Last February half term we went on a family trip to Paris, under the guise of a 16th birthday football match for my eldest. (followed by four days of art galleries and strolling much to kids dismay) It was excellent of course. But it clearly set the tone for all future half term breaks as there was some mild muttering as we piled in the car for a mini break to the 'Great British Seaside' last week. This time round, with an eldest child on crutches we had agreed to the 'spa break' - for my children this interprets as 'staying within the confines of a hotel with a swimming pool and gym for three days.' This version wasn't signed off, and with the Witterings on the south coast being our closest beach, we landed on nearby Chichester for a few days of mini break (plus spa facilities). Full disclaimer, I only realised half way down the M4 that we weren't going to Cheltenham, but readers, this did not ruin the fun. Here's how we spent our three days; by no means a definitive guide but a short and sweet highlight of Chichester and the Witterings that was actually divine and left the whole family both totally reset and urgently needing to move to a house on the seafront.
To stay. Chichester has chic Georgian properties a plenty but with 'recuperation' as primary focus ( read teenage excuse to avoid walking) we land on the Goodwood Hotel ( of Glorious Goodwood fame) ten minutes out of Chichester and 15 from the beach, with an excellent peloton filled gym, a swimming pool i'm happy to lounge around, plus a stylish bar and restaurant that sources from it's own organic farm. If the actual dream is what you are after however The Pig South Downs is 15 minutes down the road (Yes of course we stop there for afternoon tea) which is earmarked for a future mini break minus children.
To eat The Ghost at the Feast is Chichester's new indoor street food market, with brilliant tiled decor, great food (I have a spiced tuna poke bowl) and and a boutique wine bar upstairs (I will from now on only drink orange wine from Puglia). Box ticked for all. We eat excellent fish and chips in the sunshine on West Wittering beach (actual food for the soul); very good coffee cake at Drifters cafe at East Wittering beach; milkshakes at retro Shake-a-delic, and a cheese board in the maximalist lounge at the The Pig that leaves me set on making my own crackers. We also have a dinner at the Goodwood restaurant Farmer, Butcher Chef ( cue excitement from children that they dont actually have to leave the hotel) where the meat eaters have fillet steak reared on the Goodwood farm that is reported 'the best they've ever had'
To Do/To shop. The expansive beaches of West and East Wittering are our families closest seaside, and in the sunshine there is surely no better place - I immediately scour Rightmove for Wittering beachfront properties (No I cant afford them) We tick Chichester cathedral (my husband loves a church, me not so much) and miss the Pallant House Art Gallery (closed on Mondays) which houses Damien Hurst, Barbara Hepworth and Rachel Whiteread. Drat. Chichester has excellent street art which would be fun to walk; we do not, but stumble accidentally on a couple of pieces. For shopping Cthe city is a second hand dream with streets lined with old school charity shops, and independents and antiques shops in the lanes. I visit vintage store Let's Go Back in East Wittering on recommendation ( Closed but earmarked for next time) There is a weekly Sunday carboot in the Chicester central square that delivers the 70's swan plant pot i've been after for months. Back at the hotel I also rediscover the joys of a sauna followed by cold shower (I discover from my new 'sauna friends' Rewild is a beachside sauna at nearby Bracklesham to earmark for future) and read a full book for the first time in months poolside.
To Read. I devour 'So Thrilled for You' by Holly Bourne. Verdict: A far more disturbing version of new motherhood than I expected for a ‘light’ read- I couldn’t put it down. Im now starting Butter by Asako Yuzuki ( reviewed by the Guardian as a tasty expose of fatphobia)
To wear For four days by the seaside I pack (fairly) light: three bottoms: M&S palazzo and new wide jeans and my trusty Ganni leopard print trousers ( link to similar); three jumpers: a vinted red cable knit, my latest bella freud, and my new grey M&S tank; a pair of converse, and throw in a blouse, shirt and ganni pumps for evening. I rediscover a checked Second Female coat bought from Busby and Fox that I forgot I love that i wear with beret and fingerless gloves from Urban Outfitters, and a striped body bag from local store The Edit that I actually bought for my husband for valentines and was rudely rejected, and my staple red APC. I then mostly fail to document these clothing choices but can report back everything gets worn which always brings me personal (niche) satisfaction.
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