Gorgeously ancient, Chichester has been on the map since Roman times. Today, history blends effortlessly with contemporary living in this exceptional city, where you’ll find a Norman Cathedral, a Franciscan Friary and the remains of a Roman bath house alongside independent shops, boutiques, restaurants and pavement cafes. Encircled by a circular wall and bisected by four thoroughfares (known as the Tudor Market Cross), this is a fascinating city to explore and well worth a visit. Surrounded with things to see and do, you’re spoilt for choice and less than two hours from London and right by the coast, this is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or for a little longer.

Whether you’re after a first-class restaurant, country pub, tea room or a farm shop to pick up goodies to take back to your retreat, Chichester has plenty to offer. With not one but three farm shops, you can easily pick up lots of local produce if you’re a dab-hand in the kitchen.  Foodies will love choosing a place to eat, whether it’s The Richmond Arms – a pub/restaurant with a woodfired menu – or Field and Fork, a contemporary restaurant at the Pallant House Gallery. For something a little different, try The Old Greenhouse where pre-booking is essential as they only host 16 guests at a time. Other hot spots are Hallidays for fine dining, the Crab and Lobster for seafood and Cassons, close to Goodwood.

With a huge arts scene, you’ll find productions at the Festival Theatre debut here before heading to the West End, the award-winning Pallant House Gallery and the Otter Gallery for 20^th century British art. Within the cathedral itself discover the gorgeous window created by Marc Chagall and a rare John Piper tapestry. Make sure to pay a visit to Goodwood, whether its cars, planes, golf or the manor house that interests you.  Science buffs will enjoy the South Downs Planetarium, whilst history lovers will appreciate Arundel Castle, Fishborne Roman Palace Gardens – a fascinating archaeological site – and the Weald and Down Living Museum – a collection of rescued rural buildings set within a 40-acre site. Nature-lovers will enjoy exploring the gorgeous South Downs.