The Great Sussex Way – Competition 2021 – A Winning Weekend  

Over the month of April, The Great Sussex Way, who manage tourism for the Chichester District, held a competition, ‘A Winning Weekend’, to discover your perfect weekend getaway. The competition was supported by V2 Radio.  

People right across the area were asked to share their winning weekend, including, where they’d stay, what they’d do and what they’d eat – along with some fun additions like the all-important selfie-spot.  

Today we can announce the three main category winners, under the headings of Going-Green, which looked for innovative ways to make a weekend getaway more environmentally friendly; Business Collaboration which asked local businesses to come up with ideas of how they can work together to improve the visitor experience and support the local economy; Finally, Creative Connectivity looked at how people were getting from A to B, and entrants were asked to highlight unique and fun ways to get about the area.  

The winners were decided by a panel of expert judges. Anke Monestel - Visit England; Samantha Richardson - National Coastal Tourism Academy; and Dr Jorge Gutic - University of Chichester Business School 

Winners:

Going Green - Prize: A weeknight stay at the stunning Ashling Park Estate with a tour of the winery & an afternoon exploring the South Downs by electric bike, courtesy of Southern eBike Rentals.  
Anya Frampton from Mulberry Marine Experiences in Selsey took the top prize for her unique take on how to combine ecology with a fun day out, with sustainability at its heart, combining experience with nature.  

The two-day adventure begins with a Mulberry Marine Ecology Activity Day, which is a fun and personal way to be introduced to our local marine life. Kicked off with an Ecology Walk to introduce you to the often-overlooked life on our shores.

Concentrating on the Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystems part walks, talk, and treasure hunt, no two walks are ever the same. After you can enjoy a pre-ordered picnic lunch from Potter's allowing you to sample some of Selsey famous seafood. 

In the afternoon you will be taught and trained to safely explore the sea for yourself, suitable for all levels of experience you’ll be taught to explore with confidence.  All equipment is provided, and you get to keep the mask and snorkel set for future exploitation or simply as a memento.

For her second day, Anya, says, “having explored the blue, time to explore the green” – with a South Downs Guided Mountain Bike Ride starting and finishing at the stunning and secluded village of Charlton in the heart of the Goodwood Estate.  

The loop takes in the Goodwood racecourse, The Trundle and the ancient Kingley Vale nature reserve. Covering 15-20 miles plenty of time to enjoy the views and refreshment. You guide will look after you all the way, and both eBikes and analogue bike hire is available to ensure all ages, levels and fitness levels can enjoy the day. 

Business Collaboration  - Prize: 30 seconds advertisement slot on V2 Radio running 4 weeks. 

The Star of the show in the business collaboration category came from Dr John Mason from the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester.  

This unique weekend away pays homage to the stars and our area’s unique connection with space, as the hometown of British astronaut Tim Peake. This fantastic entry brings together many elements that can be adapted to any weekend, whether from family fun to a Romanic getaway.  

The stargazing theme was described as the “favourite itinerary” by competition judge Anke Monestel, from Visit England. John’s winning weekend starts in Selsey where you can see the home of BBC TV astronomer Patrick Moore whose home is marked with a blue plaque at 39 West Street. 

For an expert look at the night sky, book a bespoke stargazing experience with the local astronomer. John will take you to a local stargazing hot spot, either climbing closer to the heavens atop the hills of the South Downs or to the reflective expanse of the sea. You can tailor your stargazing experience according to your interests. It may be a night walk taking in and talking about the night sky or a guided tour of the night sky with telescopes. 

One of the standout features of this entry was the list of celestial places to eat, drink, and stay. With the area bosting some appropriately named establishments including, The Star (Petworth); Star & Garter (East Dean); The Half Moon or The Seven Stars (Petersfield); The Moon (Storrington); The Star Inn (Steyning); and The Rising Sun (Upper Beeding) 

Day two is a must see for anyone visiting the area, a show at the South Downs Planetarium, in Chichester, which displays the glory of our night sky as you’ve never seen it before.  

Creative Connectivity - Prize: An hour-long scenic aeroplane tour of the Sussex coast with bubbly for two, courtesy of V2 Radio. 

Local woman, Ashley, stole the top prize for the creative connectivity itinerary with careful planning. 

Her winning weekend is designed to do an entire two days filled with activities and that make the most of the area all by bike. Based out of Plush Tents Glamping, that sits between Lavant and West Ashling, Ashley’s weekend exemplifies how all you need is a pushbike to get from A to B.  

Day one of the winning weekend, is a tale of two halves. A morning walk through England’s oldest Yew trees at Kingley Vale – followed by lunch with a view at The Earl of March at Lavant, before heading to Tinwood Vineyard for an afternoon amongst the vines and tasting some of the finest English Sparkling Wine. 

Sticking to her theme, Ashley proposes a shorter walk with panoramic views on the Trundle, which look down over Chichester City and on to the coast, and deep into the downs as you circle the peak. Another lunch with a view at the Fox Goes Free, and you’re off to the races, at Goodwood.