Treat your loved one (or drop some serious hints for yourself) to a truly memorable day out in this stunning slice of West Sussex with a huge range of experiences. There's something to suit all tastes and interests.
West Dean College
Offer someone the chance to learn a new skill or develop their passion for the creative - they'll soon be showing off the results! There's an enormous array of subjects to explore, from painting to textiles, ceramics, jewellery making, and much, much more at West Dean College.
Wonderful adventures in wine
Choose a wine experience at one of Sussex's award-winning vineyards, for a present they're unlikely to forget. Pick from Ashling Park Estate's tours, where you can extend your visit with dinner at the on-site restaurant or even overnight in a luxury lodge, or Tinwood Estate's tour and afternoon tea, where sumptuous lodges also offer a chance to stay nestled by the vines. The vineyard at Stopham is surrounded by picturesque views of the river Arun. Tasting tours are combined with lunch at the nearby White Hart - a real West Sussex treat not to be forgotten.
The gift of fantastic photos
A photo training course is a fantastic choice of gift for those keen to get into the great outdoors. Imber Court Photo Training puts the expertise into your hands, helping you capture landscape or wildlife photographs in some of the most picturesque Sussex settings.
Annual membership
Bestow a year's worth of days out for a gift that keeps on giving. Outstanding visitor attractions such as Weald & Downland Living Museum offer year-round membership for individuals, couple or families, offering your loved one the opportunity to fully explore this wonderful 40 acre site and its programme of historical life weekends. Keen gardeners will love to receive entry to West Dean Gardens or Denmans Gardens.
Get Behind the Wheel
Give the gift of virtual reality with a Driving Simulator session around the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit. We warn you now that this is highly competitive and ever so slightly addictive! As you sit in the simlator seat, you'll experience every part of the challenging track including the fast-sweeping corners, quick straights, and tight chicane. Exsim VR5 Simulators use D-Box actuator technology and custom-developed motion profiles to give a truly memorable, virtual racing experience on the iconic Circuit. Pit family member against family member or challenge friends to compete for fastest lap time. Find out more here.
Access to amazing art
An annual Art Pass to Newlands House Gallery in Petworth is the perfect choice for the art lover in your life. They'll get unlimited access to the gallery's exhibitions as well as exclusive events. Past exhibitions have included the works of Helmut Newton, Sean Scully, Liliane Tomasko, and Julian Opie. Until 7th January, see a retrospective of trailblazing photographer Eve Arnold.
Paddling Adventures
A chance to learn the basics of kayaking or paddle boarding is the perfect gift for outdoor-loving (we didn't say hard to buy for!) people - and is a great idea for people thinking of investing in a canoe or board. They'll benefit from experienced instructors and explore some of the beauty of the area.
Unwrap excellent theatre
A ticket to outstanding entertainment at Chichester Festival Theatre is the perfect gift for theatre lovers, whether they enjoy memorable musicals, rib-tickling comedy or dazzling drama. A gift voucher is ideal if it's too hard to choose! We'll be adding tickets to 2.22 A Ghost Story to our Christmas lists!
Press pause for pampering
For a real retreat from the daily grind, gift a spa day at The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa or The Goodwood Hotel : the lucky recipient will enjoy a soothing swim, steam or sauna, or relax and be rejuvenated in expert hands with a pampering massage, pedicure or facial. For that next-level TLC for your nearest and dearest, one of Goodwood's retreats are an experience unlike others - from an entire body and mind rejuvenation on the Gut Health retreat to a chance to master the techniques of 'Ice Man' Wim Hoff.
Indulgent Afternoon Teas
Find a slice of escapism in the grandeur of the Goodwood House Ballroom, enjoying the most quintessentially English ritual of Afternoon Tea, having explored the astonishing collection of art, ceramics and furniture within the Goodwood House State Apartments. Or why not whisk yourselves to the glamorous age of steam railway at The Old Railway Station, Petworth, where tea is taken in the former station waiting room (and for an extra treat, stay the night in one of the Pullman Carriages.