Often mentioned as one of the sunniest cities in the UK, the city of Chichester is full of history and charm and a place definitely worth exploring on a visit to Sussex. Whatever your interests, Chichester is full of places to enjoy, from history, to dining, to walks, to water, this Sussex location it all. Here are our recommendations of what to see, things to do and foodie spots not to miss!
Roman City
Originally known as Noviomagus Reginorum, the City of Chichester dates back as far as Roman times, over 1900 years ago. Much of its Roman heritage can be seen on a visit to Chichester.
Chichester City Walls
Most notable are the city walls, originally built by the Romans as a defense wall for protection, with four gates to control trade and access into the city. Incredibly, the vast majority of the city walls has remained through the years and around 80% of the 1.5 mile structure is still visible today. At seven metres high, the wall is very substantial, consisting of stone, flint and chalk.
It is quite remarkable to comprehend how something of such stature could be built and have been maintained for over 1900 years since the Romans reigned the city of Noviomagus Reginorum, or what we have come to know as Chichester.
Fishbourne Roman Palace
For more Roman discoveries, the village of Fishbourne is just a short drive away from Chichester and is home to the Roman Palace and Gardens, an archaeological site filled with ancient Roman mosaics and artefacts.
The Roman city was built in a grid system with the four main streets forming a cross, now known as Chichester Market Cross. This cross was built in 1501 to provide shelter to those selling produce in the market streets.
Today, this cross marks the centre of the town, from which you can reach, North, East, South and West Streets, each of which are lined with boutique clothing shops, jewellery shops, antique stores, bars and restaurants.
Chichester Cathedral
A wander along West Street will lead you to the grand Cathedral of Chichester, founded in 681 by St Wilfrid with construction commencing in 1076. The Cathedral has gone through a number of fires during its lifetime, and many of the structures have been repaired and rebuilt as a result. In the 1400’s, the cathedral spire and bell tower were erected, the latter of which is claimed to be the only surviving medieval bell tower to exist.
Chichester Shopping, Drinking & Dining
East, South and North Streets lead the way to Chichester high streets consisting of an array of boutique shops, antique jewellery stores, bars and restaurants to keep you busy during your visit to Chichester.
Chichester Canal & Marina
Further along, South Street will lead the way to the old city canal where you can take a boat tour to explore the countryside along the water, or even take a self-guided tour and rent a rowboat for you and your family (and even your well-behaved dog!).
Nautical visitors may want to take a trip down to Chichester Marina, just 10 minutes drive from Chichester city centre. Enjoy some lunch at the marina cafe and watch the boats arrive and depart from the city or take a boat tour from the harbour and explore the coastline by sea.
South Downs National Park
If you prefer to explore the countryside on foot, you are in luck! Chichester is right by the South Downs and has plenty of countryside walks to offer. Just North of Chichester you’ll reach the walk surrounding Goodwood, with many walks North, East or West in amongst the picturesque South Downs.
Fancy a sit down? Along with great food and drinks within the City walls, further afield in Chichester you will find a number of country pubs serving some excellent local produce all in their own beautiful settings. Our top two favourites, The Gribble Inn and The Fox Goes Free are just 8 and 13 minutes drive away respectively, or close to many walking routes.
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The City of Brighton is often referred to as eclectic, cosmopolitan, and ‘artsy’, the perfect place for a getaway! Brighton has maintained its popular destination city status for many years drawing visitors from across the country. Planning a trip to Brighton? Here are our recommended spots to visit!
Brighton Beach
Brighton is world famous for its long, pebbled beach, frequented by locals year-round and popular amongst visitors during the hot summer months. There are enough activities surrounding the beach to keep anyone entertained on a visit to this seaside resort.
The 200-year-old Brighton pier offers rides and attractions for all the family to enjoy including fan favourites, the teacups and the waltz. Kids enjoy heading to the sweetshop on the pier and purchasing their Brighton souvenir in the form of Brighton Rock – a stick-shaped boiled sugar sweet famous in the UK’s seaside towns.
Opposite the pier is the world’s oldest aquarium, the Sea Life Centre, filled with an array of underwater creatures. Below the pier and along the seafront are plenty of options to delight beachgoers. If you head East, you’ll have a more relaxing walk along the coast, however, there are still bars and ice cream stalls to stop off at, a zip line if you’re brave enough and a beach volleyball club, Yellowave, at the end. If you head West, you’ll find the ever-changing restaurant and bars along the waterfront so if you frequent Brighton often, you’ll be sure to find something new. During the summer, the West side of the pier has plenty of live music coming from the seafront bars, along with many street performers.
Slightly further along towards the West you will notice the British Airways i360 tower. The tower was built in 2016 to showcase the city from a height. The trip takes around 25 minutes lifting the observation pod up 450ft to see a birds eye view of the city and the shoreline. Some amazing views can be seen from the top with a few buildings having decorated their roofs for visitors.
With so much available on and around Brighton’s seafront, it is easy to see why this is such a popular place to visit and enjoy a family holiday.
Brighton Laines
Another of Brighton’s famous attractions that should never be missed are The Brighton Laines, divided into the North and South Laines.
