From museums and castles to galleries and city centre shopping experiences, we may not be able to guarantee the weather during your stay, but you definitely won’t be bored! The West Sussex and Hampshire regions boast lots of exciting things to see and do.
Here are just some of our favourites, many of which are great for rainy days or entertaining the kids!
This restored and remodelled medieval castle still houses many of its original features with a Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse and Barbican dating back to 1067. Visitors can uncover the 1,000 years of history at will, and delight in exploring one of the largest inhabited and complete castles in England.
Located just over a mile from our park, Billy’s is the place to grab everything from a quick bite to eat or a takeaway coffee to fish and chips, a seafood platter or a romantic meal for two.
One of the oldest and arguably most picturesque villages along the west Sussex coast, Bosham was originally inhabited by the Romans. Today visitors can roam the village and harbour, calling in at the numerous artisan shops before satiating appetites at one of the listed pubs.
For a truly quaint and British experience, call in at Bracklesham Bay tea rooms and garden. Just a short stroll away, it’s the perfect place to take in a lazy lunch or enjoy an Afternoon Tea in the sun and walk full tummies off along the beach afterwards.
Lying to the south of the city, the pretty Chichester Canal offers a tranquil haven with several gentle waterside strolls. Those feeling a little more energetic will enjoy the gentle 4-mile walk from Hunston to Chichester. A regular bus service connects the two for those only wishing to walk one way.
Positioned in the heart of this small city, the magnificent Chichester Cathedral has served its residents for over 900 years. Inside you’ll discover a host of treasures from medieval stone carvings to famous contemporary artworks. Step outside and enter Bishop’s Palace Gardens, a tranquil haven dating back to 1147/48. Those who choose to sit a while may spy on the Chichester Peregrines who call this sacred place their home.
Based at Itchenor on Chichester Harbour, a beautiful part of the county of West Sussex, and probably the best place to take a Harbour tour if you are looking for wildlife, peace and quiet, with a colourful display of yachts and racing dinghies thrown in for extra excitement. There is a growing seal population of around 50 common and grey seals, resident and migrant wading birds, you’ll see most of the British sea birds as they inhabit the harbour, plus the invasion of Brent geese in the winter with the passing through of ospreys during April and September.
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this scenic first-class marina is well worth a visit. Peaceful and relaxing, wander around the natural harbour before indulging in a delicious meal at the Boat House Café, perfectly placed right on the waterside.
Placed at the foot of the South Downs, the award-winning Grade II Denman’s Garden offers 4 glorious acres of peaceful gardens and unusual plants. It’s a wonderful place to quietly wander with numerous opportunities to sit and absorb the beautiful surroundings. Dogs are welcome but need to stay on leads.
Take a walk on the wild side at Dunreyth Alpacas. Run by a husband and wife team, Dunreyth draws visitors from around the globe who come to walk their friendly Alpacas on the glorious South Downs. Afterwards, visit the small shop where you can browse their range of knitwear made exclusively from pure Alpaca fibre.
The palace is the largest residential Roman building discovered in Britain. There is so much to see and enjoy here, just 8 miles from our park.
Medmerry Park is the perfect base if you plan on visiting Goodwood as it is just a 23-minute drive. Exhilarating track days, cycling sessions, golfing and so much more! We have a selection of accommodation options for you to choose from that will make a fantastic base to travel to Goodwood from.
Built around 1600, Goodwood House is a Grade I listed building with grounds covering around 4,900 acres. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, the public is able to explore this stately home with a guided tour, there’s even the option to indulge in an Afternoon Tea at the end – total grandeur!
The south coast’s leading designer outlet, Gunwharf Quays is home to over 90 stores offering up to 60% off famous brands. Shop ‘til you drop then revive tired feet at one of the many bars, restaurants and cafes whilst soaking up the gorgeous harbourside location.
One to cross off your bucket list – Horseback riding along the beach. Or take in the views of the equestrian centre on a rural farm in the West Witterings. All learn-to-ride lessons are instructor-led and cost just £25.
To book call Debbie on 07779 041782.
Itchenor is a historic sailing village lined with quaint cottages, a village pond, a pub and an old rectory which dates back to the 15th Century. The waters here are home to an expanding seal population as well as numerous wading and sea birds, including Ospreys which pass through during April and September. Climb aboard Chichester Harbour Water tours to explore these waters and spot the local wildlife.
For those seeking entertainment head to Jungle Paradise Adventure Golf near Chichester. With crazy adventure golf, proclaimed to be ‘crazy golf’s mad cousin’ and escape rooms it’s the ideal fun-filled family day out.
