Day Trips
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A wealth of places to visit including historical sites, peaceful nature reserves and bustling towns.
West Wittering
On a sunny day there's no better spot to be than on the golden sand beaches at West Wittering. It's a popular spot with a holiday feel, the car park becomes full of barbeques, beach balls and people having fun. The soft waves lap up to the beach and there's acres of space to run around, swim and play.
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There are food vans and toilets by the entrance. Plus beach shops and places to eat in the village. Booking is essential for a spot in the carpark. More info.
Portsmouth City
Spend a day visiting the historic maritime city of Portsmouth. Take a walk along the beach at Southsea or walk on Lord Nelson's flagship, the HMS Victory.
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If you want to shop visit Gunwharf Quays the designer outlet shopping village or Southsea for independent labels and great coffee.
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There's plenty of fun to be had. For more ideas see visitportsmouth.co.uk
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Visit Bosham
Take a short drive or cycle down to Bosham harbour. Our closest village is stunningly beautiful and a hot spot for sailing. Watch the boats in the harbour as you take a stroll around the old village. Visit the craft market at Bosham Walk. Enjoy cake and coffee from one of the bustling cafes and old fashioned fudge by the bag full. .
Walks around the harbour will reveal wonderful wildlife and amazing views. Plus a small ferry runs over to Itchenor where there is a great pub and more lovely walks to be had. More info.
Weald & Downland
A fantastic local attraction of national significance. Over 900 years of history is represented in the museums unique collection of houses and farm buildings. Saved from across the South Downs and re-erected on their 40 acre site.
This brilliant resource is a fantastic day out for families or couples, whether you think you're interested in history or not! Find out more on their website wealddown.co.uk
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Goodwood
Stay with us whilst you experience the world famous events at Goodwood House; The Festival of Speed, The Goodwood Revival and Race Days as well as the fantastic Goodwood Golf course. Plus for those who love driving there are track days and off road driving experiences.
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Oakwood West Holidays is located only 15 minutes away from Goodwood, a perfect base to explore what Goodwood has to offer. More info.
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Kingley Vale
There are spectacular views from the top of this major hill of the South Downs. Walk through the nature reserve to feel the magic of the 2,000 year old Yew Forest, a natural rarity. Walk in the footsteps of ancient peoples as you climb to the top of the hills.
It's a wonderful place to explore.
Perfect to take a homemade picnic, great for cyclists and walkers alike.
Chichester City
Chichester is the small city at the heart of our beautiful area.
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There are many shops and places to eat. Take in a show at the famous Festival Theatre or visit one of the art galleries at Pallant House or the Oxmarket.
The Bishop's Palace Gardens are an oasis of calm and perfect for a picnic, just next to the Cathedral. More info.
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Chichester Festival
Chichester Festival Theatre is world renowned. The first artistic director was Laurence Olivier and the calibre of actors and directors has remained top notch. With a mixed program of theatrical delights, from West End shows, adaptations of classic plays, musical extravaganzas and fun family events, there's something for every taste. The Grade II theatre was recently renovated to create a wonderfully immersive space.
Chichester Harbour
Chichester Harbour is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now called a National Landscape. Teeming with wildlife, this protected area stretches for miles and miles.
Perfect for reviving walks along the shore line or getting out on the water. More info.
Head to Bosham or Prinsted for wonderful seaside walks, or try Medmerry RSPB reserve, or Pagham Harbour.
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The Spring
The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre in Havant, is a hidden gem. It's a wonderful place filled with creativity and a host of brilliant shows in a small, intimate theatre. See famous comedians, inspiring plays and great musicians on tour or join an art class. The children's events are wonderful, inexpensive and sometimes free. There's also a lovely cafe with play area for the children and a fun little museum with interactive displays.
Roman Palace
The largest Roman Villa, Fishbourne Roman Palace, in Britain is a 5 minute drive from us. It's a fascinating day out, with amazingly well preserved mosaics, formal gardens and lots of artefacts to observe. Wander through the house and see what life would have been like for some of the first Romans when they came to England.
If you are here on the right weekend there are also spectacular recreations of Roman life such as Gladiator fights and plenty of hands on activities. More info.
More Theatres
There's lots of other theatres to discover locally. If you're looking for a special outing take a look at the listings for The Guildhall, The Kings Theatre or the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth. In Southampton you'll find the Mayflower Theatre with West End Shows. Or take a trip to Brighton to the iconic Brighton Dome or the Theatre Royal. Music, comedy and theatre galore!
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Chichester & The South Downs
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Discover the entrancing beauty of Sussex. Walk, cycle, sail or paddle to explore miles of trail through peaceful woodlands & around the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of Chichester Harbour. From challenging terrain to relaxed ambles to a
quaint country pub, the South Downs has it all. Spend time on the golden sands of West Wittering beach or get out on the water by boat, kite, paddle board or kayak for stunning sunsets & memorable wildlife encounters.