The North Laines
As you meander your way through the narrow streets you will notice that the North laines are bright, effervescent and quirky. There is an eclectic mix of boutiques selling clothing, antiques and vintage goods, restaurants, known for providing vegan/vegetarian staples and a number of great pubs scattered along the way. During the summer months, the restaurants bring their tables outside into the street for a fun but busy dining experience!
In the evenings, the Krater Comedy Club provides guests with plenty of entertainment with stand-up comedy and live music to enjoy – we highly recommend a visit if you have a free evening!
The South Laines
The South Lanes are more discreet in their appearance and more maze like in their location. They comprise a number of antique jewellery shops, quaint tea rooms and excellent restaurants gathered along the winding alleyways.
The atmosphere is quieter amongst the South Lanes and visitors can easily get lost with all the twists, turns and tunnels that delight passers-by. The South Lanes is just a few steps away from the beachfront and Brighton Pier. It is definitely worth the scenic walk through the South Lanes if you are making your way to Brighton’s seafront.
Foodie at heart? We’d recommend eating fresh fish from Riddle & Finns, the delicious sustainable dining from The Flint House or visiting a vegetarian institution like Terre a Terre.
The Royal Pavilion
If you walk East from the South Lanes, you will eventually come across the Royal Pavilion.
Originally built as a pleasure palace for King George IV, the Royal Pavilion is now a famous Landmark in Brighton’s City Centre. The palace was built in 1780 and was extended in 1815 to the Royal Pavilion that stands today. It passed down through a number of Royals and was eventually sold by Queen Victoria to the City of Brighton in 1850 for £50,000.
There have been a number of setbacks in the restoration of the building throughout the years which will inevitably continue, however, the City of Brighton has worked hard to restore the building to the original grandeur envisioned by King George IV back in the 1800’s.
The building is now a popular tourist attraction where visitors can walk through a number of rooms, including the royal bedrooms, the grand kitchen and the banqueting rooms.
South Downs
Not only does Brighton have inner city beauty, but its outskirts are also just as picturesque.
The South Downs National Park is just a short distance from the city centre and a great place to go and wander around particularly if you are staying at a pet-friendly property and they need to play! Visitors to Brighton can get to the downs quickly and explore east or west along the rolling hills. When it is a good weather day, it is common for people to pitch up for an afternoon picnic at the top of Devils Dyke and enjoy the unobstructed views of this city’s natural landscape. On clearer nights, you can head up as the sun starts to set and witness some phenomenal views as the sun lowers and glows over in the West.
Accessibility to London
As noted earlier, Brighton is just a short train ride away from London so for those guests staying for a longer trip, why not make a day trip to London to see the big city? In fact, our holiday let, The Preston, is located just 2 minutes away from Preston Park station and just an hour away from London!
Brighton is packed full of things to see and do and will certainly keep you busy on a trip to this bustling seaside city. Whatever you have planned, we are here to help you and make sure your holiday in Brighton is the best it can be.
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When you think of an estate, you’re likely to picture an impressively large home, surrounded by fields upon fields of beautiful countryside. A tranquil and peaceful place, typically only available to the public to view from a distance. Usually, you would be right, but not when talking about Goodwood Estate. Goodwood Estate is very different and in the best way possible.
Goodwood House
Goodwood House dates back to 1697 when it was bought by the first Duke of Richmond. Since then it has been through numerous structural changes and ownership and now boasts one of the most exciting summer event calendars on the South Coast. For a day at Goodwood, you can play golf, go clay shooting, learn to fly, ride your car on the track or just relax in the spa for an afternoon. There are dining options available throughout, with many farm-to-table options, and an afternoon tea with a tour for those interested in exploring Goodwood House on the inside.
But what Goodwood is most famous for, and why the vast majority of people visit, is for their summer events – horse racing and car racing.
Goodwood Racecourse
Goodwood Racecourse sits in the South Downs, neighbouring the city of Chichester. In the Summer, the racecourse hosts a number of events, most notably ‘Glorious Goodwood’ an event that runs over 5 days in late July. On a bright summer day, this is one of the best racecourse events in the UK with jockeys from around the world, battling it out on the racecourse to reach the top spot with their expert horses. Visitors can expect 5 days packed with excitement from Sussex Stakes Day to the glamorous Ladies Day.
Racetrack
In addition to horse racing, Goodwood offers events for car enthusiasts, from speed seekers to vintage car admirers, or both! Goodwood racetrack offers both the Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival.
Festival of Speed
The Festival of Speed is what Goodwood terms the ‘ultimate motorsport garden party’, with four days of motorsport events from race car drivers and car manufacturers from around the world. Formula 1 supercars from Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and Renault set the racecourse alight, with pre-war car races, NASCAR rallies and bike battles gracing the tracks over the 4-day festival of speed event. It is one of the greatest events in motorsport, all available to the public in the county we call home, West Sussex.
The Revival
Goodwood Revival differs from its speed-fueled counterpart and celebrates the history of motorcars and motorsport. This event has a dress code, that of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, allowing the perfect opportunity for some fancy dress in the sunshine.
There are three days of motorsport during the revival, with Sunday culminating in the most renowned events including the Whitsun Trophy, the fastest event of the weekend and the Royal Automobile TT Celebration Race.
