Happy New Year West Sussex and friends

Here's to another fabulous year of events in and around Sussex starting with the Constable exhibition at Petworth House!

Petworth House

The exhibition is from 11th January - 14th March 2014 and will provide an opportunity to admire over 40 outstanding watercolors and drawings created in and around Petworth by the great British landscape artist, John Constable. Many of the works on show were produced during Constable’s visits to the house in 1834 and have never before been exhibited as a group.

Petworth House

We're very excited about the upcoming exhibition given that we visited the Turner exhibition at Petworth House last year where many of the paintings were exhibited in the main house and, as with the Constable exhibition, you get a sneak peak at the houses' historic library (not normally open to the public). It's fantastic to get the opportunity to see this room - reminds me of Miss Haversham's room in Wuthering Heights.

Ionic Rotunder in Petworth House Gardens

Constable is principally famous for his oil painting, though later in life he also produced some wonderful work with watercolor. Highlights of the exhibition include rarely seen views of the house, park and nearby picturesque villages such as Tillington, Fittleworth and Bignor. Constable was also drawn to popular attractions of around West Sussex including Chichester Cathedral, Cowdray House and Arundel Castle.

Alongside the exhibition in Petworth’s modern exhibition room, visitors will see two showrooms in the house - famously described by Constable as ‘that house of art’. I also highly recommend a walk in the gardens when you visit the house (the photos in this blog were taken when I visited the House for the Christmas Fair in December).

Petworth House Gardens

Petworth advises advance booking following the sell out Turner exhibition last year. Call the house on 0844 249 1895 or book online.

Enjoy a wonderful day in Petworth admiring the exhibition and come back to Chequers to cosy up in front of the fire for a glass of wine and Sussex fodder produced by our chef, who like Constable is constantly inspired by what Sussex has on offer to delight our senses... wild venison stew anyone?


Visiting the Constable Exhibition at Petworth House?

Extend your stay at Chequers Hotel to take full advantage of exploring this area of outstanding natural beauty with our special exhibition offer.

Call 01798 872486 to book - ref: Constable Exhibition

A warm welcome awaits...

Lissette x

A day out at SouthDown Gun Club

After having a number of guests to stay who are taking part in clay pigeon shooting events, our daughter invited some friends over to have a bash and see what all the fuss is about...

Southdown gun club corporate stand

South Down gun club is about 20 minutes up the road from chequers and offers a wide range of "targets" (all of which are clay). For those that have never held a gun or have no idea how to shoot one the club offers lessons.

Shooting Lesson at Southdown gun club

For those more experienced, the club offers competitions and for those that are members or attending with members you can go "up the lane" and have a go at some of the more difficult traps.

From what I hear, the lesson went well though I understand my daughter did not take to it like a "duck to water" and spent more time shooting the clouds than clay! What she did say though, as a huge fan of the sussex countryside, is that the setting was beautiful and she can see why people spend their weekends in the south downs enjoying spectacular views whilst revelling in the satisfaction of seeing clay puffing in to the air as they hit on their target!

Southdown Gun Club

After a great day of shooting clay they came back to the hotel for a well deserved bottle of locally sourced red wine from Hemming's in Pulborough and gluten free sausages and mash which John sources from the wonderful Hungry Guest deli in Petworth...delicious!!

Gluten Free Bangers and Mash at Chequers Hotel Pulborough

For anyone interested in spending a weekend at Chequers with their shooting party, contact John and Lissette for details. Also if you have any allergies like our daughter with gluten let us know when you book and we will source requested food for you (just like our daughter with the sausages)!

Lissette x

Deer spotting and foraging season!

It seems I chose a very wet Sunday to go to Parham House for the deer spotting and foraging event last weekend but I wasn't going to let a little English rain put me off...

Parham House

Parham House

1130am and on the deer spotting walk - very informative with Jim from Parham estate heading up the event giving us lots of information about the "rutting season". This is the time of year when male deer are driven by the urge to reproduce. From October to early November you will hear groaning and belching sounds coming from the woods together with the sounds of clashing antlers as males show off their virility to potential mates.

We stayed well sheltered under the old oak trees whilst we listened to the talk, keeping quite still to spot the estate deer...

Parham House Grounds

Back to base and at 1pm on the fungi foraging tour - a couple of "chaps in the know" advising us what you can and can't eat from Beefsteak fungus, to Horn of Plenty, Hedgehog Fungus and more!

Beefsteak Mushroom!