Visit the picturesque village of Bosham or the city of Chichester to find cultural treasures including historic houses, vibrant museums and art galleries. Goodwood hosts motor racing and horse racing events perfect for a glamourous day out.
Get Outdoors
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Coastal & countryside activities. Try something new or enjoy an old favourite.
The South Downs
There are a wonderful range of walks to enjoy in the South Downs National Park.
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Kingley Vale Nature reserve and Harting Down are two popular starting spots. Prepare for climbs up to stunning views in the unique chalkland habitat.
Ancient woodland and open meadows have created havens for wildlife.
There are many beautiful buildings and ancient monuments to see along the way. Plus a refreshing amount of pubs to revive you after your wanderings.
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Mountain Biking
Bring your mountain bike to take in some great cross country trail riding. There's a real mix from easy rolling on wide tracks to technical down hills on custom built single track. Get the most out of your ride with a custom guided tour from local experts Marmalade Mountain biking.​ Perfect for beginners who want to have some fun.
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The Hayling Billy Trail is a flat wide track perfect for an easy ride by the sea. With easy spots to park along the way and quiet beaches for a picnic. For extra fun you can hire ebikes from Southern Ebike Rentals
Willowbrook Riding
A few minutes drive from Oakwood Glamping is Willowbrook Riding Centre. A family run stables offering group and private lessons, hacking and children's pony morning.
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They cater for riders of any ability from novice to experienced.
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It's an amazing way to see our local area.
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Follow this link for more information: willowbrookridingcentre.co.uk
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Chichester Canal
Hire a rowing boat or kayak and take a trip down Chichester canal. A few pulls of the oars will have you away from the town and into a peaceful wildlife haven. Keep your eyes open for kingfishers, herons and large dragonflies passing by.
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Take a picnic and drift along in your boat, it's an idyllic way to spend an afternoon.
Trips on larger boats are available with a guide to point out the history and wildlife.
For more information see: Chichester Canal Boat Trips - scheduled trips, charter and event trips
Out on the Water
Paddle boarding and kayaking are a brilliant way to explore Chichester harbour. Bring your own or hire from a local shop.
It's the perfect way to spend a late summer afternoon when the tide is high. Paddle to the pub or enjoy a quiet spot on the beach or one of the little islands just off shore only accessible by boat. Check the tides before you go and ask the hire shop for advice! There's lots of wildlife to see including our local seal population too, they might pop up anywhere in the harbour.
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Chichester Golf Club
Our local golf club has something for everybody. There is an indoor glow in the dark adventure golf & an outside adventure golf course. Plus escape rooms
If you're a regular player bring your clubs or hire them and play the full courses on offer.
A short 3 hole course which doubles up as a foot golf course and a driving range complete the set up.
There's also a café on site. Definitely check out their website for full info:
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Family Fun
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Make memories with your family. Enjoy some highlights from our local area.
Aqua Park
Running in the summer months, the Chichester Aqua park is great fun. A big inflatable course to play on! Suitable for 8+ to adults who can swim 50m unaided.
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The centre also offer wakeboarding tows & cable riding. Plus kayaking, paddle boarding and open water swimming. Book in advance.
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See more at: Chichester Watersports
Cobnor Activites
Cobnor Activities Centre is a 10 minute drive from Oakwood Holidays. It's the perfect place to get out on the water. They have a range of activities from camps and multi activity days for kids to boat or kayak hire and guided family sailing trips around the harbour.
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Staunton Farm
A great day out for younger children. There's a farm trail with lots of friendly animals to see. A big play barn, maze and gardens with a tropical glasshouse. There's a cafe on site too.
Over the road from the Farm is a free to access country park with a lake and lots of sculptures and buildings to explore.
For more info: Staunton Farm
Trampoline Parks
Chichester is home to two trampoline parks, Flip Out & Air Arena. Flip Out (pictured above) is the larger site with trampolines, a Ninja Warrior course, air bag, drop slide and 3 floors of soft play.
Air Arena has loads of trampolines, basketball nets and a climbing wall. Both are great! The Air Arena is located at Chichester Gate, where there is also a cinema, restaurants and a bowling alley.
Action Stations
Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for a full day of fun. Visit HMS Warrior & HMS Victory for a taste of historic naval life. See the Then go to Action Stations a unique naval theme kids activity centre with laser tag, rope course and a Ninja Warrior style obstacle course. There's loads more too, check out the full site at: historicdockyard.co.uk
Play Parks
There are lots of play park to choose from around us. The closest is West Ashling park next to the village hall just a few minutes away. 5 minute drive away there is Fishbourne Park (pictured above) at the playing fields. There are swings, slides and a zip line next to big fields and tennis courts for hire. Queen Elizabeth Country park, 30 mins away has a massive park and loads of other activites from walking trails to an assault course and a dog agility course.