Off the tracks
Off the racecourse and the racetrack, there are plenty of places to take bets on the races, grab drinks in the sunshine or find a bite to eat from one of the food trucks. For those with kids, the family race day provides free entry to those under 18 and fairground rides for some family-friendly activities.
There is plenty to see and do in Goodwood and it is easy to see why this is such a popular place to visit year-round, and particularly during the summer months.
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Brighton & Hove is a city of two halves which were joined as one in 2000 when they gained city status. Hove has an identity of its own, however, and is often considered quieter and more refined than its busier Brighton half which entertains more seaside revellers and party weekenders.
Whether you’re staying in Hove for a luxurious seaside weekend, a romantic special occasion celebration, or taking your family away for a cultural city break; Hove has something for every age and personality.
History
For centuries, Hove was just one road forming a tiny fishing village rising up from the sea to the western end of Church Road – now Old Hove Conservation Area. It was only during the early 19th Century that expansion occurred in response to the development of neighbouring Brighton which saw the grand squares and terraces of Brunswick Town being built, forever changing the landscape. The glorious gardens and squares of Palmeira and Adelaide were to follow with The Avenues finally joining the two halves of Brighton & Hove during the Victorian era.
The arrival of the London to Brighton trainline in 1846 saw the mass influx of holiday makers and residents to the city, and by 1865, Hove had a station of its own. This instigated a huge building boom which closed the gap between Brighton and Hove to include holiday lodgings, residential homes, theatres and shops which give Hove its unique identity.
What to eat in Hove
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining in Hove. There are several Michelin Guide recommended restaurants between Palmeira Square and New Church Road alone, which are peppered with independent foodie havens and glamorous wine bars. If you’re after a more relaxed vibe, there are plenty of proper gastro pubs too, and you never need to look too far for Fish & Chips in this coastal city – so there really is something for everyone. Here are our favourite places:
etch. By Steven Edwards
etch. is MasterChef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards’ flagship restaurant located on Church Road. etch. has a modern look with views of an open kitchen where the chefs create and serve exquisite small plates for their tasting menu. Their philosophy is to celebrate local and British produce to deliver ambitious dishes with bold flavours and intriguing textures; their signature is marmite brioche. The wine list also offers a good selection from Sussex. With 3AA rosettes and a Michelin Plate, etch. has a waiting list, so definitely try to book well in advance of your visit. It is also only open Wed-Sun with dinner reservations Fri-Sat only.
The Ginger Pig
Listed as one of the Top 10 Pubs in the UK by GQ, The Ginger Pig on Hove Street (2 mins from etch.) serve traditional food sourced from Sussex’s finest suppliers. Their well-executed, original dishes draw flavours from far and wide, including Europe, Asia and North Africa. Menus are updated regularly offering fresh inspiration and seasonality. They also serve a separate bar snack menu and mix seriously good cocktails – plus they are dog friendly! The Ginger Pig is the epitome of ‘gastro pub’ serving restaurant quality food and drinks in a relaxed and homely environment with friendly service.
Franco’s Osteria
This small independent restaurant stays true to the Italian tradition of keeping things simple and focusing on quality ingredients prepared well. Franco’s is all about the soul of Italian cuisine. Whether it be pasta or Northern Italian pizza, you will be able to taste the passion and love that has gone into every dish. The rustic interior remains true to the traditional Osteria’s of the owner’s homeland, with chunky wooden tables and exposed brickwork. It is all about the atmosphere and intimacy that you can only find in small restaurants, where you have direct interaction with the owners. If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience, that is not going to break the bank, then a visit to Franco’s is a must during your stay!
Paris Wine Bar
Established in 2011 by two International wine connoisseurs, Paris Wine Bar has become an integral part of the Hove scene. They offer a huge variety of wines and champagnes, alongside a stunning cocktail menu and an array of beers and spirits to suit all tastes.
Inside, it feels homely with traditional oak beams and stylish brickwork off-set with brass and copper adornments. The bar area is lined by classic Chesterfield seating and parades of vintage wine, submerged in ambient lighting and soft music transporting you to another era altogether. French doors open to the Italian-inspired heated garden with intimate tables for two or family tables for four, offering a warm snug in winter or space for sunlit drinks alfresco during the summer.
Marrocco’s
Unassuming and rustic, it is only the vast queues lining Hove Promenade which give an insight into the fine quality faire you receive in Marrocco’s café and restaurant. The coffee and gelato are as authentically Italian as you can get having been part of the Hove Seafront scene since Italian founders Rennato and Maria Marrocco opened in 1969. As a family-run business, their children and grandchildren now run the restaurant to include a fine dining seafood menu of lobster, seabass and fruitti de mare platters.
What to do in Hove
Green Spaces
Echoing the green of Hove Lawns, the Regency homes of Brunswick Town were built encircling beautiful gardens which were intended for private use of the residents only. Thankfully the gardens within Adelaide Crescent, Palmeira Square and Brunswick Square are now open to the public; bringing a touch of the countryside to the coast. Picnics can be enjoyed during the spring and summer months when they are often more peaceful than the beach. Brunswick Square hosts a two-weekend community festival during August with live music, food stalls and a children’s parade, and is one of the longest running festivals in the city enjoying its 40th year in 2021.