I have to say its a good job we had an expert to advise since at first sight this Beefsteak mushroom that I picked did not look appetizing but I was reassured that it will be delicious...pan fried beefsteak mushroom with beetroot and horseradish salad anyone?! I will still be cautious and only pick when with an expert - but it was a very interesting talk and one can go on advanced courses which is something I will definitely do in the future!

Beefsteak Mushroom!

The weekend of wildlife spotting didn't end there! On my trip to Climping on Sunday I caught a cheeky little peacock running out of the reception at Balliffscourt Spa...

A cheeky Peacock running out of the reception at Balliffscourt Spa!

I'm looking forward to  more nature watching and foraging on the doorstep of the hotel this week...today I'm off to the festival of Fungi at Pulborough Brooks RSPB!

Lissette x

Game season is upon us

With the summer days still here it is hard to imagine that the delicious "game season" is just round the corner; meaning our specials menu will be fuelled with locally sourced game. Last year our West Sussex venison went down a storm so we will have that on the menu again. If were lucky John will make his legendary "venison Wellington" and no doubt our popular homemade venison burgers will make a comeback! Lissette has already been picking blackberries in our garden and researching some recipes that will combine the delicious end of summer fruit with the seasons game; such as an autumnal pot roast of "roast grouse with hedgerow blackberries and salt-baked celeriac"....

Blackberries from the Hotel Garden

Deer on Pulborough Brooks

The onset of game season for those that love their seasonal food also comes with shooting season for those choosing to enjoy the seasons sport- in fact Grouse started on August 12th and Partridge will start on 1st September followed by the popular pheasant on 1st October!
Given that the award winning Norfolk Estate at Arundel famed for its "conservation and high quality Partridge shooting", the popular Chiddingfold Leconfield & Cowdray club and the famous Charlton club (mentioned in the August edition of Tatler as the most exclusive hunt club in England) are just up the road , we thought it was high time that we wrote a blog about the many shoots on our doorstep and celebrate the changing of season!

View of deer from Chequers Hotel Pulborough

We have done some investigations and found that each "bird" has its time so here is a list of shooting dates to jot down in your diary:

Pheasant

Oct 1st - Feb 1st

Partridge

Sept 1st - Feb 1st

Grouse

Aug 12th - Dec 10th

Ptarmigan

Aug 12th - Dec 10th

Blackgrouse

Aug 20th - Dec 10th

Snipe

Aug 12th - Jan 31st

We are teaming up with gunsonpegs.com - they suggested we register as the hotel is situated in the middle of around 30 local shoots . Their website is in fact the best source of information for all of the "shoots" we mention below and many more!

Just a few of the other "shoots" taking place in and around Pulborough..

Ashbourne shoot, Bignor Park shoot , Borde Hill shoot, Bury Hill shoot, Cowdray Estate, Cowdowne Farm, Goodwood Estate, Kings Walk, Kinscote shooting Estates, Little Thakeham, Mayes Estate, Naldrettes, Old Park Farm LTD, Petsalls Shoot, Raggets Wood Shoot, Springhead Estate, Smokey Hole Syndicate shoot, Tattleton Estate, The Sloughbrook shoot, Turners Hill shoot and Wytings shoot to name just a few!!

So as summer officially comes to an end this weekend we can all start to look forward to the prospect of everything we love about Autumn...you can take Tatlers advice and "wear ladies tights (for the boys too) to keep you warm on country pursuits", "bring your sat nav" for finding fabulous remote shoots and rest assured in the knowledge that you can return to Chequers for a delicious locally sourced Autumnal dinner followed by a warming tipple by the fire! 

Chequers wonderful Inglenook Fireplace

Chequers is available for private hire as well as for smaller groups – Bed and Breakfasts and also evening meals catered for either from our a la carte menu or a menu devised to suit your particular needs...Fabulous food and fine wines from our local specialist wine shop "Hemmings", lashings of hot water, a log fire and space for the dogs!

Chequers contact details your requirements and to make your reservation!

Lissette x

West Sussex Golf Clubs On Our Doorstep

With 2 fantastic golf courses right on our doorstep, we have been out checking out the clubs and whilst we don't play golf regularly ourselves we have heard many fantastic things about the famous golf courses on our doorstop from guests who love their golf!

West Chiltington Golf Course

West Sussex Golf Course is one of the best in the area - a charming sandy outcrop of heathland - a stunning undulating site set on the edge of the Downs with views over the sussex countryside...

