#MyMicroGap with Experience West Sussex and Visit England
We love nothing more than sharing our favourite places in West Sussex with you and have curated this jam-packed three-day adventure alongside Visit England to promote their #MyMicroGap campaign. Travel blogger ‘Where’s Mollie’ is discovering West Sussex using this exact itinerary, so if you fancy getting a slice of the action as well, get inspired by her trip below and experience #YourWestSussex.
This itinerary has been created with a campervan in mind but there are plenty of great hotels, B&Bs and self-catering options, should you prefer. You can check these out here.
Ideal for: Couples, friends
Interests: Walking, food & drink, coastal highlights, countryside
Main areas: Amberley, Arundel, The South Downs, East Wittering
Day one
With the weather on your side, venture out to the West Sussex countryside with a self-guided impulse adventure courtesy of Vespucci Adventures. Leave your phone at home and immerse yourself on the rural route through Amberley using only the map provided. Along the way, visit The George at Burpham for lunch – a 17th century community-owned pub which has been welcoming villagers and visitors for more than 300 years.
After an active morning taking in the stunning views, make your way to Gee’s Camp Site in East Wittering. Whether you’re caravanning or campervanning, this campsite provides everything you need for a rural retreat.
After settling in, stroll down to East Wittering beach, only a short seven-minute walk from the campsite, and be ready to take in the beautiful sunset with an ice-cream from Billy’s on the Beach.
Before the day is out, be sure to book a table for dinner at The Earl of March, near Chichester – a renowned gastropub taken over by two Ritz Hotel chefs who focus their menus on using locally sourced produce. If the sun is shining, you’ll be able to see beautiful views across the South Downs National Park.
Day two
Book yourself on a guided kayaking lesson with The Kayak Coach to start day two with a great adventure. Paddling up the River Arun near Amberley is the perfect way to explore some of West Sussex’s most secluded nature reserves and countryside from the water. ‘Paddle the South Downs’ is part of the new National Parks Experiences Collection, a selection of new experiences in nine of England’s National Parks to showcase what makes each one special and celebrate the Parks’ 70th anniversary.
Just a five-minute drive away from the River Arun is the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre where you can take a boat safari taster to discover wetland animals and get a chance to drive it yourself around the reserve. There is also a great café with fantastic views – the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat before continuing on your trip.
If you fancy learning something new, foraging is a brilliant skill to discover whilst you’re in West Sussex. The best time of year for foraging is Spring so it’s best to check online with Rewilding Us if you want to organise a foraging trip. Be prepared to discover secret spots off the beaten track and enjoy freshly picked edible spring plants, before cooking some incredible dishes over a camp stove.
After a day out in the fresh countryside air, we think you’ll be ready to head back to Gee’s campsite for a well-earned rest. If you fancy a bite to eat along the way, there are plenty of great places to suit everyone. Check out our restaurant and pub recommendations here.
Day three
Feeling refreshed and energised after your day out on the water, make your way to Funtington, near Chichester for a unique walk on the South Downs with an alpaca. Join Bruce and Peta at Dunreyth Alpacas, who believe they were the first in the country to offer alpaca walking to the public.
Your adventure isn’t over yet! Before you head home, book yourself onto a cheese tour at the award-winning High Weald Dairy near Haywards Heath. If you’re a cheese lover, expert cheese makers will show you how it’s done properly. This fantastic tour and tasting experiences include a tour of the dairy, fully tutored cheese tasting and a visit to the maturing room.
With new skills under your belt, plenty of fresh air and having enjoyed some fantastic food and drink, it’s time to head home.
Feeling inspired but want some more ideas? Take a look at some of our other itineraries and come and discover #YourWestSussex