The famously beautiful Bosham is one of the prettiest villages on the South Coast, with a lively arts scene, striking views, and only a short distance from fantastic sandy local beaches. We recommend enjoying some delicious food and local ales at the charming local pub, The Anchor Bleu, set harbor-side and with a lovely, buzzy beer garden out front.
Make sure you take a browse around the Bosham Walk Art & Crafts Centre, a fantastic collection of little shops in an old-world setting, featuring a host of local artists' wares from ceramics to textiles, artwork, and furniture, plus a little café selling coffee, food, and ice cream.
If you're looking to spend a day at the beach, then West Wittering is just over twenty minutes’ drive and offers a wide expanse of glorious soft white sand, perfect for paddling, digging up sandcastles, and running in the dunes. Neighboring East Head is great for exploring, with special status as a designated Special Site of Scientific Interest as well as a Ramsar site. Beautiful wildflowers thrive here, and you can enjoy a lovely walk on the footpath from West Wittering car park (book ahead for space!).
The beautiful city of Chichester has much to explore, including its 11th-century Cathedral. Walk amongst its unique double aisles and marvel at the sculptures on display and the glass floor revealing a Roman mosaic. Also worth a visit is the Novium Museum, built over the remains of an old Roman bathhouse; it has three floors of exhibitions and tells the story of Chichester and the area's rich history. Best of all, it's free to enter.
If you are looking for more history, Fishbourne Roman Palace is an historic site worth visiting, holding the remains of the largest Roman building in Britain and just ten minutes from Chichester. With a museum on the grounds, visitors can learn about the former elegant gardens, famous mosaics, and wealthy Romano-British inhabitants.
The South Downs National Park is a fantastic spot for cycling or horse-riding. A clearly marked chalk trail runs 161km around the park and offers an idyllic pathway to explore the natural beauty on offer. There are ancient woodlands, rolling hills, and lush river valleys, and a plethora of local birdlife to spot as you take in this beautiful landscape. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day exploring amongst the splendid setting.
The Region
With beautiful countryside, charming coastal haunts and some great cities and culture (with London itself just a short train ride away) Sussex is full of surprises. But with all the history, culture and landscapes of both East and West Sussex to explore, how do you know where to start?
Luckily, our fantastic Sussex travel guide is here to steer you in the right direction whether you’re looking for the top sights, unforgettable activities or just some well-earned R&R – and our cottages in Sussex make the perfect place to stay while you’re making the most of this beautiful county.