West Sussex Golf Club

The course was officially opened in 1931, having been designed by two outstanding golf architects, Guy Campbell, who also designed Princes’ and Killarney and Cecil Hutchison, designer of Gleneagles and Turnberry. (Very recently, Stafford Hotchkin has been attributed to West Sussex too). I's not surprising that the course is regularly judged one of the outstanding inland courses in Britain. West Sussex is a private club but visitors and societies by arrangement can play on the course. There are rules that apply (you need to be registered with an official golf club and have a handicap).

West Sussex Golf Club

West Chiltington Golf Club also right on the doorstep, is set in the rolling Sussex countryside with some of the most stunning views the area has to offer. The club provides excellent golf practice facilities such as a driving range with covered and outdoor bays, a putting and chipping green as well as a practice bunker, all of which offer a beautiful panoramic view across the South Downs. All facilities at West Chiltington golf club are open to the public year round and have a number of exciting West Chiltington Golf Club events including the upcoming August Bank Holiday fun competition for members and non members.

West Sussex Golf Club

I have visited both clubs and they are set in the most amazing landscapes. If you are a golf fan what better way to spend a weekend than enjoying these spectacular clubs and coming back to relax over a delicious locally sourced dinner and well deserved tipple at Chequers Hotel Pulborough!

West Chiltington Golf Course

Great news...we are teaming up with the wonderful West Chiltington Golf Club - with a "Play and Stay" late summer offer. Catch the last couple of months of the good golfing season and stay at Chequers Hotel just down the road from the golf club! Packages include bed and breakfast or dinner, bed and breakfast & golf at a reduced rate. Stay an extra night or two and enjoy not only the golf but all the attractions this area of outstanding natural beauty has to offer!
 Contact the hotel for details www.chequershotelpulborough.co.uk
hotel@chequershotelpulborough.co.uk
01798 872486

We look forward to welcoming our guests who are interested in playing Golf in Sussex!

Lissette

x

West Sussex Local Events July 2013

With summer well under way and the weather looking good for the foreseeable future there are lots of things to do locally over the next few weeks on the doorstep of Chequers Hotel Pulborough!

 We have just recovered from a hectic yet fabulous weekend of Goodood Festival of Speed with guests having a wonderful weekend again at this annual event. Fortunately for those sad it is over there will be a number of other events at goodwood this summer including the wonderful "Goodwood Revival" and "Glorious Goodwood"...we are excited already!

Goodwood Festival of Speed

In the mean time there are a whole host of other events to enjoy including Arundel Castle International Jousting Tournament 23-28th July and the fabulous Petworth Festival kicking off this week!

Petworth

Other local events over the next couple of weeks:

  15 Jul - 31 Jul Barnum at Chichester Festival Theatre

  16 Jul - 23 Aug Petworth Festival

  19 - 20 Jul Uckfield Art Trail

  20 Jul Katherine Jenkins performance, Haywards Heath

  20 Jul Barnstormers Comedy ClubShoreham

  20 Jul Jamie's Wish Family Fun Day, Littlehampton

  20 Jul WestChiltington Village Show

  21 Jul Rare Breeds Show Chichester

  21 Jul Charity Car Show, Shoreham

  25 Jul Ebernoe Horn Fair, Ebernoe

  26 Jul Jailhouse Screamers, Arundel

  26 Jul Blunter Brothers, Sharpthorne

  27 - 28 Jul Rox, Bognor Regis

  30 Jul - 3 Aug Glorious Goodwood

  30 Jul - 4 Aug Chichester Challenge

Other places that are just fabulous for a day trip from Chequers: 

Amberley, at the foot of the South Downs Way:

Amberly Castle

The South Downs National Park providing fabulous Walks and Cycle Routes:

View of the South Downs from Chequers Hotel Pulborough

 Arundel with the Castle and Wetlands Centre, Petworth House and Park, Parham House - open last weekend for the annual Garden Show on Saturday and Sunday, Petworth with its quaint antique shops, The Way and Arun Canal Boat Trips, River Arun:

River Arun

Bignor and Fishbourne Roman Villas, Pulborough Brooks Bird Reserve and the beautiful beaches at Littlehampton and East and West Wittering - blue flag awarded as mentioned in our previous blog post.  Also Horsham, Chichester, Worthing and even Brighton!

North Laines, Brighton

 There really is a lot to do in the area and with the childrens holidays upon us, parents will be pleased to know its all great for both the little ones and adults alike!

