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Burpham Country House - Burpham

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A truly English gem

You only need look at the blue plaque on the side of Burpham Country House to know that this is a rural idyll with a truly English flavour. Celebrating former resident “Tickner Edwardes, vicar of Burpham, naturalist and author of 'The Lore of the Honey-Bee”, not to mention a whole catalogue of romantic novels, it really is the stuff of Wodehouse, summer fetes and croquet. So it’s no surprise that this lovely 18th century house in the midst of the rolling South Downs offers one of the most elegant and tranquil weekend sojourns you’re likely to find.


Ten light and airy en-suite bedrooms are simply, yet stylishly furnished, letting the glorious views of the garden and the countryside beyond speak for themselves. Some have romantic four-posters, while others have original fireplaces or comfy window seats - but it’s the stunning picture windows with those views that are the star attraction. It’s hard not to be relaxed when you’re somewhere like this, although the fluffy bathrobes and complementary sherry in the deluxe rooms will obviously help...

Downstairs, you can curl up with a book in the cosy Georgian sitting room, with Lucy the fat cat keeping your feet warm, or take your copy of 'The Lore of the Honey-Bee’ into the quiet country garden with a glass of Pimms from the bar. Croquet is also on offer (naturally). And the great thing is... you needn’t ever leave! Set your alarm for a delicious full English, doze through lunch then sample the delights of the house’ gorgeous restaurant for dinner - a simple and elegant menu using the freshest local, seasonal and most mouthwatering produce available. All accompanied by those ever-present vistas. Bliss.

Where is it?

The very pretty village of Burpham, with its main street lined with flint cottages, a century-old cricket pitch where W G Grace played, and gorgeous 18th century pub, the George and Dragon, sits just 2 miles north of romantic Arundel is a soothingly tranquil place. Views across the River Arun’s water meadows towards the fairytale Arundel Castle and nearby Harrow Hill - apparently the last place in Britain where fairies lived (no, really) - make it the ideal retreat for world-weary urbanites.

Located in the heart of the South Downs, it’s the perfect base for brisk weekend strolls and fulfilling your fresh air quotas. A lovely 5-miler will take you out of Burpham and through the jaw-dropping bluebell woods in Angmering Park (best around April time), all the while surrounded by the rolling Downs. Log on to www.walkinginwestsussex.co.uk for a map and directions. The walk to Arundel is shorter, but just as lovely (and there’s LOADS of great places to eat and drink at the end of it!). If two wheels are more your bag, the possibilities are endless. M’s Cycle Hire (www.m-cyclehire.co.uk Tel: 07852 986165) will deliver bikes right to your doorstep, and are also a fount of knowledge when it comes to the best local cycling routes.

The stunning town of Arundel is the star attraction in these parts, and Arundel’s star attraction? Well, you can see it for miles. Arundel Castle (www.arundelcastle.org Tel: 01903 882173) is the stuff of picture books, its turrets peeking out amongst the trees. Its foundations are Norman, but bits have been added, destroyed and renovated since then to give it its distinctive silhouette. Open to the public from March until October, the castle is still home to the (very lucky) Duke of Norfolk and his family. The 14th century Fitzalan Chapel, castle keep and stunning gardens are perfect for quick blast of history. The rest of the town is a potterer’s paradise, with little shops, delis and cafes lining Arundel’s sloping main street and narrow side alleys. The beautiful gothic cathedral (www.arundelcathedral.org) at the top of the hill almost matches the castle in grandeur, while the banks of River Arun is the ideal spot for some summer lounging about. Visit in late summer for brilliant Arundel Festival (www.arundelfestival.co.uk Tel: 0871 472 0414) - 4 days of top-flight concerts in the castle grounds. Picnics and Pimms obligatory.

Apart from Arundel, this corner of West Sussex is full of great places to visit. Goodwood (www.goodwood.co.uk Tel: 01243 755000) is only 12 miles away from Burpham, home to Goodwood Racecourse with race meets throughout the year, including ‘Glorious Goodwood’ at the end of July. It also plays host to the brilliant Goodwood Revival, held at the end of September - the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting. There are races around the classic Goodwood circuit, plus everyone dresses up and has a jolly good time. Book well ahead for tickets.

And if that wasn’t enough excitement, get your buckets and spades ready as the seaside is less than twenty minutes’ drive away. The very long and very wide Climping Beach is a quiet spot, a world away from the noise at neighbouring resorts Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. It’s popular with paddlers, surfers and Doctor Who location scouts, apparently.

Where can I eat?

The restaurant at Burpham Country House really is a fantastic eating option. Not only is the food delicious, but there can be nothing better than enjoying a lovely evening meal and a bottle (or two) of vino knowing that your bed is within staggering distance.

If you are after alternatives, however, there are plenty of great places to eat in the area. In Burpham itself, The George and Dragon (Tel: 01903 883131) is a charming country gastro-pub, serving way-above-average pub grub. British dishes, often with a gallic twist, real ale and a great wine list make for a relaxed and cosy night out in the country.

For lots of options, however, venture into Arundel. Arundel House (www.arundelhouseonline.co.uk Tel: 01903 882136) in the heart of town, serves a vibrant British/French menu, with puddings to die for and an exciting list of champagnes-by-the-glass as an optional side dish! While the exterior is decidedly Georgian, the dining room is contemporary and colourful. The Town House (www.thetownhouse.co.uk Tel: 01903 883847), also on the High Street, offers an intimate evening’s dining, with a cosy, richly-decorated dining room and relaxed and welcoming service. The award-winning food is top-notch - deliciously comforting British produce, much of it local, in a lovingly-put-together menu. And there must be something about Arundel and puddings...

For a great gastro-pub that’s perfect as a walking destination, The Black Rabbit at South Stoke (Tel: 01903 882828) is fantastic. Right on the banks of the River Arun, it’s peace and tranquility itself, with benches to sit on outside and a roaring fire and cosy nooks and crannies inside. The food is pub grub at its best, with a brilliant roast on Sundays, and of course, the ale flows like the river outside.

One last thing... if you’re heading off onto the Downs or on a trip to the beach, you could do a lot worse than popping into Pallant of Arundel (www.pallantofarundel.co.uk Tel: 01903 882288) for supplies. Local cheeses, salads, cooked meats and freshly-baked bread, plus bottles of Chichester cider are perfect hamper-fodder.

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This lovely 18th century house in the midst of the rolling South Downs, and within spitting distance of Arundel Castle, offers one of the most elegant and tranquil weekend sojourns you could hope for.