A hidden gem, just a few minutes north from Hove Station is Hove Park covering 40 acres with immaculate lawns, mature trees and a 2km running path on its perimeter. Popular with families, dog walkers and fitness fans alike, there are tennis courts, a well-equipped children’s play area, a community café offering delicious bites, and there are several outdoor fitness classes running every day of the week. Acknowledging the Engineerium which stands overlooking the park, there is also a miniature railway which runs for 2000ft along the park’s edge and is open from March-October for children to ride.
Shopping in Hove
Hove is abundant with boutique and independent retailers looking to put some creative flair into your shopping experience. At the western end of Western Road and throughout Church Road, you’ll find gorgeous fashions, bespoke interiors and designers tempting you inside with evocative window displays.
George Street also offers a wide variety of independent shops and is pedestrianised so you can potter in peace and sit outside at one of the many cafes for refreshments.
Music and Entertainment
Brighton & Hove has long been heralded as the city of arts and culture, with its showcase in the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringewhich have been running throughout May since 1967. It is the largest and most established multi-arts festival in England, and is a celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events, which takes place in both familiar and unusual venues throughout the city including The Old Market Theatre in Brunswick Town. Hove Lawns also host circus acts, Foodie Festivals and theatre performances, while the Artist’s Open Houses have several trails throughout Hove.
In its wake, many more festivals were born to celebrate Brighton & Hove’s unique culture and character, including Brighton Digital Festival and The Great Escapefor music, and Brighton Pride – whose colourful parade starts on the Hove Lawns, to celebrate diversity and equality.
For big-name music events look no further than Hove Country Cricket Ground which has been host to Lionel Ritchie and Elton John in recent years and has the biggest and best firework display on November 5th each year.
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Worthing Town is the quieter little sister to Brighton & Hove which sits just 12-miles along the coast to the east.
Worthing has undergone a huge amount of regeneration in recent years as the ‘Down-from-Londons’ realised what a special place it was, making it one of the top ten property hotspots in the country. This in turn has attracted businesses, holiday makers and day-trippers to the town, looking to see what all the fuss is about.
Long gone are the 70s seaside attractions. In their place is a glorious palm-fringed coastline awash with pop-up bars, woodfired pizza vans, coffee stands and a wealth of restaurants with rave reviews. The Regency and Deco architecture lining the prom is stunning and the beaches are free from swaggering hen and stag parties, so they are beautifully clean. Worthing Pier has returned to its former glory with its Art Deco Pavilion now housing a new restaurant hosting live music and comedy events and the town now has its own Arts, Foodie and Pride Festivals to be enjoyed throughout spring and summer.
History
For centuries, Worthing was a quaint agricultural and fishing hamlet with fewer than 500 residents. Following in the wake of Brighton’s popularity as a spa resort during the early 18th Century, people were encouraged to visit towns on the coast for sea cures – the act of sea-swimming to cure all ills! By 1796 it had many good lodging houses, three hotels, and many fashionable visitors.
In particular, it was Royal patronage which led wealthy travellers to follow in their famous footsteps, favouring a more retired bathing space than Brighton, and bringing with them money, business and colour to the town. The extension of the trainline from Shoreham to Worthing in 1945 made it easier for visitors to access the town – and Worthing as a ‘seaside holiday destination’ was born.
200-years later, a similar rejuvenation has occurred as soaring house prices and over-crowding in the capital and coastal cities has led to people making the move to sunny Worthing. With an abundance of fresh air, clean streets and a creative and welcoming community – maybe you’ll feel the same way after a week’s holiday here!
Food & Drink
While there have always been some hidden gems in Worthing Town, it has more recently become a hub for health-conscious cafes, contemporary bistros and gastropubs. Along the seafront, there are several pop-up vans offering woodfired pizza, tacos, fish & chips, cocktails and freshly made doughnuts – to name but a few, and the seaside location has inspired some seriously good seafood restaurants. Further into town, but all within easy walking distance of one another, there are several restaurants, wine bars and cafes to suit all tastes and budgets; be that a vegan kebab, a bao bun or a foam topped soufflé.
Here are our top Worthing places to eat:
1. Pitch and Bayside Social
Pitch is MasterChef winner Kenny Tutt’s flagship restaurant located on Warwick Street in Worthing Town Centre. Pitch offers a contemporary mix of modern and classic British food, wines and cocktails, paying homage to the great produce found in the surrounding local area. The restaurant is styled as a workshop, with diners greeted by surfaces full of fresh herbs and botanicals ready to be picked and incorporated into Kenny’s dishes. An example three-course menu includes whipped goats’ cheese, toasted hazelnut and thyme jam doughnuts. Sussex ham hock with shirred eggs, chips and gooseberry chutney. And a dessert of cereal pannacotta with peanut butter, chocolate pretzel crackle & chocolate yoghurt sorbet.
Bayside Social is Pitch’s sister restaurant positioned along Worthing Seafront offering 180-degree views along Worthing’s coastline. Guests are welcomed into a relaxed beachfront setting with a laid-back ambience. A variety of choices are available including a seasonal changing menu, nourishing takeaway, indoor/outdoor dining, breakfast & brunch options, as well as fantastic cocktails.
