LOCAL POINTS OF INTEREST
Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, just 12 miles from Chichester, Midhurst is steeped in history. Coupled with an abundance of independent shops, cafes and restaurants – more, in fact, than any other Sussex town – it’s easy to see why this magnificent market town draws such a rating.
​
STARGAZERS
SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK
Night time sky tours from an outdoor star theatre in our very own backyard – The South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve
One of the darkest locations in the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve is at Bignor Hill between Arundel and Petworth. This remote hilltop offers extensive views of the night sky in all directions and delivers exquisite views of the Milky Way on a moonless night in late summer and mid-winter.
​
Closer to home, Cowdray offers a two-hour stargazing experience with telescopes and takes you on a fascinating guided tour of the autumn night sky, pinpointing some of the brighter stars, familiar and unfamiliar constellations, myths and ledges, the Waxing Gibbous Moon, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and much more.
SPA LOVERS
SPREAD EAGLE
Take time out to nurture the soul .. a late evening swim under the stars or champagne cream tea – a real treat!
On the doorstep (literally) a stone’s throw from Pear Wood Place in the heart of Midhurst Old Town is the Spread Eagle Spa.
​
Indulge in a Spa treatment, early morning swim and steam or simply soak up the welcoming atmosphere, with its inglenook fireplace and oak-beamed bar there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
​
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, mid-morning coffee or a full afternoon tea – heavenly!
BAILIFFSCOURT
For those who don’t’ mind a short drive, Bailiffscourt is the ultimate country escape – a hidden Gem and award-winning spa built in the style of a Sussex barn with dramatic exposed timber frame, indoor and outdoor pool and hot-tub.
​
A medieval-style house, a 13th century chapel, an inner rose-clad courtyard and underground passageway and spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, croquet lawn, tennis courts, 30 acres of private parkland .. all a quick stroll from Climping beach!
​
We absolutely recommend taking afternoon tea in the French styled courtyard.
FOR BEACH COMBERS
BEACHES AND MARINAS
For Beachcombers, water babies, sundowners and wildlife watchers – our South Coast
shoreline has it all!
Just a short 45 minute drive through the rolling South Downs opens up a whole watery world to roam, explore and feel invigorated.
​
Pagham Beach & Nature Reserve is reputed to be one of the sunniest places in the UK – we love Pagham in all weathers .. wild or mild .. for the energetic, swim, paddleboard, sail or windsurf or simply walk and enjoy the wild and ever changing shingle seascape. If you’re
lucky, our resident seal may pop his head up and say hello!
​
For the historians, less than a mile off the beach remains the WWII Mulberry Harbour Platform.
​
Round off the trip at the charming Pagham Beach Café & Ice Cream Parlour and old fashioned penny arcade!
​
West & East Wittering beaches for a quintessential English seaside experience. Sandcastle building, wildlife watching, swimming and wonderful walks. The natural and unspoilt sandy beach and views over the harbour mouth at West Wittering are a must!
​
Bracklesham Bay Beach with views across to the Isle of Wight, try fossil hunting, windsurf watching a bracing walk and brunch on the beach in Billie’s Café. For the latecomers, a fresh made Jambalaya and glass of Chablis while you take in the sunset by Billie’s log burner - what’s not to love!
​
Chichester Harbour & Marina- For yacht watchers and walkers, the Salterns Way Walk takes you through the Marina, stop for a G&T by the Lock and watch the boats roll in while the sun sets spectacularly over the
water.
​
Dell Quay 16th Century Pub – Old fisherman’s pub on the water, unrivalled views from the waterside terrace, while you cosy up with a blanket and enjoy the tranquil rhythm of harbour life, with the lapping water and bobbing boats at your feet.
​
Itchenor Ferry service runs from Itchenor across the channel to Bosham Hoe where a 30min walk leads you to the historic village of Bosham, a picturesque and thriving centre for sailing.