Lissette x

A day at the British seaside!

With the weather warming up, I thought it would be a good time to write about our lovely local beaches - especially as 2 of them have just won blue flag awards (http://www.blueflag.org/Menu/Criteria)  for the cleanest beaches in England - Littlehampton and West Wittering!

People often stop off at the hotel when going to or coming from these beaches - sit in the garden and enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea, a light lunch or even supper!

I used to go to Littlehampton beach a lot when my daughter was little and spend hours with her collecting shells from the beautiful sandy beach, with the tide there going out a long way exposing a mile of sand...

Home to superb sandy beaches, a bustling marina, harbor and stunning contemporary architecture, Littlehampton on the Sussex coast is both the perfect place to enjoy a fun family day out.

This seaside town’s attractions include the famously unusual East Beach Café and the UK’s longest bench, as well as West Beach Local Nature Reserve – a site of Special Scientific Interest. For those seeking activity -enjoy sailing and fishing on the River Arun. 

West Sussex Beaches

Many of Littlehampton’s annual events take place on the seafront or around the harbour including the annual Waterfront Festival, Carnival and spectacular Bonfire and Fireworks event.

Down a pretty windy road from Littlehampton you come to Climping - a little secret really!

Climping Beach, West Sussex

Climping beach, as with many along the south coast, has pebbles at high tide. But at low tide, a huge expanse of fabulous sand is exposed, making it an ideal spot for a family day out. The Beach is a quieter area of coastline than its neighbours of Littlehampton and Bognor Regis and much of the area is now designated to scientific interest.

 A great place to base a coastal walk; you have pebble and grass banks at high tide, and compact sand to walk along at low tide. Walking to the East you have the dune eco-system whilst to the West you are backed by countryside and the many private beach estates (Elmer, Middleton-on-sea, Felpham) that line this stretch of Coast.

Climping beach, West Sussex

These also include the beautiful non-commercialised beaches of East and West Wittering, internationally recognised for their wild natural beauty and wildlife.With a wonderful stretch of open countryside , West Wittering is a favorite destination for a family day out, whether you chose to swim in the sandy tidal pools on the beach or relax away from the sand on the extensive areas of mown grass close to the beach which are perfect for picnics, barbeque's and games. The area is also famous among wind and and kite surfers thanks to the unique winds, tides and vast stretches of sandy beach!

West Wittering Beach

The seaside village of East Wittering is slightly bigger than its neighbour Braklesham, but they both share a magical location on the seafront of Braklesham Bay...

In fact, there are so many things to do, you’ll definitely want to stay for longer!  Why not book this year’s holiday or short break - stay at The Chequers Hotel and use it as a base for visiting other local attractions.

A memoir from our trip to Climping Beach last weekend...

Happy exploring

Lissette x

West Sussex Vineyard's

With the arrival of summer weather and English wine week we thought it was good time to start exploring some of Britain’s best wine Estates right on our doorstep, with the nearest one being 2.5 miles from Chequers Hotel Pulborough and 4 of the best in England being within a 25 mile radius.You can’t beat a weekend in the English countryside enjoying a spot of wine tasting and a tour of the Vineyard!

England’s Sussex countryside is actually an ideal wine growing area – gentle slopes protected by the South Downs with the same fertile green sand soil as Champagne in France.

