West Dean Gardens Tangmere Aviation Museum Boxgrove Priory Bignor Roman Villa

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum

A mere 3 miles east of Chichester is the fascinating Tangmere Military Aviation Museum based on the former RAF Tangmere airfield which played a major frontline role in British defence particularly during World War II. A selection of special aircraft are on display here including Neville Duke's Hawker Hunter, a previous speed world record holder. Other aircraft treasures include the Gloster Meteor F4 which held the world speed record of 616mph as far back as 1946.

Tangmere is a great day out for all the family and contains a wide choice of exhibits on-site alongside flight simulators in which kids can have a go at flying. Poignant exhibits include the Battle of Britain Hall with memorabilia, a poets corner and aerial photography on show. The Middle Hall also contains an exhibit on the Home Front and Dambusters whilst the Tangmere Hall area reflects the history of RAF Tangmere, the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and the First World War. More highlights include a tribute to R.J.Mitchell, designer of the Spitfire inclusive of a replica prototype Spitfire which saw its first flight in 1936.

A museum shop, Memorial Garden, outdoor picnic area and three interactive flight simulators are all on-site.

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, Tangmere, nr Chichester, West Sussex PO20 2ES. Tel. 01243 790 090. Open daily 10am to 5.30pm March to October and 10am to 4.30pm February to November, last admission 1 hour before closing.

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West Dean Gardens

West Dean Gardens situated to the north of Chichester is one of the Sussex region's most popular gardens across the Downs and Weald. Part of the Edward James Estate Charitable Trust, the gardens are now open all year round so you can enjoy the various gardens and Victorian glasshouses through all the changing seasons. Extensive stunning parkland with trails and an arboretum affording fine views across the Sussex Downs are also on-site.

Former owner of the West Dean Estate Edward James, who died in the 1980s, was a fervant patron of the arts particularly his personal favourite, surrealist art. He sponsored Salvador Dali for two years and you'll note the Surrealist Tree Sculptures within West Dean Gardens.

Both experienced planters and visitors completely new to gardens will feel at home here. Stunning features are an Edwardian Pagola, carefully restored Victorian Glasshouses and a Walled Kitchen Garden and Fruit Garden. Thousands of bulbs have been planted at West Dean to great effect in recent times so each season brings new colours and scenes which include Lilies, Crocus, Cyclamen, Narcissi and Scilla. New wildflower lawns are situated within the fruit garden created from local seeds.

West Dean Gardens, West Dean Chichester West Sussex PO18 0QZ. Tel. 01243 818210 for booking enquiries. Open daily from March to October 10.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) and from November to February Wednesday to Sundays from 10.30am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm). A licensed restaurant, gift and garden shop and visitor centre are all on-site.

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Boxgrove Priory

The historic Chichester area contains a number of ancient churches and Boxgrove Priory church just 3 miles north east of Chichester city centre dates from the very early 12th century. Boxgrove village had an entry in the Doomsday Book and evidence points to the fact that a church existed here prior to the Norman Conquest.

Architecturally fascinating, the Benedictine Priory was founded by monks from the Abbey of Lessay in Normandy. Inside see splendid examples of Norman Romanesque and Early English Gothic architectural styles. Acclaimed by Simon Jenkins, author and journalist for the Guardian and the Times, he points to the fine early French motifs in the De La Warr chantry at Boxgrove as some of the best renaissance carvings in any English church. American Pilot Officer Billy Fiske RAF, who died in action during the 1940 Battle of Britain whilst based at Tangmere Aerodrome, is buried in the churchyard. He was the first American Serviceman to die in World War II.

For more information on the history of Boxgrove Priory see the church's website which can be accessed via the link on the right.

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Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve

Managed by Natural England and situated 5km north west of Chichester is the special woodland area of Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve. The surrounding villages of West and East Ashling, West Stoke and Lavant sit ideally close to the reserve which contains one of Western Europe's most prized and finest yew forests. Ancient trees are here, some of which stand as the oldest in Britain.

Alongside around 50 species of flowering plants and grasses, the reserve is also an important archaeological site containing 14 ancient monuments notably the Bronze Age burial mounds situated atop Bow Hill.

Find Kingley Vale NNR off the A286 at Mid Lavant and then on West to the reserve's car park near West Stoke village. A well marked trail (download the guide via the Natural England website) guides you around the reserve. The spectacular ancient Yew forest dating from the pre-Christian period sits at the foot of the valley.

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Bignor Roman Villa & Uppark House & Garden

Pushing further into the South Downs north east of Chichester, Bignor Roman Villa is not to be missed on your tour of Chichester Roman sites. Bignor was a Roman home and farm and like Fishbourne also boasts some spectacular examples of Roman mosaic floors. Fine views of the Sussex Downland also surround the site. As well as a 1 hour guided tour, activities on-site include workshops, Turf Mazes and Roman hopscotch with facilities inclusive of cafe, gift shop, an extensive picnic area and free adjacent parking.

Bignor Roman Villa, Bignor, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1PH. Tel. 01798 869259. Open from March to October. See the Bignor Roman Villa webguide for opening times.

Also in the heart of the South Downs north of Compton and East and West Marden sits the late 17th century Uppark House and Garden owned by the National Trust. Uppark House is famed for its symetrical giant Georgian dolls house appearance. The simple domestic style of this 'jewel of the South Downs' dating from c.1690 takes its influence from the Netherlands. The house remained largely unchanged from the 19th century until a fire damaged the building severely in 1989 causing considerable sorrow to many. The National Trust's conservation and restoration work here though is to be celebrated. Stories abound in Uppark's history including previous owner Humphry Repton's marriage to his dairy maid and subsequent bequest of his estate to her after his death in 1846. Stunning views across to the Solent can be seen from the estate.

Uppark House & Garden, South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex GU31 5QR. Tel. 01730 825857. See the National Trust's webguide for opening times. Gardens, a shop and restaurant are all on-site.

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