Our top 10 treats to enjoy this Christmas
A seasonal gift to yourself or a loved one, add a little sparkle to the season with an afternoon tea with a festive flourish. Think turkey and cranberry in dainty sandwiches, miniature mince pies, stollen and Christmas cake, all lovingly created with Cowdray's attention to detail.
Chichester Cathedral hosts several carol services during December, and this wonderfully atmospheric setting makes for a truly unforgettable experience. The Advent Procession (3rd December), marking the beginning of Advent really is not to be missed. A special candlelit service, the procession moves around the Cathedral moving the spaces from darkness to light as candles are lit. Find out more about the Cathedral's advent services here.
A true family classic arrives in Chichester from 16th - 31st December, but this new adaptation is The Jungle Book as you've never seen it before, with a huge cast of animals and original songs. Witness the magic of theatre with Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera and friends for a whole-family festive treat. Find out more and book here.
Enter a world of Christmas colour at Petworth. Impressive at any time of the year, this Christmas promises extra dazzle as you enter a magical winter garden in the Marble Hall, stop for photo opportunities by the floral archway and sleigh pulled by reindeer created from foliage. Normal National Trust entry applies.
Made your way to the town centre in picturesque Petworth for the annual Christmas Cracker. The town will be illuminating the twinkling lights which adorn the pretty buildings for the first time. There's Christmas shopping aplenty too, and entertainment to top off a fun, festive day out.
The annual Christmas lights switch on in Chichester takes place on Saturday 25th November, to the sound of local choirs and live music. Find out more here.
Midhurst's Christmas Street Party promises to be a sparkling evening with late night shopping and live music, with Santa visits for children. Find out more.
For the ultimate Christmas treat for children of all ages visit Father Christmas in his grotto at Chichester Festival Theatre for the first time. The theatre elves are creating a magical experience to add a little sprinkling of extra Christmas cheer (pre book your ticket at the Chichester Festival Theatre website).
Children can also meet Father Christmas at The Novium's Christmas Grotto on Saturday 2nd and 9th, and Sunday 17th December. Pre booking required.
Pull up a chair in the cafe at Weald & Downland Living Museum's waterside cafe. Treat yourself to a mince pie and warming drink as you watch the ducking and diving on the mill pond. You don't need to visit the museum to enjoy the cafe, but we think the Museum's 40 acres are particularly picturesque in autumn and winter, with the remaining leaves tinged yellow and orange, or maybe a frost to crunch underfoot as you explore.
Explore some of West Sussex's most stunning scenery with your nearest and dearest. Cold, clear, crisp wintry days are made for the views at Harting Down and there's plenty of places close by in which you can warm yourselves; try The White Hart in South Harting or The White Horse in Chilgrove.
Find gift inspiration galore at Sky Park Farm with late night shopping. Browse the huge yet thoughtfully curated selection of gifts in the visitor centre or find the way to your loved one's heart with gastronomic delights from the farm shop. Make this an evening to remember and book a table at The Grazing Rooms afterwards, where you can sample authentic Sussex Venison amongst other locally sourced culinary treats (Sky Park Farm endeavours to source 40% of ingredients within 30 miles, with a further 40% sourced from within Sussex, Hampshire, and Surrey). Our must-have is a glass of locally made Tinwood Estate Sparkling Wine. Cheers!
And one for luck...
Step into a 1920s Christmas at Stansted House
Transport yourself to the 1920s for 'A Stansted Christmas' (think Downton Abbey or Gosford Park) as you're immersed in an evening making and sipping cocktails in the State Rooms, Parlour Games in the Servant's Hall and helping with dinner service in the grand Dining Room. You'll be surrounded by the fun hustle and bustle of a traditional Mansion at Christmas. As a reward the cook has drinks and mince pies ready for you in the Victorian Kitchen. But only after you have sung her at least one Christmas Carol!