2. The Crabshack
The Crabshack is a family owned and run seafood restaurant and beach bar with a large terrace overlooking the sea. Their philosophy is to provide the freshest local fish and seafood alongside fabulous drinks with fantastic service. Their menu is small as everything is freshly prepared and cooked to order in their kitchen. They believe passionately in honest, simple flavours and letting the amazing ingredients do the talking whilst giving great value for money. Crabshack are dog and children-friendly, as long as they are well behaved! You can soak up the sun on the deck outside or shelter from the storm and stay warm and cosy inside. Laid back, relaxed and unpretentious, you can either have a three-course meal or just stop by for a snack, beer, cocktail, or glass of wine from their small but interesting wine list.
3. Perch on The Pier
Perch on the Pieris a stylish eatery with panoramic views of the sea situated at the end of Worthing’s Art Deco Pier, delivering delicious meals from breakfast through to lunch, including a quality selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. They also offer pick-and-mix dishes so you can create your perfect plate to suit your dietary requirements and tastes, plus there is a wide selection of kids’ dishes, burgers, mussels, grills and traditional seaside fayre.
Dogs are welcome as long as they keep their paws on the floor, and while it is preferable to book – particularly at weekends, they do keep a proportion of tables for walk-ins on a first-come, first serve basis.
4. Finch
Finch opened for business in 2018 with one goal in mind: providing a tasty, enjoyable dining experience. They provide a fresh variety of dishes from breakfast all the way through to dinner – but they are renowned for their breakfasts and brunches offering beautiful ingredients and a variety of options to suit all. Smashed avocado on sourdough with grilled halloumi, or a full English fry up can be washed down with hangover-cure juices and smoothies and the most delicious coffee.
5. The Grape
Located in the heart of Worthing’s famous Warwick Street, The Grape is a small, family-run wine bar that serves a large variety of hand-picked white, red, rosè, and sparkling wines alongside a hearty food menu comprising of full-flavoured Spanish tapas. During the warmer weather you can sit out on the terrace watching the world go by, then in winter the Deco interior is warm and homely with dark walls, natural woods and wall festooned with quality wines in tall racks. With 5* reviews on Tripadvisor, The Grape is definitely with a visit.
6. Yamu Yamu
Yamu Yamu sits in the West End of Worthing offering contemporary small plates of Japanese street food alongside craft beers, locally brewed coffee and incredible cocktails. Try everything from tofu bao buns, to teriyaki salmon, or their famous filthy fries with an Asian twist! Reasonable prices, friendly and attentive staff and a relaxed atmosphere ensure Yamu Yamu has put itself firmly on the map of ‘must visit’ places in Worthing.
Exploring
Theatre and Cinema
Find brilliant performances within the genres of dance, comedy, theatre and music at both the Pavilion Theatre or the Connaught Theatre in Worthing. From big-name performers to local artists and musicians, there are events for all ages and interests to be found throughout the year. Creative seasonal workshops for families and children include storytelling, weaving, hat making and sculpture – to name but a few, and there are specialist talks held within the theatre museum.
For a night out at the movies there are two beautiful cinemas: The Dome Cinema and the Connaught Cinema – both within a few minutes of the Town Centre. The Dome is a stunning Edwardian cinema which first opened in April 1911 and has been fully restored to its former glory. There are three screens, including the opulent main auditorium, seating 500, the more intimate Screen 2, with newly refurbished Premier seating, and the new Screen 3, with 41 seats (including some double seats) and wall-to-wall picture.
The Connaught Cinema is a streamlined Moderne-style theatre and cinema which was built as the Picturedrome cinema in 1914. They offer the best in art-house, documentaries and foreign cinema alongside the best blockbusters and screenings of classic films from the archives.
Countryside and Beach
Worthing is brilliantly positioned within Sussex as it is bordered by the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park to the north and some of the most beautiful coastline to the south. These spaces offer the perfect escape for longs walks with Cissbury & Chanctonbury Ringsgiving the most incredible viewpoints across the entire county. You can jump on a bus from the town centre (number 23) or there are several clearly marked car parks if you are driving. For history and nature lovers you can book archaeology walks on Chanctonbury Ring via the wtm.uk website.
For beach lovers, the tide in Worthing goes out for miles revealing rockpools and swathes of sand so you can walk from Lancing to Goring Gap barefoot. There are ‘Beat the Tide’ 5km and 10km races held in July and the Park Run and Worthing Marathons also take you along the coast. Sunsets are beautiful and there are several cafes offering homemade cakes, coffees and dog treats along the route.
For those brave enough, you will find groups of sea-swimmers taking to the water at mid-tide throughout the year with ‘sea-cures’ making a comeback 200-years after they were first discovered!
Arts and Festivals
Following in the steps of Brighton & Hove, Worthing has gained a reputation as a town known for its arts and culture with festivals held throughout the spring and summer to celebrate food, beer, music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events – tickets can be found on the Eventbrite website.
At Christmas time, Steyne Gardens are transformed into an ice rink while in summer Worthing Pride is held between the gardens and Marine Parade on Worthing’s seafront to celebrate the great diversity of the LGBTQI+ community. The festival includes a fabulous lineup of amazing artists and local stallholders offering a great selection of delicious food.
