Wanderlust Wednesday: 59 Days until our BVF Adventures in Chichester, England! 5 Things to do in Chichester.

We are so excited to have another BVF bonus adventure in 2015!! The true beauty and delight of wanderlust are all the unexpected delights which unfold.  

Flashback to our first holiday in 2004…We never would have predicted that as two 20 somethings visiting the small Finnish town of Porvoo-Borga the memories that lay before us. As we enjoyed sangria at a Spanish restaurant,  we made a toast and promised to create a new tradition of embarking on an annual holiday and over 10 years later, we continue to seek and explore. 

As our adventures evolve, we have been able to enjoy a smaller tradition of getting together more than once a year, which began in 2013 when I was able to visit England two months in a row!! Since then we have referred to these shorter journeys as BVF Bonus Adventures.  

In August, we will embark on a journey to Chichester, England! This will be my first visit to England during the summer season and our first holiday with Di’s sweet boys, Alfie (age 2) and Ollie (age 6 months).

Diana suggested we visit the cathedral town of Chichester, located in West Sussex. After doing some research I see why she picked this quaint city to explore. 

Words of inspiration by American travel writer, Pail Theroux are a beautiful reminder of how travelling enriches our lives.  “The wish to  travel seems to me characteristically human: the desire to move, to satisfy your curiosity or ease your fears, to change the circumstances of your life, to be a stranger, to make a friend, to experience an exotic landscape, to risk the unknown.” 

ChichesterWeb gives a great description of what Chichester has to offer.

Source: http://www.chichesterweb.co.uk/00news.htm

“The historic City of Chichester offers a selection of fascinating places to visit all year round. With its magnificent 12th Century Cathedral and fine Georgian shopping centre it can truly claim to be at the centre of a unique cultural and artistic experience. Its contrasting architecture, museums, art galleries, historic houses and the renowned Chichester Festival Theatre are presented to visitors like nowhere else.

Chichester lies between two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the South Downs and Chichester Harbour - as well as other nature reserves, stunning beaches and dramatic coastline to the south. There are a spectacular variety of places to discover and it is the ideal place for a short break to unwind and relax.”

We enjoy finding the happy medium between being spontaneous and taking the time to explore the ‘must sees’ in all the places we visit. During our initial research and keeping in mind we will be focusing on a family friendly holiday, we are exploring the following attractions while leaving time for new discoveries.

Visit Chichester website gives a great descriptions for countless activities to enjoy, here are a few highlights.

Source: http://www.visitchichester.org/things-to-do/history-heritage-gardens?t=61

Chichester Cathedral

For 900 years Chichester Cathedral has stood at the heart of Chichester. Visitors encounter unique architecture spanning the centuries; ranging from original Norman features to the magnificent Victorian Spire. The Cathedral is especially famous for its art, both ancient and modern, with medieval carvings alongside world famous 20th Century artworks.

The Cathedral is open every day and all year with free entry.

Free guided tours take place Monday to Saturday at 11.15am and 2.30pm. Special trails for children too. Groups can book from a range of tours. Many exhibitions, talks, lunchtime and evening concerts, and a superb Cloisters Café and Shop. All are welcome at this splendid Cathedral - a fascinating place to visit.

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

 West Dean Gardens

"West Dean Gardens is one to the greatest gardens open to the public in England. Creatively inspired by its rich heritage and South Downs setting, the gardens include a Walled Kitchen Garden and 13 Victorian glasshouses, extensive and richly planted grounds including a stunning 300 foot Edwardian Pergola, and the fifty acre St Roche’s arboretum accessed by the beautiful 2 mile parkland walk".

“The Walled Garden and Victorian Glasshouses at West Dean provide visitors with a 21st century approach to growing and displaying fruit, vegetables and ornamentals in innovative ways. It delivers inspirational ideas which attract all to visit time and time again.”

Jim Gardiner, Executive Vice President, Royal Horticultural Society

Photo courtesy of: http://www.westdean.org.uk/Garden/Home.aspx

Chichester City Walls Walk

"It is 1800 years since the walls and gates were first built around the Roman town of Noviomagus Reginorum.

Today they are the most intact circuit of Roman town defences in Southern England. More than 80% of the original structure has withstood the test of time and virtually the whole of the circuit is publicly accessible.  The city walls trail has been created to help you explore the mile and a half route around the heart of the city".

West Wittering Beach

"Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Wittering Beach is a large and sandy beach located at the entrance to Chichester Harbour. Proud holders of the Blue Flag Award for cleanliness and safety when it is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer months, it is a wonderful area for a traditional bucket and spade day out or as a starting point winter walk around East Head. Throughout the day, either to eat in or as a takeaway, the Beach Cafe serves an appetising range of hot and cold food including breakfasts (open weekends only in the winter season). Ample parking is available on site although car parking charges apply throughout the season".

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.visitchichester.org/things-to-do/outdoor-sport?t=63

Cass Sculpture Foundation

A unique combination of charitable foundation, exhibition space, educational resource and commissioning body. Set within 26 acres of stunning woodland.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.sculpture.org.uk/mission