small stocked fridge and some complimentary sloe gin, perfect to warm you up after an evening seafront stroll.
Two days hardly does Felpham justice as there really is so much to see and don’t be put off by Bognor’s not always favourable reputation. The area is just on the edge of the beautiful South Downs National Park which afford lots of opportunities for wonderful countryside walking and closer to is Pagham Harbour, an RSPB nature reserve home to a wide variety of birdlife. Bikes and paddle boards are available for hire from the hotel and outside there’s also giant chess and table tennis. For those wanting to take their dog, two courtyard rooms are dog friendly as well as the beach suites which have already proved really popular since opening in 2019. They accommodate two adults and two children with a mezzanine bedroom and children’s room with bunks and offer contact-free accommodation for those who want it.
On day 2 we decided to head out to go sight-seeing a little further afield and took up the option of a picnic lunch, delivered in a traditional wicker basket. . Delicious bread, sun dried tomatoes, olives and cheeses for me, with the addition of home baked ham and pate for the meat eater, not forgetting a small bottle of Prosecco and orange juice each and a platter of fresh fruit to finish.
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First stop was the historic town of Arundel, famous for its gothic cathedral and majestic castle which dominate the skyline. The narrow streets are lined with galleries and antique shops, boutique shops and plenty of places to stop for food and drink. After mooching around the myriad shops, we headed out of town past the castle entrance to Swanbourne Lake. First stop though was the café which is in the pretty Lodge overlooking the lake with its numerous and varied birds. Despite a full cooked breakfast back at Beachcroft, we couldn’t resist a cream tea here and the enormous scones were to die for. I’m not sure the mile-long walk around the picturesque lake burned off the calories – perhaps we should have done laps. Small rowing boats are available to hire too and the town also boasts a lido for some outdoor swimming in the summer months. Our picnic lunch was enjoyed on a bench overlooking the river with just seagulls for company. For further details on Arundel’s attractions, visit
www.visitarundel.co.uk
From here we headed back to the coast to the town of Littlehampton where the River Arun joins the English Channel. With its marina and commercial harbour, there are plenty of boats to admire whilst walking towards the sea. There are two beaches, the one on the east more popular with holidaymakers with all the usual seaside attractions whilst West Beach is quieter and home to a nature reserve.
Then it was back to our hotel and the chance to relax with a glass of wine on the balcony of our penthouse suite, with stunning views across sea, changing almost minute by minute with the weather.
With two, large double bedrooms and the option of including another adjoining room, the penthouse accommodates six guests with ease. There’s also a spacious lounge with dining table should you choose to enjoy your meals there rather than the restaurants. The usual tea and coffee making facilities are offered, alongside a
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
Overall the hotel has a wonderful nostalgic feel, helped no doubt by all the seaside poster art adorning the walls, and was the perfect tonic after what has been described by many as the winter of dis- content.
Rates start from £126 B&B per night in a double room based on 2 adults sharing and £195 B&B per night for a family of 4 in a Sea View Family Room which includes a terrace.
Penthouse Suite Seaview with private lounge, dining and sea view terrace - up to 4 guests from £334 or add an extra interconnecting room, making the suite three bedrooms for six guests £500.
Beach Hut Suites - from £275 based on two sharing B&B. Plus £25 per child B&B.
For further details or booking visit
www.beachcroft-hotel.com or call 01243 827142.
FELPHAM FUN FACT Felpham was once home of the famous poet and painter William Blake, who wrote the words for Jerusalem but sadly during his lifetime many considered him either demented or insane!
TRAVE L THE BEACHCROF T HOT E L
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