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Planning on visiting the quaint village of Arundel in Sussex? We’ve put together our top recommended landmarks and a bit of their history:
Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle is a true masterpiece.
Originally built in 1068 by Roger de Montogomery, the Earle of Arundel, the Castle has been restored over the years to maintain its position as one of the most iconic buildings on the South Coast and one of the most well-kept castles in the country.
The castle sits on 40 acres of land, consisting of the castle itself and the stunning castle gardens, both of which can be accessed on a tour (usually open between March and October). On a castle tour, you are able to wander inside and explore The Keep, the Fitzalan Chapel and the Castle Rooms, all with their own splendour. The castle gardens plant an extraordinary annual tulip display, the largest tulip display in Britain with some 60,000 tulips along with many other spring flowers which are in full bloom from March onwards.
What is fascinating, is that unlike many historical landmarks, the castle is actually lived in by the current Duke of Norfolk and his family. Many of the internal rooms are fully functional and viewable to the public for half of the year. A tour will give you the opportunity to view inside the dining room, ballroom, library, bedrooms, and even see the bedroom specially commissioned to be built for the use of Queen Victoria’s visit to Arundel Castle back in 1846!
Arundel Village Centre
Outside of the castle walls is the quaint and charming village of Arundel. Picturesque from the moment you drive over the bridge and into the village, it is impossible for Arundel to disappoint. There is not a chain in sight, and instead a multitude of restaurants, cafes, boutique stores and antique shops await.
Enjoy a spot of afternoon tea amongst a day of antiquing or an early evening pint in one of the local village pubs followed by a spectacular meal in one of Arundel’s excellent restaurants (or both!). The food and drink scene in Arundel is outstanding and is one of the many reasons the locals are so fond of this charming village.
Arundel Cathedral
Further up the hill from the village centre, you will come across Arundel Cathedral. Originally built in 1869 by the 15th Duke of Norfolk, the Cathedral has been a focal point for Arundel ever since. The Cathedral has regular services and concerts and is host to a number of events in Arundel throughout the calendar year. The Cathedral is open daily to the public from 9am – 6pm so pop in and have a look around this majestic building.
Arundel Festivals and Events
Arundel attracts visitors year-round not only due to its historical landmarks, but also its festivals.
Every year during the summer months, Arundel hosts the Arundel festival, one of the largest multi-art festivals in the South with entertainment ranging from music to art to theatre.
In December, Arundel by Candlelight lights up the streets to host its Christmas market. Elegantly lit Christmas trees adorn the buildings in the village alongside a beautifully decorated tree donated to the village by the Duke of Norfolk which creates the centrepiece for this popular event. Visitors to Arundel by Candlelight can enjoy roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and hog roasts as they meander their way around the village streets.
Year-round, on the third Saturday of each month, there is a local farmers’ market hosted in the village centre with vendors selling a wide array of high-quality local produce for visitors and locals to enjoy.
People may have a holiday let to use as a second home or as a property to utilise as a financial investment renting to guests. Either way, you may use a property management company. Property management companies can do anything from just checking in once a month to full service management, taking care of bookings, cleaning and guest communications. Whatever you hire your property manager for, it is important to have one that provides you with the best possible service for your needs.
For those with full service management, there are a number of reasons that homeowners may switch from one management company to another. Here are the most commons reasons we have come across:
Paying too much commission for poor service
Property management companies vary on their rates considerably. Annual lease arrangements may charge a management fee as low as 6% whilst on the other end, we have seen rates up to 40% for full service management. It is ok to pay either of these or anything in between, but if the service you are given does not match up to the fee you pay, it can be frustrating.
2. Bad Reviews
Reviews are crucial in this business and bad ones can have a devastating impact. Usually, bad reviews tend to include poor cleanliness, insufficient maintenance or a clumsy check in procedure. Many years ago, property managers and owners used to be able to pay to get their listing to rank higher on the page but those days are long gone. Now, Airbnb and VRBO use specific algorithms that assess reviews, response times, listing quality and other metrics to decide who gets to the top. At Simple Getaway we consistently receive 5* reviews from our guests meaning that we rank highly on holiday let listing sites such as Airbnb and VRBO.
3. Lazy Booking Procedures
Many property managers will only list on certain sites. In the UK, Airbnb is the most popular booking site, but it doesn’t mean that bookings don’t come from elsewhere – they absolutely do!
In Arun, West Sussex, 84% of holiday lets are listed on Airbnb, 10% on VRBO and 6% on both. In Chichester, West Sussex, 77% are listed on Airbnb , 11% on VRBO and 12% on both. In Brighton, East Sussex, 82% are listed on Airbnb, 8% on VRBO and 10% on both. At Simple Getaway we are part of that 6, 12 and 10% that list on both in each of these areas.
What’s more? We list your property on our own website which is a win-win for you and your guests – it is the cheapest option for guests which generates the greatest revenue for you! The more sites you list on, the higher your occupancy rate and ultimately the greater the revenue you receive – make sure you check where your property management company is listing your home to make the most of your investment.
