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Escape to The Goodwood Hotel, near Chichester, West Sussex

Strolling down an avenue of trees towards Goodwood House, the striking Grade I listed building comes into view. This is the home of the Earl and Countess of March. Glorious Goodwood.

Sheep are grazing in a nearby field and beyond the bluebells, we spot one of two 18-hole golf courses. The 12,000 acre Goodwood Estate in the South Downs National Park (near Chichester, West Sussex) is a glorious place to be on a sunny spring day.

The Goodwood Estate nr Chichester, West Sussex, England
Goodwood Estate, West Sussex
The Goodwood Estate nr Chichester, West Sussex, England
Goodwood House, East Sussex

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 Goodwood Hotel

We’d arrived for a short stay at the luxury 4-star Goodwood Hotel. My sister Tessa and I grew up just ten miles away, and were particularly looking forward to dining at The Goodwood Hotel’s restaurant, Farmer, Butcher, Chef.

But first there was time to visit the Goodwood Health Club. Guests staying at the hotel have full access to the club, as well as free use of the estate’s tennis courts and a number of lovely walks through the grounds. The ancient yews at nearby Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve are also worth exploring.

As the late afternoon sun sank lower in the sky, its light poured into the swimming pool area, and our cares and stresses floated away. We may have skipped on the chance to work out in the gym, but we made full use of the pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

The Goodwood Hotel, nr Chichester, West Sussex, England
The Goodwood Hotel, nr Chichester, West Sussex, England
The Goodwood Hotel, nr Chichester, West Sussex, England

Our comfortable twin room at The Goodwood Hotel with all the amenities that could be expected from a quality 4-star hotel (although I couldn’t find the mini bar!)

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The Goodwood Hotel, nr Chichester, West Sussex, England

Elemis toiletries, with separate shampoo and conditioner, an example of the attention to detail typical of the Goodwood Hotel.

Check latest rates and availability at Goodwood Hotel

Farmer, Butcher, Chef

There are two restaurants at The Goodwood Hotel, The Goodwood Bar and Grill and Farmer Butcher Chef, where we dined.

Farmer, Butcher, Chef, The Goodwood Hotel, nr Chichester, West Sussex, England
Farmer, Butcher, Chef at Goodwood Hotel

We both adored the decor of the restaurant, which is intriguingly and delightfully furnished with an extensive collection of curiosities and memorabilia. Many items relate to the estate’s 300 years of farming history. The stunning eclectic look was created by designer Cindy Leveson of Leveson Design.

The food

The service was excellent, as was the food. Using produce from the estate’s Home Farm, each dish was bursting with flavour, a reflection of the farm’s organic and sustainable philosophy.

Their spring menu features tasty treats such as Beer Braised Lamb with soused cockles and samphire and Red Sussex Rump Beef with oxtail and white asparagus. Molecomb Blue is one of a number of fine cheeses produced on the estate.

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Breakfast at the Goodwood Hotel, nr Chichester, West Sussex, England
Dining at Goodwood House, West Sussex

Goodwood has been entertaining guests on the site of the restaurant since 1780. The original coaching inn was next door to a huge seven-acre walled vegetable and flower garden and was called the Waterbeach Inn.

This seems a surprising name until you learn that centuries earlier the sea actually came this far inland. The spa section of the hotel’s health club has now adopted the name The Waterbeach.

After our wonderful meal, which ended with a superb bread and butter pudding and a delicious buttermilk sorbet, we ordered gin and tonics at the bar, then relaxed in the cosy snug by the fire.

The Bar and Snug

The rhubarb gin is well worth trying, as is the Hendrick’s gin with cucumber and black pepper, recommended by Rupert, the excellent barman. And, of course, Fever Tree tonic.

The bar at The Goodwood Hotel, nr Chichester, West Sussex, England
The Bar

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The snug at The Goodwood Hotel, nr Chichester, West Sussex, England
The Snug

The bar and snug are open to non-residents and we would highly recommend a visit, designated driver permitting. It’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee or an after work drink, with some very tasty and reasonably priced bar snacks. As Goodwood House is just a 15-minute drive from Chichester, and its fabulous Festival Theatre, it’s a good venue for pre-theatre drinks.

We feel very lucky to live within easy reach of the Goodwood Estate and we’re sure it won’t be long before we are there again, be that to enjoy the annual Festival of Speed or Goodwood Revival, a meal with family and friends or simply to pop into the bar for a drink and a snack. 

It’s also very comforting to know that the estate was listed by Tatler as a safe haven in the event of an apocalypse…

“The world is about to end. But don’t panic, because we have assembled a crack team of multi-talented toffs who will ensure the survival of our race. Plus, the best self-sufficient estates for when times get really tough.” Read more Aristocrats to rely on in an Apocalypse!

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The 4-star Goodwood Hotel, nr Chichester, West Sussex, in southern England

Disclosure: Thanks to the Goodwood Estate for hosting our visit to the Goodwood Hotel and Farmer, Butcher, Chef And thanks to all the staff throughout the hotel, health club, restaurant and bar for making our stay such an absolute pleasure.

The path to Halnaker Windmill, a magical tunnel of trees - Sussex Bloggers

Tuesday 23rd of May 2017

[…] original mill was built for the Duke of Richmond and the Goodwood Estate and was first recorded in 1540. The present day mill dates back to the mid 18th century and was a […]

Hendrick's Cucumber and Black Pepper Gin Cocktail at the Goodwood Hotel - Travel with Kat

Monday 15th of May 2017

[…] You can read more about my stay at the Goodwood Hotel and the fabulous food at Farmer, Butcher, Chef in my article for Sussex bloggers, Spring at the Goodwood Hotel. […]

Lucy

Sunday 7th of May 2017

I've been to the Goodwood Revival and Festival of Speed a couple of times each and it's a beautiful part of the word. Will have to go back and try the hotel sometime too (when there's not an event on!).

Kat @SussexBloggers

Monday 8th of May 2017

I’m yet to make it to Goodwood Revival but really must. It looks fabulous. I have been to the Festival of Speed twice. The stunt bikes were the highlight for me. I couldn't quite believe what I was seeing. It was lovely though to see the estate without anything going on with a view of the house across the lawns, really beautiful.

georgia knight

Thursday 4th of May 2017

Wow the hotel looks beautiful! Not far from where I live either so I will have to pay a visit sometime and check out the food x

Kat @SussexBloggers

Thursday 4th of May 2017

I was seriously impressed with the food at Farmer, Butcher, Chef and the bar snacks I tried on a previous visit were superb too. Perfect venue for a get together with family and friends.