide selection of cultural events to enjoy and is fast becoming known as the South Coast's cultural arts hub.

 
Pallant House Gallery is home to one of the finest collections of British modern art outside of London's Tate gallery. A brand-new £8.6 million contemporary wing was opened in 2006 to complement the gallery's Queen Anne townhouse, and includes works by Peter Blake, Patrick Caulfield, Lucien Freud and Graham Sutherland. Visit www.pallant.org.uk (tel: 01243 774557)

 
Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the United Kingdom's flagship theatres, with a dazzling international reputation for producing a wide range of productions from musicals and comedies, to classic drama and innovative new writing. Shows for 2009 include Guys and Dolls and Brave New World. Visit www.cft.org.uk (tel: 01243 784437)

Cass Sculpture Foundation is a must for modern art lovers. Visitors can enjoy over 70 specially commissioned monumental sculptures displayed in 26 acres of South Downs woodland. The foundation is a registered charity and currently showcases works by innovative British artists such as Sir Anthony Caro, Thomas Heatherwick, David Mach, Douglas White, Billy Lee and Gavin Turk. Visit www.sculpture.org.uk (tel: 01243 538449).

 

Country life
The stunning scenery of the South Downs, with its network of paths and bridleways is ideal for walkers or cyclists. Try walking part of the South Downs Way, which stretches for 100 miles and passes Bronze Age burial mounds, Roman roads and plenty of pretty villages and secluded woods.

 

 

Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve contains one of the finest yew forests in western Europe - the trees here are possibly among the oldest in Britain. Follow the walking paths to see ancient woodland, a wealth of wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Visit www.english-nature.org.uk (tel: 0845 600 3078).

 

West Dean Gardens are home to rare trees and shrubs, ornamental borders and over 200 varieties of trained fruit trees and exotic produce. Take a walk around the grounds and round off your trip with a visit to the licensed restaurant and gift shop where you'll find a choice of hearty home-cooked meals. Visit www.westdean.org.uk (tel: 01243 818210).

 

Goodwood Farm Shop based at Goodwood Home Farm is great for stocking up on locally grown produce. Admire the delicious organic produce, as well as the workings of a farm which has 50 years of family interest in the organic food movement. Visit www.goodwood.co.uk (tel: 01243 755154).

 

Coastal attractions
The Chichester coastline has many delights to discover. Head to West Wittering, with its privately owned sandy Blue Flag beach, or take a walk on the wild and unspoilt grassy sand dunes of East Head. Ideal for bird watching, walking, and even windsurfing, there's plenty to enjoy at the coast, along with fantastic views and restaurants serving locally caught fresh fish.

Chichester Harbour is renowned as an area of natural beauty. Great for walkers, many guided walks are on offer, or alternatively take a boat trip for a leisurely view of the shoreline. With up to five trips per day, this is the ideal way to view stunning scenery and take a closer look at the wildlife. Birdwatching trips are a speciality. Visit www.conservancy.co.uk (tel: 01243 512301).

 

Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve is a must for those interested in wildlife and bird watching. The harbour is home to all kinds of creatures including kestrels, barn owls. weasels and voles. Butterflies and dragonflies can be seen in the summer. Visit www.sussexwt.org.uk (tel: 01243 641508).

 

The Crab & Lobster pub, Sidlesham, Pagham Harbour is perfect for sampling the local Selsey crab. The Crab & Lobster opened the doors to its new restaurant and luxuriously styled guest rooms following a total refurbishment last year. The menu features a host of delicious dishes with an emphasis on locally caught fish and seafood. Try the scallops or sautéed calamari from the starter menu, and the devilled local crab with herb crust or the Crab & Lobster fish pie from the impressive selection of mains. Desserts are spectacular, with tempting treats such as deep-fried ice cream with butterscotch sauce and coconut pannacotta with strawberry sauce. Visit www.crab-lobster.co.uk (tel: 01243 641233)

 

Accommodation starts from £120 per night including breakfast, based on two people sharing a room. There is a minimum two night stay at weekends (Fri & Sat). Adjoining the 16c Inn is Crab Cottage, a brand new building combining modern and traditional styles. With two double bedrooms finished to the same high standards as the main building and with a fully fitted kitchen, for those who feel inclined to self-cater. Midweek prices (Sun-Thurs) start from £180.00 per night based on two people sharing. Additional guests - £20.00 pp/pn. Fri & Sat £380.00 for two for two nights.

 

Hotel tip - Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa
Enjoying a secluded location accessed by a long, sweeping drive, this charming hotel will transport you back in time with its medieval style and opulence. Rooms feature gothic style windows, original fireplaces and charming period details such as flagstone floors and tapestry bedlinen. Guests can enjoy leisurely strolls through the picturesque grounds or relax in one of homely living rooms, furnished with comfy chairs and a selection of board games. For those in need of pampering, the state of the art spa is on hand to ensure your stay is stress-free. The restaurant offers a delicious modern menu using locally sourced ingredients. Friendly staff will bring such delights to your table as roasted wood pigeon, roast rack of lamb and grilled seabass. The breakfast buffet, with cooked breakfast to order, is full of home-made treats - just the thing to set you up for another day of relaxation! Visit www.hshotels.co.uk/hotels/bailiffscourt.html  (tel: 01903 723511)

Accommodation costs from £210 per room per night for bed and breakfast and full use of the spa on a weekend night. Dinner, bed and breakfast is from £295 per room per night on a weekend, including full use of spa. This is based on two people sharing, and weekend stays are two nights minimum. A night's Midweek Escape is from £200 per room per night including dinner bed and breakfast, and full use of the spa. This is based on a stay between Sunday and Thursday. These are special offer rates, which are subject to availability, and exclude key dates.

 
For more information on accommodation, activities and attractions in the district of Chichester, please see www.visitchichester.org.

 

Getting there
Trains run from London Victoria for Chichester. Coastal services are available from Brighton, Portsmouth and Southampton. Both National Express (number 027) and Stagecoach services serve the city, www.stagecoachbus.com/south. Chichester can be reached in under two hours by car from London.

 

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