4. Stagnant Marketing
Are your property management company keeping an eye on the market and marketing your property effectively? Travel trends are constantly changing, as evidenced in the recent 2020 pandemic. It is no longer appropriate to list your property for the same rate for every day of the year. Prices should be fluctuated throughout the year to balance revenue and occupancy effectively. At Simple Getaway we track the data to make sure you remain competitive in the market and you don’t slip behind the competition. In fact, during 2020, we utilised this strategy and have managed to get some of our homes in the top 10 performing homes in their area, despite only operating for 6 months of the year!
We are always adapting to make sure our service offering improves and we are giving our owners the best possible for the rates we charge. Find out today what we can offer in comparison to other property management companies!
The past year (20/21) has put a real strain on global travel. Particularly if you live in the UK, travel has been limited even within the country, let alone anywhere abroad. We are all eager to get out and now that the world is starting to ease up a little with the vaccine programme success, people are finally looking forward to some travel. We have been asked several times recently whether someone could rent their property out, even if it is just for a couple of months.
The short answer is yes! Websites like Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com have made it increasingly easy to rent out your home and be flexible with the dates. Even if you just want to rent your house for a specific day of the year, that is absolutely fine. Now you’ve made that decision, the next most important thing is whether you are going to look after that yourself, or whether you would like a management company to take care of it. This blog will assume that you want to manage it yourself, but if you want to enjoy your time away without any hassle, you might want to consider asking a management company to take care of it. That is what we do at Simple Getaway, if you would like to speak to us, then contact us here.
What next? Here’s our list of things you need to start thinking about.
Decision time – decide when, and for how long you want to list your property. Once you’ve made the decision to rent your house and you receive bookings, you will be penalised if you change your mind and cancel those bookings. Therefore, you need to make sure you are completely sure and comfortable with renting your home during those periods.
Get rental ready – you will want to get your house ready to photograph. We would recommend removing anything that you do not want to make available to the guests and store in a cupboard or locked room. Clothes, jewellery, sentimental items and personal things should be in this category.
Photo time – Once you’ve removed anything you do not want to have in the listing, it is time for photos. Make sure the house is clean, windows are clean, beds are made, pillows fluffed etc! Either hire a photographer or take them yourself, if you choose the latter, make sure you take good quality imagery. Hold the camera lower than your eye level, avoid any special effects (fish eye, wide angle etc) and make sure you get a shot of each room and the outside if available.
List your property – choose where you want to list. Just a room? Probably just go with Airbnb. A larger property, try Airbnb and VRBO. Each site charges different fees so make sure you choose something you are comfortable with. If you list on both sites, make sure you share calendars to avoid a double booking.
Respond to inquiries – you may receive inquiries straight away or it may take some time. Don’t panic either way! Make sure you respond to inquiries as quickly as you can, that way you will attract a guest before they inquire elsewhere. Make sure you are friendly in your responses and try to be as helpful as you can when guests have questions.
Get ready for the booking
Keys – if you are not going to be there when the guests arrive, you need to make sure they can get access to your home. Do you have a smart lock? A key safe? Key in a safe spot? Neighbour to hold the key? Whatever it is, you need to make sure your guests know with plenty of notice. We would recommend you have a smart lock or a key safe to make the process as easy and secure as possible. Don’t leave your key under the mat..!
Guidebook – it is a good idea to leave some information about the house, wifi codes, heating instructions, rubbish collection etc. Provide a guide book or notes on how to use certain items. Even better, provide them with local recommendations of things to do, places to eat etc..
Contractors – get some local contractors on standby in case something goes wrong. Plumbers, electricians, handymen, locksmiths and cleaners are all useful contractors to have in your phonebook.
Guests arrive – your guests may have a seamless experience and not need to contact you at all, but, if they do, you need to make sure you are available to deal with their questions or issues. Make sure wherever you are has a wifi connection or mobile reception so you are equipped to answer any calls/emails.
Guests leave – depending upon how you’ve listed your property for rent, you may just have a single group staying, or you may have multiple. If you have multiple groups then your cleaners need to be prepared for the changeover days. Make sure they let you know what condition the house was left in so that you can review the guests accordingly. If you have people checking out and others checking in on the same day, you’ll need to have a spare set of sheets as it is unlikely the cleaners would get them washed and dried in time, particularly in a large property.
Complete – Receive the income on the stay and make sure the house is ready for the next arrival, or for your return.
It can be a lot of work getting your house ready to rent but it can be rewarding to receive income for your property when you aren’t using it yourself. The key point is to make sure you are prepared for your guests arrival and be available throughout their stay should they need assistance.
If you have read this blog and think you want to rent but don’t want the hassle, give us a call and we can help. Contact us today.
Sebrina – thank you for speaking with me today.
I believe you are CEO at Simplified Retreats based in Charleston SC?
Yes I am, Simplified Retreats have been in business for the last 8 years operating in a very competitive marketplace with Charleston being continually nominated as No 1 vacation destination in the USA.
So you are US Based, some of our words and phrases are a little different, you manage vacation rentals whereas we manage holiday lets?
Yes there are some differences and that can get you into trouble sometimes! However in my past life I was 12 years working in London so I’ll try to keep it mid-Atlantic so to speak.
