Chichester The New Word in Countryside Chic

Chichester - The New Word in Countryside Chic

With the new season's crisp weather providing a welcome alternative to the disappointing summer past, now is the perfect time to get out and explore - and why not do it in style? More Cath Kidson retro than Laura Ashley chintz, the Chichester area is the great new choice for a chic country escape; just over an hour's drive from London and easily accessible by train. From the lush South Down hills to the city's north to the glorious coastline to its south, this ancient Roman city makes the perfect choice for a gal-pal get away or an all-indulgent romantic break.

 

Just beyond central cityscape itself, Chichester is surrounded by small, quintessentially English villages, and using the traditional market towns of Midhurst and Petworth as a base, you can indulge in upmarket shopping, relax in one of the many luxurious hotels, explore the coast or get cosy in a boutique B&B. Alternatively do as the country set does; don a flat-cap and wellies and head out for a bracing stroll in some of the best of the British countryside.

 

Those in the know are heading down to Chichester regularly to enjoy its buzzing social scene and escapism feel. In fact, away from the paparazzi glare, Chichester's upmarket hinterland is fast attracting celebrity appeal. Recent celebrity spots include Kate Moss and Sharon Osbourne, seen out on the sands of Selsey and West Wittering beaches, Britain's answer to the Hamptons. Rocker Keith Richards recently bought a beach hut on this privately owned blue flag beach!

 

The area's hectic social calendar sees the stars flooding in for polo at Cowdray and racing events at Goodwood, seeking seclusion in the cosy country inns, away from prying eyes. While quality country pubs with good food and an ambience to match can be hard to find in some parts of the UK, in the hills and villages surrounding Chichester they are in abundance. Pubs dating back centuries boast thoughtful menus with locally sourced foods keeping food miles low and taste high!

 

Climb aboard and experience the style of a bygone age at Petworth's Old Railway Station (www.old-station.co.uk) where your bed for the night can be in the comfort of your own Pullman train carriage or hang your hat at the bang up-to-date Halfway Bridge, Cowdray (www.halfwaybridge.co.uk) a fabulously fitted retreat in keeping with its position at the heart of polo country. With prices starting at £97 per night for a Pullman carriage double and £110 for a night's stay in one of the Halfway Bridge's converted barns the price of sleeping in style is also very attractive.

 

Of course you'll want to look the part too. With Chic Boutiques such as Little London and Mousetrap you can enjoy high-fashion shopping without the city crush and choose from an array of gorgeous items from designers such as Luella and John Smedley. What's more, the area is home to a wealth of antique shops, particularly in Petworth, where you can pick up some incredible jewellery and one-off pieces to really set you aside from the rest.