Kingley Vale is a picturesque site of special scientific interest set just north of Chichester. Home to one of western Europe’s finest yew forests, some of the trees here are around 1,000 years old! Wander this magnificent nature reserve and marvel at these remarkable trees, rumoured to have been planted as a memorial for a battle fought between the Vikings and Anglo Saxons 859AD.
Open Water swimming is becoming an ever-more popular hobby, with nearly 4 million people in the UK taking part! The Bluetits are a global community of chill swimmers with a network of local Facebook groups run by their admins, and their local group are based just a few minutes from Medmerry.
Art lovers should make for Pallant House Gallery, said to be second only to the Tate for modern British art. With a fabulous range of travelling exhibitions along with a permanent collection, it’s worth setting aside enough time to take in all that this gallery has to offer.
Billed as the UK’s favourite family theme park, Paultons Park is home to children’s cartoon favourite Peppa Pig and offers over 70 rides and attractions. With over 140 acres of parkland to discover, there’s plenty to see and do.
Inspired by the Baroque palaces of Europe, Petworth House (22 miles from our park) displays one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust.
A medieval fortress dating back to the 3rd Century, Portchester Castle is both a fortification and Royal residence. Those who visit will experience the remaining Norman church set within a Roman fort and surrounded by Roman outer walls – the most complete Roman walls in Europe.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is located within a working Naval Base and is home to some of Britain’s most historic vessels. From Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory to the doomed Mary Rose and the only remaining WW2 ocean-going submarine. The dockyard is free to walk around but tickets must be purchased for each of these world-famous vessels.
This brand new lifeboat station houses the larger ‘Shannon Class’ lifeboat which is able to operate in all weathers. The lifeboat and its crew have long been the centre of life in the seaside town and were featured in the popular BBC series, ‘Saving Lives at Sea’.
Get closer to nature at the truly remarkable Medmerry Nature Reserve, located just a stone’s throw from our park. Here you’ll see wildlife in the farmlands, grasslands, freshwater ponds, saltmarshes and mudflats. Medmerry Nature Reserve was the largest realignment of the open coast ever undertaken in the UK. It is an Environment Agency flood protection scheme, created in partnership with the RSPB and forming vital new intertidal wildlife habitats.
Pagham Harbour (6 miles from our park) is a glorious and peaceful Nature Reserve, one of the few undeveloped stretches of the Sussex Coast. This sheltered inlet is an internationally important wetland site for wildlife. Watch black-tailed godwits and little egrets by day, then linger when the skies are clear for an amazing sunset.
With over 25 years of experience teaching watersports, they offer lessons for all abilities from Paddleboarding, Foiling, Windsurfing and SUP Surfing all at the nearby Bracklesham Beach.
Get hands-on with history at this living museum and truly experience what life was like many years ago. Explore historic homes, cottages, farms, working buildings, and their watermill. There’s even a 3D interactive tour plus farm animals and a woodland playground, and it’s home to the BBC’s famous Repair Shop.
Bracklesham Bay and the Witterings are a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Windsurfing and kite-boarding are all popular along this impressive stretch of coast. For those wishing to try for the first time, you can find hire centres and activity lessons providing everything from stand-up paddleboards to surfboards and wetsuit hire.
One of the greatest restored gardens open to the public, West Dean boasts a collection of working Victorian Glasshouses, a sunken garden and an impressive 300-foot Edwardian pergola. Dogs are welcome, providing they remain on a lead, and both the onsite restaurant and Gardener’s Cottage serve up a great range of tasty treats.
For that perfect beach day, you can’t beat West Wittering. On a huge expanse of glorious golden sands, dogs can run for miles whilst little ones can safely play, and if that wasn’t enough, whether it’s SUP’ing, kayaking, surfing, wind or kite surfing, the West Witterings is the perfect place to learn a new water sport or hone your skills. Having been awarded the water quality, and coupled with excellent facilities, West Wittering is a premier Blue Flag beach just a short drive from Medmerry,
If you’re feeling sporty head to Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester. Work up a sweat in their gym, thrash opponents on their squash courts or clock up some mileage in their 33m swimming pool. There’s also a kids pool, complete with slides so the little ones can burn off some energy too.
Rewilding Us provides foraging experiences through their seasonal foraging courses, coastal foraging courses and mushroom foraging courses teaching the uses of wild plants, mushrooms and seafood found in the diverse and rich habitats in and around West Sussex.
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