Nutbourne Vineyard

First stop - Nutbourne Vineyards, only 2.5 miles up the road from Chequers is part of the new renaissance of English Wine – a stunning boutique vineyard with its own state of the art winery producing award winning still and sparkling wines. The vineyard is open to visitors Tuesday to Friday 2pm-5pm and Saturdays 11am-5pm and they hold special events on Bank Holidays. There is no entrance charge for the estate and visitors are welcome to walk among the vines, enjoy the beautiful setting and visit the windmill tower to taste and buy the wines. They also offer group tours of the vineyard and winery along with organised tastings incase you would like to combine your visit with a chance to enhance your knowledge on the subject of wines!. These take place in the Estates wine lodge where you can also choose to have a buffet or BBQ (perfect for larger hospitality groups)! Nutbourne Vineyard The Estate also hosts: “Jazz in the Vines”: two summer afternoons of live music and fine English wine on Bank Holiday Mondays 27th May and 26th August 2013 where you can relax among the vines between 2pm and 7pm, listening to live jazz music. Tickets need to be booked in advance for £12 per person, including half a bottle of Nutbourne Wine, by calling 01798 815 196, www.Nutbournevineyards.com Nutbourne Vineyard Next stop: Nyetimber (3.3 miles away from Chequers), with well over 400 acres of wines, it is the largest vineyard in England and produces sparkling wine to rival the very best in the world, including Champagne. Unfortunately Nyetimber is not open to teh public at the moment but worth a mention given its fame and success! 2010 was a fabulous year for Nyetimber and English wine generally when a sparkling wine from England trumped its more prestigious French and Italian counterparts to win the blind test at the world sparkling wine championships. The current chapter of the Nyetimber story began in 1988, when Stuart and Sandy Moss planted the first vine and transformed Nyetimber from a working farm into a vineyard. The present owner, Eric Heerema, acquired the estate in 2006 and now combines his vision and leadership with the knowledge gained from two decades of viticulture at the estate and has since grown from 34 to just over 400 acres of rigorously vetted vineyard sites. The manor house has also recently been carefully restored to its former glory, its history protected and its place at the heart of Nyetimber now preserved. Nyetimber vineyard, Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex, RH20 2HH, www.nyetimber.com On to Bolney Wine Estate (17.2 miles away) which offers a variety of tours hosted by knowledgeable and experienced guides allowing you to wander leisurely around the 40 acre estate, inspect the state-of-the-art winery and taste the wines. As we discovered, if you go at the right time, you may even get to taste from the barrel! www.bolneywineestate.co.uk Ridgeview Wine Estate (23 miles away) was founded in 1994 by Mike and Chris Roberts and is dedicated to creating world class sparkling wines in the South Downs of England. Making the most of a similar setting to the vineyards of the Champagne region – a low, limestone ridge in the Sussex Downs with a mild micro climate, the vineyards specialise in growing classic grape varieties to make the highest quality bottle fermented sparkling wines. The world class status of the wines is reflected by the number of national & international medals and trophies they have received since the release of their first wines from the 1996 vintage. The second generation of the family have now become established in key roles within Ridgeview, enabling the continued expansion of the business. Their dedication, passion and determination have significantly contributed to the international reputation and popularity now attributed to English Sparkling Wine. They have a number of different activities for visitors to choose from: ·         Tour of the vineyard where they grow the Champagne grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier ·         Explanation of the various vineyard activities that occur throughout the year ·         Tour of our state-of-the-art specialist winery and equipment ·         An insight into the sparkling wine making process ·         Visit to the cellars where secondary bottle fermentation takes place ·         Tasting of all their current releases in our picturesque tasting room that overlooks the South Downs www.ridgeview.co.uk English vineyard Chequers offers secure bike storage for any of our guests wishing to cycle to the vineyards – though we take no responsibility for your tipsy cycle back to the Hotel afterwards! However, in our continuing quest to supply our guests with local produce, Chequers stocks the award winning Ridgeview Estate Wine and Nutbourne Estate wines which we will have chilled ready for you to relax and enjoy after a day at the vineyards when you arrive back! English Wine Relax and enjoy some cheese and wine when you get back to Chequers! Lissette x

The South Downs Way

Given that Chequers is centrally located in the foothills of the South Downs National Park we thought it was high time we had something to say about it! Since taking over Chequers last May we have been exploring some of the many routes by walk, run and bike and welcoming many guests who have enjoyed exploring the wonderful local trails too; whether it be to rest their head at the end of a long day, or to refuel over lunch, afternoon tea or dinner after their efforts!

 

South Downs Way Walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough

The South Downs Way path runs for around 100 miles with an undulating path that begins in Winchester and moves past Cheesefoot Head, the towns of Petersfield, Arundel, Amberley, and Steyning, Bignor Roman Villa near Bury, Chanctonbury Ring, Devil's Dyke viewpoint near Brighton, followed by Ditchling Beacon and miles of chalk downland across to Beachy Head, finally ending in Eastbourne. It also passes Birling Gap, a beach area that provides the opportunity to swim - irresistible on a warm summer day! Chequers is within easy reach of many of these stopping points which is why a number of guests have chosen to stay with us for a few days whilst they are walking the many routes.

South Downs Way walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough

Much of the South Downs Way is on high chalk downland and the views are always interesting. Perhaps the most dramatic vistas are on the high chalk cliffs on the Seven Sisters, Sussex towards Beachy Head and before the descent to Eastbourne. However, there are also superb views in clear weather from the ridgeway sections on the tops of the downs, especially on Ditchling Beacon.

