Summer Highlights from Saddlers B&B: Discover West Sussex

saddlersbb
Jul 28
5 min read

Dear Friends of Saddlers

Welcome back to Saddlers B&B – Your Summer Escape in the South Downs.

As July stretches out in golden light and lavender scented air, we wanted to share a little sunshine from Funtington and give you a glimpse of what’s blooming at Saddlers B&B this month.

Whether you’ve stayed with us before, or we’re still on your wish list, here’s what’s new, what’s near, and what’s not to be missed.

To enjoy the morning sunshine, breakfasts can be served outside in the garden. Our stylish new swing bench surrounded by roses and jasmine, is the perfect spot for afternoon tea or a glass of something sparkling to soak up the last of the evening sunshine.

Whats going on in July & August

Qatar Goodwood Festival - Glorious Goodwood (29 July - 2 August)

Five exhilarating days of flat racing with top tier racing.

https://www.goodwood.com/horseracing/qatar-goodwood-festival ...

Chichester Festival Theatre

Top Hat” runs from 14 July through to 6 September

https://www.cft.org.uk/

Chichester Harbour Boat Trips (1 July–31 October)

Hourly departures from Itchenor & Emsworth - perfect for wildlife viewing and gentle sailing around the harbour

https://boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk/

Some other great places to visit

Gardens

Woolbeding Gardens - Near Midhurst

(National Trust). By far, our favourite garden in the area - a real gem and our little secret haven! Hidden just outside Midhurst lies the enchanting Woolbeding Garden. Open Thursdays and Fridays through summer and only a short trip from Saddlers B&B. These beautifully designed National Trust gardens blend formal borders, tranquil woodland walks, and playful follies with surprises at every turn. Highlights include the award-winning Silk Route Glasshouse, a kinetic marvel that blooms open like a flower, and a peaceful riverside stroll through The Long Walk. Pre-booking is essential, with a complimentary shuttle from central Midhurst - making it a relaxed, car-free excursion. It’s a perfect day for garden lovers and serenity seekers alike.

West Dean Gardens - West Dean

Just a short drive from Saddlers B&B, West Dean Gardens offers an unforgettable day out among one of the UK’s greatest restored gardens. Stroll through 13 historic Victorian glasshouses, admire vibrant borders in the Walled Garden, and wander beneath the romantic Edwardian pergola. This August, the gardens are in full bloom, and with special events like the Classical Guitar Festival (16–19 Aug) and the ever-popular Chilli Fiesta (10–12 Aug), there’s even more reason to explore. Whether you're a plant lover, keen photographer, or just in need of some countryside calm, West Dean is a true summer highlight.

Arts & Culture

Pallant House Gallery: One of the Sussex's best collections of modern British art.

Chichester Cathedral: A stunning blend of Norman and Gothic architecture, and home to remarkable artworks, including a vivid stained glass window by Marc Chagall and an impressive tapestry by John Piper. These striking modern pieces add bold colour and contemporary flair to the cathedral’s timeless beauty.

Fishbourne Roman Palace: Ancient mosaics and fascinating Roman history just 10 minutes away.

Petworth House & Park: (National Trust): Inspiring J.M.W. Turner's collection, woodcarvings of Grinling Gibbons, deer park, and stunning gardens.

Goodwood Art Foundation: Discover a brand-new contemporary art destination nestled in the tranquil woodlands and meadows of the Goodwood Estate. The Goodwood Art Foundation, open Thursdays to Mondays through 2 November 2025, blends immersive sculpture trails with gallery spaces surrounded by 70 acres of rolling South Downs countryside.

Summer Ideas

Evenings at the Coast: Sunset swims and beach picnics at West Wittering - perfect on warm days. You will need to prebook your parking.

Local Pubs, Dining & Vineyard Experiences: Within just a mile of Saddlers, you'll find three welcoming village pubs, a charming local restaurant, and even a nearby vineyard which serves food and their award winning English wines. Whether you’re after a hearty pub meal, a relaxed dinner, or a wine tasting to round off your day, there are fantastic option just around the corner.

Explore the Downs: Go for walks in nearby reserves like Kingley Vale, Goodwood Trundle, Halnaker Windmill, or drive out to venues like Stansted Park and Bosham.

Great Day Trips

Goodwood Estate: Motor racing, classic cars, golf, and home of the famous Goodwood Revival (Sept).

Arundel: Explore the castle and grounds, antique shops, and wetland centre.

Weald & Downland Living Museum: just a short drive from Saddlers B&B. Set across 40 beautiful acres, this open-air museum features over 50 historic buildings carefully relocated from Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, and Kent—spanning nearly a millennium, from the medieval to Victorian eras. Wander from timber-framed cottages and farmhouses to a working mill, granary, and the award‑winning modern Gridshell structure where conservation is brought to life.

Uppark: (National Trust) Uppark is a rare survival of a grand 17th-century country house with largely unaltered Georgian interior.

Historical Day Trips

Portsmouth - Historic Dockyard: (Mary Rose, HMS Warrior, Royal Navy Submarine, HMS Victory & HMS M.33)

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum: 15 minutes from us, set on the historic former RAF Tangmere airfield, this fascinating museum offers a captivating look at Britain’s aviation heritage, from iconic Spitfires and Harriers to Cold War jets and hands-on flight simulators. With engaging exhibits for all ages, a peaceful memorial garden, and a friendly on-site café, This summer, don’t miss the special Falklands exhibition and the Family Activity Day on Sunday 3 August — ideal for a fun and educational day out.

Portchester Castle: History in Living Stone. Originally built around a 3rd-century Roman Saxon Shore fort, the massive limestone walls you see today are among the best-preserved Roman defences in northern Europe.

Fort Nelson: Home of the Big Guns & Victorian Military Heritage. Perched atop Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth Harbour, Fort Nelson is an impressively restored Victorian fortress and a treasure trove of military history maintained by the Royal Armouries. It houses the national artillery collection, featuring over 700 cannons spanning 600 years, from a 15th-century Turkish bombard to the infamous Iraqi “Big Babylon” supergun and a massive 200-tonne railway howitzer.

The D‑Day Story, Portsmouth – A Journey into June 1944:The only UK museum dedicated entirely to the Normandy Landings, The D‑Day Story vividly chronicles Operation Overlord, from planning and execution to its legacy, through immersive exhibits, personal testimonies, and authentic artifacts.

Insider Tips

Book restaurants ahead — popular places get booked quickly in summer.
We’re happy to reserve tables for you if you in advance of your arrival.
Ask us for walking maps or directions to nearby hidden gems!

Last-Minute August Availability

We’ve had a couple of last-minute cancellations, so if you’re dreaming of a spontaneous summer escape, this might be your sign. Short breaks or longer stays welcome.

Visit www.saddlersbb.com or call us at 01243 575 029 to book your stay today.