Rolling Stones Itinerary

In 1967, the genteel facade of Chichester shatters as rock royalty, the Rolling Stones, find themselves on trial for an alleged drug offence stemming from a gathering at Redlands, Keith Richards' country estate in the heart of West Sussex. The raid, tipped off by The News of the World, disrupts a bohemian gathering attended by the likes of Marianne Faithfull and George Harrison.

Only legal heavyweight Michael Havers can defend these rock icons. But this case isn't just about the musicians; it throws Havers' own family dynamic into disarray. The spotlight widens to reveal a generational divide as Havers navigates his relationship with his son, Nigel, a budding teenage actor enthralled by the charms of Marianne Faithfull.

This captivating story delves into a bizarre and pivotal moment in English history with Havers and editor of The Times, William Rees-Mogg igniting a clash between generations, a psychedelic swirl of rebellion against the established order, all set against the backdrop of a landmark legal battle and a turning point in cultural history.

Cops & Rockers - 48 Hour Itinerary

This itinerary throws you back to the Swinging Sixties, immersing you in the world of the Rolling Stones and the infamous "Redlands" drug bust. Explore historic locations, delve into the era's cultural clash, and experience the brand-new play Redlands at the prestigious Chichester Festival Theatre, with an artistic directorial debut by Justin Audibert.

2-Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Stones, Law & Local Legends

Morning

The Ship Inn, Chichester

Arrive & check in at the Chichester Harbour Hotel, the iconic establishment where the Stones stayed the night before their trial. 

Grab a HarSpa treatment or a delicious spot of lunch before heading out to explore the city.

Redlands Ship Hotel

 

Court of Public Opinion

Explore Chichester's legal past and visit the historic Chichester Crown Court and Magistrates' Courts, imagining the scene of the Stones' trial.

Next, head to Pallant House Gallery to view three iconic works by Sixties Pop Artist, Richard Hamilton documenting the arrest and trial.

Afternoon

Unleash your inner record and memorabilia sleuth and explore the city's vibrant record and vintage shops for hidden Rolling Stones treasures!

With a plethora of vintage and charity shops in Chichester you will be spoilt for choice. Check out Vintro, Almshouse Vintage, St Wilfreds Hospice, Squirrel Antiques, Beyond the Fringe and many more!

Rolling Stones Vintage Shopping

Evening

Evening Entertainment

  • Dinner: Enjoy a pre-theatre dinner at Purchases, a stone’s throw away from the hotel & theatre.
  • Theatre: Immerse yourself in the heart of the story at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Experience the captivating performance of "Redlands" a theatrical retelling of the infamous drug raid. Tickets available from £10.00.
  • Late night: Finish your evening with drinks & grassroot music at The Havana, hidden away in Little London, in the heart of the city.

 

Optional Extras:

  • Exhibition "Court of Public Opinion" (September 20th - October 18th): This captivating exhibition at the Festival Theatre delves deeper into the social & cultural climate surrounding the Redlands case.
  • Guided Exhibition Tours (Selected Dates, October 2nd -16th): Gain even more insights with a guided tour of the "Court of Public Opinion" exhibition. (Book in advance to avoid disappointment!)

Day 2: Beach, Busts & Beyond

Morning

St Peters & St Pauls Church West Wittering

 

Fuel up for a day of exploration with lunch at the historic Crouchers Hotel in Sidlesham, a charming restaurant rumoured to be a favoured haunt of Keith Richards.

Head to the village of West Wittering and St Peters & St Pauls Church, a parish church that benefitted from a generous donation from Keith Richards to repair the roof in 2001.

Indulge in the pristine beauty of the coastline and walk from West Wittering to East Head. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply soak up the atmosphere. While Redlands, the private residence, is not accessible to the public, you can catch a glimpse from the outside and ponder its history.

Dunes at East Head, West Wittering

Afternoon

The Piggery Tea Room & Shop

After a morning exploring & walking, relax at The Piggery, a farm shop & café which houses a Rolling Stones memorabilia collection, offering a unique touch to your musical pilgrimage.

Evening

Before heading home, wrap up your day treat yourself to a delicious evening meal at The Ship Inn, Itchenor, another pub which is frequented by Keith Richards & friends.

 

Additional Ideas:

  • Turn it up to 11! Curate, your own ultimate Rolling Stones playlist for the trip.
  • Transport yourself to the heart of the decade! Dress in your finest Sixties attire and prepare to be swept away by a fully immersive theatrical experience.

 

With thanks: NME Archives, BBC Archives, Chichester Festival Theatre, West Sussex Record Office, Rollingstonesdata.com

The Ship Inn, Itchenor

Things You Can't Miss

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Chichester Cathedral

There is always plenty going on in Chichester and the wider district. From walks across the South Downs, to tasting amazing award-winning English wines in one of our many local vineyards, there is something for everyone in our fabulous West Sussex district.

For ideas & inspiration read '48 Hours in Chichester' to discover more about our amazing city.

Chichester Harbour Boat Tours

Located in Itchenor on Chichester Harbour. This is a beautiful part of the county of West Sussex and probably the best place to take a Harbour tour if you are looking for wild life, peace and quiet, with a colourful display of yachts and racing dinghies thrown in for extra excitement.

There is a fleet of traditional keel boats that race from Itchenor sailing club twice a week along with state of the art sailing dinghies racing every day during the summer months.

With a growing seal population of around 50 common and grey seals, resident and migrant wading birds, most of the British sea birds inhabit the harbour plus the invasion of Brent geese in the winter with the passing through of ospreys during April and September. Our season for Harbour tours starts at the beginning of April until the end of October. Fishing runs from mid march to mid December and seal watching is April to October.

Seal at Chichester Harbour

Chichester Canal Tours

This tranquil haven sits just a short walk from the railway and bus stations and the city centre. Here you can enjoy narrow boat trips, rowing, canoeing, rambling, fishing, and cycling. The tow path is a designated public footpath, now part of the extended Lipchis Way and affords fabulous views of the Cathedral and the South Downs.

Join a scheduled return boat trip (which run up to four times daily depending on the time of year) and learn about the canal's history, see unique views of local wildlife, the iconic Cathedral and the beautiful Sussex South Downs. You can also walk the towpath the entire four miles as far as Chichester Marina at Birdham. You can kayak, paddleboard or canoe along the canal and take in the views from the water yourself. It's also a great spot for fishing. Permits for these sports are available from the Canal office at the Canal Basin.

Wildlife and Nature Chichester Canal is a hotspot for local wildlife including moorhens, coots, mallards, swans, herons, kingfishers, whitethroats, common sandpipers, spotted flycatchers, woodpeckers and much more, which make it a popular spot for local photographers.

a canal boat sailing along Chichester Canal

Our Guide for the Best Recommendations in Town

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Great places to stay in Chichester: Purchases, Cloisters Cottages, 16 South Pallant and many more

Great places to eat in Chichester: The Barn, Little London, The Ivy, Cote Brasserie, Luckes, 17 Grams Coffee

Great places to shop in Chichester:  Read our blog on shopping in Chichester

Travelling to Chichester

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By car: head south via A272, or via A27

By train: the nearest train station is Chichester on the Southern Railway line; trains can be taken from Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton, London Victoria or London Bridge (one change). Both services run via Gatwick Airport.

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