Just a short drive from Ellscott Park, West Wittering Beach is one of the finest stretches of sand on the south coast of England. With its wide, clean golden sands, shallow turquoise waters and breathtaking views across Chichester Harbour towards the Isle of Wight, it is a truly special place for families, swimmers, paddleboarders and kite-flyers alike. Backed by grassy dunes and designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Wittering is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon and is regularly awarded Blue Flag and Seaside Award status for its excellent water quality and facilities.
Beyond the beach, the area surrounding Ellscott Park is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. From grand castles and Roman ruins to working museums and world-class galleries, there is something for every age and interest within easy reach. Below is a selection of some of our favourite local attractions to help you make the most of your stay.
This great castle, home of the Duke of Norfolk, dates from the Norman Conquest. Containing a very fine collection of furniture and paintings, Arundel Castle is still a family home, reflecting the changes of nearly a thousand years.
www.arundelcastle.org
Just 4 miles north of Arundel, Amberley Museum is the museum that works — and the perfect destination for a family outing. Every day of our season you can see our craftsmen at work, and discover some real tricks of their trade. Our vintage bus service and narrow gauge railway can help you to explore our 14.5 hectare site, featuring the electricity hall, printing works, radio exhibition and many other fascinating exhibits and displays.
www.amberleymuseum.co.uk
Magnificent example of early English architecture with 16th century painted ceiling by Lambert Barnard. Victorian stained glass and de la Warr country chapel. Restored ruins of Benedictine monastery.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Four miles of beautiful, historic canal linking Chichester with its harbour — an amenity for everyone.
www.chichestercanal.org.uk
Outstanding working walled kitchen garden includes 13 historic glasshouses plus 14 hectares of ornamental grounds in a beautiful downland landscape. Visitor Centre, licensed Restaurant and Garden Shop.
www.westdean.ac.uk/gardens
Richly refurbished country home of the Lennox sisters.
www.goodwood.com
Chichester art gallery within a beautiful restored Queen Anne townhouse. Collection consists of mainly 20th century British art including Sutherland, Piper, Nash and Moore. Several exciting exhibitions held throughout the year.
www.pallant.org.uk
In the heart of an ancient deer park, this beautiful family home contains an important collection of paintings, furniture and needlework. Garden weekend every July in award-winning gardens.
www.parhaminsussex.co.uk
Finest art collection outside London displayed in superb state rooms. Fascinating Servant's Quarters, beautiful deer park, plus licensed restaurant and gift shop.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Largest remains of a known Roman residence in Britain. Beautiful mosaics, museum, audio-visual programme, gardens and Roman gardening museum. Summer archaeological excavations.
www.sussexpast.co.uk
Remains of one of the largest Roman villas found in Great Britain. The longest mosaic (25m) on display in the country.
www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk
A changing collection of specially commissioned contemporary British sculpture set in beautiful woodland.
www.sculptureatgoodwood.com
Explore over 40 authentic historic buildings now vividly demonstrating the homes and workplaces of the past. A very special experience in the beautiful South Downs. Events and children's activities throughout the year.
www.wealddown.co.uk