There are so many amazing things to do and explore around the Sidlesham, West Sussex, from seal watching and horse racing, to vineyard tours and family-run farm shops. Choose a category to start discovering our favourites:

Food & Drink

Culture & Heritage

Walks & Nature

Activities & Days Out

Food & Drink

Russell’s Garden Centre and Farm Shop, Birdham

A family-run garden centre in the pretty harbour village of Birdham, Russell’s has a reputation as a coastal garden specialist, but the wonderful deli and restaurant also draws the crowds.

Goodwood Home Farm Shop & Café, Goodwood

Set at the heart of the 12,000-acre Sussex estate, Goodwood Home Farm is the largest lowland organic farm in the UK. The Farm achieved full organic status in 2004 and boasts the first dairy herd in the UK to be totally organically fed. The farm shop sells estate game, organic beef, lamb, pork and dairy including Goodwood cheese, ales and lager.

Tinwood Winery, Halnaker

On the edge of the South Downs National Park, Tinwood's has a swanky tasting room where you can sip on sparkling wine while gazing over the vines (after a tour of the vineyard of course).

The Halfway Bridge, Lodsworth

For a change of scenery, head inland to the Halfway Bridge Inn, set in the heart of the South Downs National Park and near the pretty market town of Petworth. It’s under the same ownership as the Crab & Lobster.

Cowdray Farm Shop & Cafe, Midhurst

Cowdray Farm Shop and Café is the hub of the 16,500-acre Cowdray Estate near Midhurst on the edge of the South Downs. The shop is famous for its holistically reared lamb, beef and venison, the deli-counter offering interesting cheeses and charcuterie, and home-baked breads, cakes and pastries. The café’s outstanding food – from lunch to afternoon tea - is all homemade using traditional artisan techniques.

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Culture & Heritage

Arundel

One of the region's most picturesque towns, Arundel is packed with handsome buildings and historic landmarks, including the impressive Catholic cathedral, built in French Gothic style. However, top of the visit list here is Arundel Castle, the principal home of the Dukes of Norfolk. Within its great walls lie countless treasures, including tapestries, clocks and portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds.

Fishbourne Roman Palace, Fishbourne

Located near Chichester, Fishbourne Roman Palace was built in the 1st century AD, about 30 years of the Roman conquest of Britain. Visitors get the chance to see the largest collection of mosaics in situ in the country, notably the perfectly preserved dolphin mosaic in the north wing.

Weald and Downland Museum, Singleton

North of Chichester, the museum, occupies a picturesque 40-acre site in rolling downland with 50 historic buildings which have been dismantled from around the country and rebuilt for preservation. You can learn all about building conservation and rural life in Britain down the centuries. Among many demonstrations there is cooking in the Tudor kitchen and flour milling in the working watermill.

Petworth House, Petworth

This magnificent late 17th-century country house, set in a 700-acre deer park, is home to The National Trust's finest collection of pictures with numerous works by Turner, Van Dyck, Reynolds and Blake. The servants' quarters contain fascinating kitchens and outside, the grounds which can be enjoyed by walkers, were landscaped by 'Capability' Brown and immortalised in Turner's paintings.

Uppark House, South Harting

Looking at Uppark House today, it’s hard to believe that this imposing Georgian building was badly damaged by fire in the 1980s. The restored National Trust house, near Petersfield, was the childhood home of HG Wells - his mother was in service here.

Pallant House Gallery, North Pallant

Opened to wide critical acclaim in 2006, Pallant House Gallery’s collection of British Modern Art is often described as one of the most impressive in the UK. Expect works by the likes of Henry Moore, John Piper and Graham Sutherland. Great café too, run by the team behind the Crab & Lobster.

West Dean Gardens, West Dean

The award-winning West Dean Gardens feature a Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, Sunken Garden, Orchards and circular walk set in beautiful parkland. Delicious homemade goodies can be eaten in the Garden's restaurant. Look out for courses and festivals including the summer Chilli Fiesta in August, celebrating over 250 chilli varieties!

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Walks & Nature

Arundel Wetland Centre, Arundel

Arundel Wetland Centre, set in ancient woodlands adjacent to the River Arun, is home to kingfishers, water voles, hundreds of British wildfowl and many migrating wild birds from around the world. Visitors can enjoy ‘Safaris’ on quiet, electric boats, weather permitting, or walk amongst ancient reed beds to well positioned hides. The Centre’s café, which serves hot food, cakes and snacks has stunning views and is the perfect place to bird watch over lunch!

Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve

Just a stone’s throw from the Crab and Lobster, you’ll find a world of breath-taking coastal scenery and evocative marshes and the chance to walk for miles, enjoy the views, birdlife and the space and to savour the salty tang of the sea.

Walking

There are spectacular walks at picturesque West Wittering and Bosham, and inland among the grassy folds and hidden villages of the South Downs.

West Wittering Beach

The highest water quality and excellent facilities have made West Wittering, southwest of Chichester, one of the premier Blue Flag beaches in the country. The beach is popular with wind and kite surfers and is an obvious venue for lots of general recreational activity.

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Activities & Days Out

Cycling

You can cycle for miles through the magnificent countryside of West Sussex. For something close to the Crab and Lobster, however, try the cycle route from Selsey to Chichester Canal Basin. It’s about 20 miles, takes around 2 hours and follows a good mix of roads, tracks and canal towpaths.

Chichester Harbour Water Tours, East Wittering

There are boat trips four times a day during the high season. It's a great way to discover one of Britain's wonderful natural harbours, find out how it evolved over the centuries and to learn all about its wildlife.

Goodwood Racecourse

The famous racecourse rises and falls around a natural amphitheatre. Racing is a regular fixture here and for one week during the summer this spectacular site becomes ‘Glorious Goodwood’ when countless racegoers converge on the course for one of the sporting calendar’s most prestigious events.

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Last updated: 15.01.21

Photo credit: Shutterstock (Oldtyke - Weald & Downland Museum/Mick Harper - West Dean Gardens/JLRPhotography - Pagham Harbour/Alexandra Glen - West Wittering Beach); Unsplash; CharlesDrakeW - Fishbourne Roman Palace