A Week in Chichester

 

We enjoyed our week in Chichester so much last September  that we booked the same bungalow for this year, albeit a week later. 

Friday 26th September

An easy drive to our stopping off at Cowdray Park. No polo this year, but the same excellent cafe for a superb lunch.

A walk around the grounds, deserted unlike last year. Then Alison took some time buying some lovely stuff in the shop, while I toured the display of plants for sale, noting quite a few that looked promising for our garden.

It was then a short drive to Chichester to find our accommodation. A cloudy day with a quite cool 14C. 

Saturday 27th September

We took the train from Chichester to Worthing. It was very crowded with people visiting Brighton on a Saturday. We both eventually found seats but not together.  Tea at Cafe Nero then a walk along the front. Lots of sitting on benches watching the waves. 

Then along the pier before back to the cafe for tea and a toastie. Left early to get back for for the Rugby World Cup Final. Then the Ryder Cup Foursomes and Four Ball before a Man City win. Everything won in sport. A lovely day, bright and sunny, 16C, just warm enough to sit outside.

Sunday 28th September

A nice walk from the bungalow for a Sunday paper. Alison went off to Brighton to see a cousin while I had lots to catch up to do on my writing. The latest edition of Sight and Sound etc. In the afternoon we had a tour of Chichester City Centre and back for some Premier League and the last day of the Ryder Cup. It had been cloudy all day until late afternoon sun. 16C.

Monday 29th September

Chichester Walls Walk - see separate post.

Dinner at ASK Italian. Another lovely sunny day, clear blue skies and a warm 18C.

Tuesday 30th September

Our day in Portsmouth. Parked in a pretty empty car park in Southsea, (that is actually two miles from Portsmouth) just back from the seafront. Sat on a bench looking out to sea and all the ships in and out of the harbour. No breeze and the flag above the castle was completely still.

Then an exploration of Southsea Castle itself.

Before tea and cake in the courtyard.

Time to make our way to Gunwharf Key. Unfortunately some of the path along the front was closed for restoration works. The cafes there were pretty busy, but we found a table at Zizzi, with seats overlooking the sea front and the harbour. Two fab salads and a super pineapple and citrus refresher.

And, of course, just below Spinnaker Tower. A great photo from Alison's phone!

Then a walk along the front.

Some shopping included a visit to the Lindt store for their variety of chocolates. A walk back to the car with five minutes to spare of our six hours! The last day of September had been superb, if quite tiring being outside for virtually all the six hours. I felt it the next day. Very warm in the sun and 19C. Managed to get TNT Sport/ Discovery +  working on the laptop for some Champions League football. 

Wednesday 1st October

A quiet morning, obviously, three chapters of Greg Doran's book to my blog. Alison out for a run. A gentle walk into town for lunch at the terrific Cloisters Cafe. Through the skylight is a great view of the Cathedral.

In the afternoon a trip to Bosham. Fortunately a bench (of the many) by the harbour came free after not too long. 

 A short walk along the front and a visit to the very old church (681 AD) in such a lovely spot. 

Some shopping on the way home for dinner and more Champions League. A cloudy day with some brighter intervals and 15C.

Thursday 2nd October

Our last full day. A walk into town to meet Anne and Chas who were arriving that morning. Lunch at guess where. Then a tour of Bishop's Palace Garden.

And a view from the top of the walls that we had previously seen from below.

Back to our bungalow for some packing before meeting again for dinner at Bills that is situated on the first floor of the old Butter Market.

A wonderful dining room, 

Another bright day with some occasional sun and 17C. 

Friday 3rd October

After a dry and bright week, it rained all the way home! But two and half hours was OK. Another great holiday.