Get active and unearth adventure

Hopefully the sun will be shining, and you’ll arrive in Chichester Marina to soak up the views of the natural harbour set against the beautiful countryside. Check in to The Beach House at West Wittering, The Millstream Hotel, Bosham, or one of the self-catering cottages at Hunston Mill, Chichester and prepare for a jam-packed day full of activities.

Take a short stroll to 2XS to try your hand at a variety of water sports. With their windsurfing and kitesurfing taster sessions and one-on-one lessons, you’ll leave bursting with energy and wanting to book your next session. A popular location with a stunning backdrop, be sure to book online before arriving.

Having worked up an appetite, stop for lunch at The Beach Café which is just a stone’s throw away, or head back to get changed and grab a bite to eat at The Landing on Pound Road.

Once you’re refreshed and ready to explore somewhere new, drive to the free visitor car park in Chichester Marina (PO20 7EJ) and get your walking shoes on. Enjoy a beautiful four-mile route that takes in the stunning scenery from Chichester Marina to Dell Quay. Throughout the walk you’ll be able to enjoy the salty air from the harbour and the views of West Sussex’s stunning coastline. Don’t forget your camera!

Finish off your day with a fantastic meal overlooking Chichester Harbour at The Crown & Anchor. Focussed on putting local produce at the heart of everything they do, the menu is dictated by what the local boats have landed that morning.

Day two

Feeling refreshed and re-energised, head to Amberley for a morning of cycling. If you’ve brought your own bikes you can take the car and park at Amberley train station (BN18 9LR), or pop into Barreg Cycles on your way to hire some for the day.

Jump on your bikes from Amberley train station and take the cycle route from Bignor Hill to Eartham Woods. Following the South Downs Way for the duration of the route, take in the gorgeous scenery and wildlife. If you’re still full of energy, you can extend your route along the Stane Street Roman Road to visit Eartham Woods.

Either way, be sure to re-fuel at The Spur, Slindon, for a great pub lunch. Now, depending how much energy you’ve got left, you can either cycle back to Amberley train station and collect the car before heading to Arundel, or you can take the 20-minute ride to Arundel, but remember you’ll have to collect the car later!

Once you’ve arrived in the charming town of Arundel, explore the one thousand years of history it holds with a visit to the iconic Arundel Castle or Arundel Cathedral. Perfect for wandering, discover its independent shops, contemporary art galleries and quaint houses.

There are a variety of traditional tearooms in the town, and we recommend popping by Belinda’s on Tarrant Street for a cream tea and homemade cakes in a beautiful surrounding.

Now, whether you’re cycling back to Amberley to collect the car, or you’re already ready to go, drive through the beautiful countryside to Petworth and check into The Old Railway Station – a unique place to stay, The Angel Inn or Badgers.

Browse the site for somewhere great to eat in Petworth – there’ll be something to suit everyone’s tastes.

Day three

For a truly memorable experience while in West Sussex, book yourself a hot air balloon ride with the British School of Ballooning. There’s no better way to take in the stunning scenery, but it books up fast so be sure to organise in advance.

If you haven’t got a head for heights, drive to Fishers Farm Park – an award-winning family attraction with indoor and outdoor play, exciting rides and animal adventures. If you don’t fancy that, take some time to explore Petworth House, a stunning stately mansion, home to a fantastic art collection.

However you’ve filled your morning, at lunchtime take the short journey to The Welldiggers Arms for a true country pub that serves fresh, locally-sourced British cuisine. If you’ve still got some energy left, you can continue on the South Downs Way with a 5.5 mile circular walk from the pub that takes you on peaceful paths that provides a true feeling of escape.

If you’re not raring to go on another walk and you haven’t explored wonderful Petworth yet, explore its historic charm before heading home full of memories of wonder and adventure.