SHOPAHOLICS AND ALCHEMISTS
SHOPS
If shopping is your bag, keeping it local or exploring a Cathedral City or venturing further afield for a Waterfront Outlet experience.
Midhurst Old Town
Bursting with an eclectic array of independent shops and boutiques make it a charming place to while away a few hours, whether you’re on the hunt for something particular or just browsing. You’ll find everything from food to fashion, gifts, homewares, antiques and
collectibles and more.
​
Chichester Cathedral City
There’s so much to explore when shopping in Chichester. With more than 190 independent shops, big brands, weekly markets, craft fairs and small boutiques, Chichester will keep you entertained for hours.
​
Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays
Uniquely positioned in a cultural harbour front location, Gunwharf Quays is the ideal place to explore, shop, dine, enjoy sophisticated cocktails and boogie the night away!
FILM BUFFS & CULTURE VULTURES
THE LIVING ROOM CINEMA
The Living Room Cinema – A welcoming independent cinema for quality films in intimate surroundings. Comfy sofas, stylish décor and a laid-back vibe. Order a coffee or cocktail and light bite.
​
CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE
Chichester Festival Theatre located in the Oaklands Park with an international reputation for producing a wide range of theatrical productions, from musicals and comedies, to classic drama and innovative new writing.
FLORA & FAUNA
COWDRAY ESTATE
The Outdoor Movement for nature lovers and ramblers
From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover acres of breath taking views, hidden gems and quintessentially English scenery. A rich tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, and tranquillity, weaving together a story of people and
place in harmony.
​
Cowdray Estate offer Fruit, Seeds and Spices Foraging Walks, Forest Bathing and Clay Shoots.
​
Head out on foot from Pear Tree Place with a picnic and explore our local trails around Midhurst, Easebourne and Woodbeding. We recommend the River Rother Walk, Cowdray Ruins and Iping Common.
HORSE POWER
GOODWOOD
Four Wheels or Four Legs .. a day at the races will thrill, delight and satisfy lovers of life on
the Edge!
​
Goodwood – a unique sporting estate set in acres of beautiful South Downs countryside. ‘Festival of Speed’ and ‘Goodwood Revival’ are a much loved fixture in the diary alongside 'Glorious Goodwood’ our world famous five day festival of spellbinding social occasion and scintillating racing.
​
Cowdray Gold Cup – Home to the famous British Open Polo Championship right on our doorstep! Pack a lush picnic, rug and champagne and enjoy watching a thrilling final on a stunning Sussex summer day on the lawns.
PEDAL POWER
SALTERNS WAY
Salterns Way - Pack a picnic and enjoy a virtually flat one way ride from Chichester to the sandy beach at West Wittering. The mainly off-road route cross fields and countryside and touches the Chichester Harbour shoreline.
​
The South Downs Way (SDW) is a 100 mile/160 km long-distance off-road National Trail which runs the entire length of the South Downs National Park.
WALKERS & GASTRO EXPLORERS
PETWORTH HOUSE & HORSEGUARDS INN
Vineyards, Winetasting, Long Walks, Bloody Mary’s, Roaring Fires and Cosy Ale Houses
​
We love rounding off an autumn stomp through the park at the delightful 350-year-old Horseguards Inn, hidden in the sleepy village of Tillington on the edge of the Park with delightful laid back oak beams and stripped floorboards. In winter you can roast chestnuts foraged from Petworth Park on one of the open log fires, play board games at the bar and forget about outside with a warm glass of spiced cider or one of the best Bloody Mary’s around!
CRAB & LOBSTER
Work up an appetite walking across the North Wall over Pagham Nature Reserve to find the exceptional Crab & Lobster, a stylish waterside hideaway on the banks of Pagham Harbour.
​
Their menu is sourced from local producers – Selsey fishermen and neighbouring dairy farmers. With an adventurous emphasis on fresh fish and of course crab and lobster!