South Downs Way walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough

The Way lies within the South Downs National Park and there is plenty of historic interest along the way, such as the Long Man of Wilmington near Eastbourne, as mentioned above. Diversions are needed to visit Brighton or Lewes, the latter town being of great beauty with an historic centre. Without exception it is a very well maintained and signposted route. While it crosses various villages for provisions much of it is surprisingly isolated and quiet considering the density of the population in south-east England.

South Downs Way walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough

Another good spot - the famous Devils Dyke - is a popular port of call for our guests! A nice walking destination with spectacular views to the Isle of Wight. Local folklore explains the valley as the work of the devil. The legend holds that the devil was digging a trench to allow the sea to flood the many churches in the Weald of Sussex. The digging disturbed an old woman who lit a candle, or angered a rooster causing it to crow, making the devil believe that the morning was fast approaching. The devil then fled, leaving his trench unfinished. The last shovel of earth he threw over his shoulder fell into the sea, forming the Isle of Wight.

South Downs Way walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough

The South Downs Way trail can be walked at a leisurely pace in about a week while a good walker, horse rider or cyclist would take two or three days. It is closed to motorised traffic along the route.

South Downs Way walks from Chequers Hotel Pulborough

Various events are held along the route; including the British Heart Foundation's annual Randonee. Part or all of the 100 miles is cycled to raise funds for heart disease, the fastest times are sub 8 hours with most riders taking under 14 hours. For the hardcore running community, the national park hosts the SWD 100 in June - a 100 mile ultramarathon, with a total of 12,7000 feet climbing and a time limit of 30 hours!

Stay a while in Pulborough at the Chequers Hotel -  an area of outstanding natural beauty and at the foot of the South Downs National Park and explore the local surrounding areas too – Arundel, Petworth, Chichester, Parham, Pulborough Brooks RSPB and more! We have plenty of maps for our guests choosing to take on the challenge!

Lissette x

Wedding Venues, West Sussex

The wedding season is upon us and now is the time to plan! There are a number of beautiful wedding locations in and around Pulborough and whether you be the bride or groom, family or friends and need somewhere to stay,  Chequers Hotel is ideally situated being one of the closest to each of the venues. The Hotel also provides more than just somewhere to stay for the wedding but being a Grade II listed building built in 1548 - herself set in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking Pulborough Brooks, Chequers provides a great base to enjoy a weekend in the West Sussex Countryside!

Wedding in a Barn!

So in order to be able to provide our guests with knowledge and expertise, I have recently been visiting some of the venues, something I had been meaning to do for some time!

Beautiful wedding flowers, West Sussex

FITZLEROI BARN

I found the function and wedding barn situated on a beautiful West Sussex Farm in the stunning countryside, which also benefits from a private courtyard - distance from hotel 3.2 miles

on to

BARTHOLOMEW BARN

Another day another venue!  This time Bartholomew Barn - a stunning rustic barn wedding venue situated a short distance from the attractive villages of Wisborough Green and Kirdford - easily accessible to Chequers Hotel.  A captivating idyllic setting, with Frances the wedding venue owner there to cater for your every need!

On next I visited

UPWALTHAM BARNS

Upwaltham Barn

Another pretty venue.   A collection of traditional Sussex flint long barns set around a stunningly pretty courtyard, surrounded by the Goodwood Estate and South Downs.  Again privately owned - Tim and Nicola on hand to assist

So leaving Upwaltham, I then ventured on to

DORSET HOUSE

Again a gorgeous wedding venue near Chequers Hotel Pulborough! The Great Barn built in the Tudor Period is in the pretty village of Bury on the South Downs and in 40 acres of beautiful medieval gardens with views of the River Arun!

Next stop was

GRITTENHAM BARN IN TILLINGTON
A magical venue - rustic surroundings with stunning views of the South Downs and the freedom to wander through the orchard, languish by the lake or ponder the flower gardens.
The barn has a warm and relaxing feel and beautiful lighting - a great place for a chilled out garden party type wedding!

Wedding in a Barn West Sussex 

Last but not least I travelled over to

BIGNOR PARK

The 12000 acre privately owned Estate, again at the foot of the South Downs National Park - majestic but with an understated style and quirky rugged charm - Louise is the contact.

South Downs National Park

To book your accommodation at Chequers Hotel near to the above venues - please call 01798 872486

A warm welcome awaits!
Lissette x