Author and travel writer, Norman Miller offers an insight into some of his West Sussex must-see places - a sneak preview of just a few of the locations included in his new book '111 Places in Chichester and West Sussex That You Shouldn't Miss' which is available now - see below for links to buy.
These nine artificial islands at an end-of-the-bus-line haven east of Bognor Regis have been nicknamed the Rock Island Line, after a 1950s UK hit with roots in 1920s America. Providing striking tidal protection for the tranquil Elmer Beach community, they also create fascinating low-tide pools to explore.
Inspired by early 20th century travelling cinematographs, what may be the smallest cinema in the world has fashioned a shepherd hut into a remarkable 13-seat homage to Hollywood vintage glamour at Chichester's New Park. Look for public screenings during Chichester Film Festival, or hire for a unique private screening!
While Iping Common is featured for Dark Sky al fresco star-gazing, you can also go cosmic exploring at this characterful planetarium, carved from an old barn near Chichester station. Alongside stellar skyscapes, get insights into the latest dazzling images from the James Webb Space Telescope.
This outstanding Arundel contemporary craft gallery sits inside the Georgian house of artist Ann Symes, and showcases works utilising ‘earth materials’: found oak; textiles dyed with earth pigments; foraged bark and grass basketry. Symes’ own work includes evocative sculptural paper pieces inspired by childhood games.
Forget Shakespeare's Globe. Britain’s second-oldest working theatrical building is this characterful performance space inside the 14th century Arundel Priory, presenting diverse productions through the year. Its storied past includes haggles with the Knights of Malta and time as a school.
Less obvious than some of Chichester's A-list street art line-up, 'The Big Deal' on North Pallant boasts intriguing ties to Banksy, alongside a powerful back story of addiction overcome by its internationally-known creator Jamie Paul Scanlon.
Glorious wall paintings of a different sort adorn the tiny St Botolph's church tucked away by the A29 near Pulborough. Marvel at Biblical scenes evocatively depicted in 'bacon and egg' palette by a mysterious group of travelling medieval Sussex artists. Then compare with the eye-popping 20th century Sistine Chapel ceiling recreation by another humble Sussex artist at the English Martyrs Church in Goring-by-Sea.
Desert Island Discs has been a broadcasting legend since the 1940s. Less known is how, rather than exotic tropical vistas, its famed theme tune was inspired by a view from Selsey East Beach...A blue plaque on the beach promenade reveals more on this quirky genesis, and the tune's Sussex composer.
The 1940s petrol pumps fronting this superb English Heritage listed Art Deco gem look more appropriate to Miami’s South Beach than a quiet street near Angmering beach. Find out about Streamline Moderne style, and the quirky back story of the building's former owner. Modernist architecture fans can feed further des-res dreams at Marcel Breuer's iconic Sea Lane House a mile to the east in Ferring.
Toast D-Day heroes at this lovely 17th century pub in the hamlet of Coolham - its cosy interior filled with poignant memorabilia linked to RAF Polish squadrons who supported the 1944 landings from a now-vanished pop-up airfield nearby. A simple memorial outside honours those who died. Take time to puzzle over the strange spinner wheel on the ceiling - used either for a mystery game of chance or divvying up smuggling contraband!