Can you tell me a little about your journey
We started small operating a few of our own homes (we have a construction arm and build our own). These were in downtown Charleston just as the tourist boom began to take off locally. Firstly we rented mainly long weekends with simple systems and have developed from there, expanding to the beaches of the Carolina’s and now down towards Savannah at Palmetto Bluff. We now manage over 50 homes for various second home owners and investors as well as a couple of our own.
How does the industry differ from what you have seen in the UK?
I think the biggest difference is the return on investment for the home owners. We operate where returns are considerably higher than those typically achieved in the UK. I don’t feel standards are much different apart from US Interior design tastes but feel the vacationers (customers) are more demanding in the US. For most of our homes we operate a concierge service arranging trips, meals and similar outings plus catering if the vacationer wants. We often operate more like a hotel than someone’s house which was the original intent of platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO etc.
You mentioned returns, can you expand on that?
Yes. A typical 4-bedroom home of a high standard and well situated is expected to earn $100-150,000 a year in gross income. That is operated as an investment with the owner domiciled elsewhere. We see ourselves more as investment managers than rental managers. The investment is the asset aka the home, its contents, how it is marketed and promoted. We seek to maximize that for our homeowners. Our raw material is the vacationer and in catering for their needs, we generate an income.
Tell me about the vacationers.
Ours are mostly in a middle class salary band though for the larger properties commanding $2000 a day upwards we are at the upper end of that bracket. We treat them with care investing in the beginning of what will be a life cycle in a relationship. Some 60% of our vacationers return to the same or other properties on multiple occasions.
Tell me how you attract vacationers?
It starts with reviews, we are in the top 3 in the Carolina’s based on feedback given to Airbnb.
How do you claim that?
Airbnb is allied with their sister company Air DNA, they create statistics for rental companies based on real bookings and feedback across the USA. Air DNA voted us in the top three for feedback and ADR, Average Daily Rate. We can gain a good rate by the standard of our service and properties. That helps both our owners and us win.
Tell me about marketing.
We invest in the usual suspects, Facebook, Instagram, Pay per Click. We also write on our Blogs continuously advertising events and celebrations plus other activities to get up to. About 40% of bookings are repeat guests and go through our own website, the remainder come through the online travel agents such as Airbnb, Homeaway/VRBO. I’d note here that we believe having your own site is important as you retain the position of merchant of note, aka own the vacationer/rental company relationship. That protects us and our homeowners when the online travel agents do not act in our interests. For example, Airbnb created a block cancellation of bookings in 2020 due to the pandemic without compensation or notice.
How do you manage the homes?
We physically manage their condition and interior aesthetics. When we take a client on there is a honeymoon period where we prepare the home for rent and to show its best aspects. That’s how we make it stand out. Occasionally, an owner wants to manage differently and in that event we will politely withdraw, it happens and it is not personal.
Our pricing is dynamic in that we review it daily based on upcoming events and future bookings. We know the markets we operate in and how cyclical they are. Future bookings are used to set daily rates and maximize owner return. When we hit the mid 90%’s then it is time to adjust prices, 100% occupation may sound good but can also mean that the home is sold too cheaply or under rented. We do this occasionally but mostly for a new home where we want quick returns and to generate reviews. The second season we rise to the top of the list again. It takes a lot of effort but has been demonstrated to produce an additional 30/40% return for our homeowners. Guests are happy also as they keep coming back!
We also look at the market demand, for example short term rental vs monthly furnished rental. We will switch between these depending on what produces the best return. However, I do know that our rental laws are very different from the UK. Here it is very easy to do and our tenant laws aren’t strict like the UK. If we know that the winter will be slow at the beach, we will try and do a monthly rental for January in February for all the snowbirds looking to escape the North during the winter.
Do you rent your own home?
Yes we do. We travel frequently and when our youngest son is out of school we pack up our bags and hit the road. We have organized our lifestyle for this and can generally be out within 36 hours with all personal belongings packed away. Also we have an apartment in our carriage house that is rented almost permanently. As the home is in an LLC (company) we can then pay all expenses including a portion of our own living and travel before tax on the income meaning our tax bills are generally de minimis. I know the UK tax system is based on similar principles but beyond that see no reason it would not work the same way in the UK.
How has Covid affected your business?
In the spring of 2020 it was a wasteland and we injected cash to keep salaries paid, we believe loyalty goes both ways and did not want our staff to go through both covid and redundancy. However as covid became worse, the cities emptied, especially New York. A flood of people came south and snapped up anything that had a roof. If I can point out here that the USA is a continent not a country and people are very mobile. The world has not changed much since and we have had one of our best years ever. Our staff have worked incredibly hard under quite dire circumstances and we won’t forget their efforts. The rentals for beaches and the city used to be seasonal though with covid it is anyone’s guess. We did have lockdowns and other restrictions but they are very different from those experiences in the UK. For better or worse.
Sebrina, thank you for all your insights into your company there. We share some similar practises though the two countries and their various intricacies differ in many ways. We wish we could say the same about how covid affected our business but alas, we will get there in the end! Thank you for your feedback and for a little insight into how our industry works in the USA. I will take time to contemplate what lessons we can draw from this for our own business model in the UK.
