Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
along with musicals and associated events. Always special, the festival's 50th anniver-
sary in 2012 is set to be particularly so (
&
01243/781312
for the box office, or
01243/784437 for general info; www.cft.org.uk).
Where to Stay
Amberley Castle
Yes, it is a real castle. And, yes, it is everything you
might expect. Suits of armor, muskets, and swords everywhere, a library full of inter-
esting old books, and even a working portcullis, which is dropped each evening from
the tower over the gateway arch. The Amberley goes back 900 years and has seen its
share of celebs—Elizabeth I stayed awhile, and Oliver Cromwell did his best to stop
anyone from leaving during a siege when it was a royal stronghold. Now you'll find
dark, warm, medieval-tinged rooms mostly with four-poster beds, all with spa baths
and flat-screen TVs, and some with signs asking you to shut the door to keep the
peacocks out. Two rooms even have private access to a tower leading to the battle-
ments and views across the South Downs. The gardens are full of yew topiary, the
grounds are dotted with ponds, and there's a professional 18-hole putting course.
The
Queen's Room
restaurant (see Where to Eat) is a destination in itself; this is also
where you enjoy your breakfast: a choice of continental or splendid full English.
Amberley, nr. Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT. www.amberleycastle.co.uk.
&
01798/831992.
Fax
01798/831998. 19 units. £230-£520 double. Rates include English breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free park-
ing. Take the B2139 north of Arundel; the hotel is 1
1
⁄
2
miles southwest of Amberley.
Amenities:
Restau-
rant; putting course; room service; outdoor tennis court.
In room:
TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (variable
but free).
Norfolk Arms
This is an old coaching inn, right on the main street. The two
bars and Arun restaurant are in the typical English country-inn style. Bedrooms are
simple but classic, some of them in a separate modern wing overlooking the court-
yard. Four bedrooms are large enough for families.
22 High St., Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AD. www.norfolkarmshotel.com.
&
01903/882101.
Fax
01903/884275. 34 units. £70-£90 double. Children 13 and under stay free in parent's room. Rates
include English breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
Restaurant; 2 bars; room service.
In room:
TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (£10 per 24 hr.).
Ship Hotel
A classic Georgian building, the Ship is only a few minutes' walk from
Chichester Cathedral. Built as a private house in 1790 for Admiral Sir George Mur-
ray, it retains an air of elegance and comfort but with a modern touch. A grand stair-
case leads from the entrance to the bedrooms, which are named after historic ships.
Some have four-poster beds; others are specially for families (£135 plus £25 per
child). The revamped restaurant is a brasserie affair, all white walls and wooden floors
and tables, serving smart fish, burgers, pasta, and such (main courses £10-£16).
57 North St., Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1NH. www.theshiphotel.net.
&
01243/778000.
Fax
01243/788000. 36 units. £110-£185 double. Rates include English breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; room service.
In room:
TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
6
GUILDFORD
30 miles S of London; 45 miles NE of Brighton
This is Surrey's picturesque county town (actually city); quaint streets, timbered
buildings, the River Wey running through it, and lots of history, including a castle.
Charles Dickens claimed that the High Street, which slopes to the river, was one of
