Things to do around Boxgrove

• Turner’s Pies – The best pies we have ever had. Counter service and no seating available, but if you are in Chichester and like pies, they are a must-try.
• The Anglesey Arms – The local pub in the next hamlet from Boxgrove, Halnaker. Good food and within walking distance of the priory!
• The Fox Goes Free – Historic pub in Charlton, site of the first Women’s Institute in England (which was founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario), with fantastic views of the South Downs from the back garden.
• The George at Burpham – Another excellent country pub, this one in a very small village, with excellent views across the Arun Valley of Arundel.
• The Pig in the South Downs – Part of the Pig chain of gastropub hotels, excellent food, much of it grown on its own grounds, and almost all within 25 miles of the restaurant. Rooms are available as well.
• The Horse and Groom in East Ashling – Michelin Guide recommended country pub in East Ashling, excellent food. They also have a small courtyard with accommodation.
• Lemongrass in Chichester – Best Thai restaurant around! We are big fans, but it is the best Thai restaurant in Chichester, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
• Purchases in Chichester – A Chichester institution! One of the longest lasting fine dining restaurants in Chichester. Luxurious accommodation is also available.
• The Parson’s Table in Arundel.
• Thyme and Chillies – Fantastic local Indian restaurant
• Montezuma’s – Local West Sussex chocolate maker (originally from Brighton). Fantastic truffles and bars available in their shop in Chichester.

Boxgrove is just on the edge of the South Downs National Park. It has many gorgeous views and villages and contains lots of interesting things to see, as well a series of pleasant and gentle walks, some of which are part of the South Downs Way. Some things we have enjoyed in the national park include:

• Goodwood House – particularly the art collection.
• Arundel Castle and town.
• Bignor Roman Palace – incredible preserved Roman mosaics.
• Tinwood vineyard – just behind Boxgrove, they do tours and tastings!
• Chichester Cathedral
• The South Downs Way
• The Windmill Trail in Boxgrove and Halnaker – part of this running along an old Roman road, with a famous tree tunnel (pictured)!
• The Trundle – Local hill with views of the South Downs (pictured below)
• Petworth – Ancient town in the downs with many antique shops.
• West Wittering Beach – Enormous! Can be very busy if the weather is good, you will need to pre-book parking if so, otherwise there will probably be nowhere to park!
• The Weald and Downland Living Museum – Interesting open-air museum of vernacular buildings from southern England between 950-1850AD. Famously the filming location for the BBC’s The Repair Shop.

If you are planning on spending some time exploring the south coast of England, Brighton is worth visiting. Make sure to wander the Laines and see what treasures you can find! It is about an hour east of Boxgrove along the coast. The Ginger Fox is about 20 minutes outside of Brighton and one of our favourite pubs on the South Coast.

The New Forest, now a national park, is one of the largest semi-undisturbed woodlands in the UK. Approximately 700 people retain the right to graze their animals on the land, inherited by descent from the people living there when it was proclaimed a royal forest in 1079. It’s approximately 45 minutes west of the priory along the coast.

Closer to Boxgrove is Portsmouth, where Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory is docked at the Royal Naval Museum. Boarding the HMS Victory and several other very old warships is possible in the museum and worth doing once. About 30 minutes west of Boxgrove. Portsmouth also has a couple of great Vietnamese restaurants if you’re looking for something other than pub food.