The year of the staycation in Sussex
In the March of 2020, as Covid-19 grounded flights and closed the country, I had just begun the Year of Pilgrimage.
Following the path carved out by thousands of Pilgrims before me, I made it to Gloucester, Bath, Hereford and Bristol before we were met with closed doors and Covid-19 signs in Oxford.
In July, as soon as travel opened once more, I restarted my journey and began to discover the great cathedral cities of England.
From Rochester, Winchester and Canterbury, Durham, Newcastle, and Carlisle – these places are not just county-capitals for culture, religion and art but are unique and independent communities brimming with their own traditions, culinary styles, and landscapes that, in my limited travel around England, I had all but completely missed – until now.
The Pilgrim Passport has empowered me to explore some stunning cities and beautiful cathedrals.
I have stayed in charming, unique accommodation from an apartment on the Severn, a cottage in Boscastle, a former prison in Oxford and some truly welcoming B&BS run by some lovely people.
Supporting UK tourism is not just beneficial for our own local economies, but has also been incredibly informative, opening my eyes to the wealth of wonderful places to visit in England, Scotland and
Wales and helped me to better guide our own tourists around Chichester and support them to get the most out of their holiday in Sussex.
We are so lucky in this city to have so much to offer to our visitors.
Choose your base from a host of quirky listed buildings like Canon Gate apartment set just a short walk from the stunning Bishop’s Palace Gardens or take a room in the historic Harbour Hotel.
Start your day with a coffee from the
West Street Deli, take a tour around the 900-year-old Chichester Cathedral with ancient and modern art – including Marc Chagall’s famous window – followed by a trip to experience Pallant House Gallery’s latest exhibition.
Take in a matinee at Chichester Festival Theatre, enjoy a walk around the medieval walls and finish off with something truly delicious from one of our many great local restaurants like Purchases or Artie’s Kitchen, and of course a cocktail at the Rocking Horse.
2022 marks 60 years of Chichester
Festival Theatre, ten years of The Novium Museum, 40 years of Pallant House Gallery, 30 years of Chichester Cinema at New Park’s International Film Festival and a decade of the city coming together to celebrate the Festival of Chichester.
Inspired by these extraordinary milestones, Culture Spark will make 2022 a year of celebration for Chichester and the perfect time to visit and experience the wealth of local talent, designers, makers and creators that make up this exceptional community in Sussex.
I, for one cannot wait!