SUMMER DRIVING IN SUSSEX AND HAMPSHIRE

Hurrah, the sun is finally shining, which means it’s time to start thinking about summer driving! There’s nothing quite like slipping behind the wheel for the first outing of the season to enjoy the Sussex and Hampshire country roads festooned with a spring frame of greenery. The winding tunnels and glinting sunbeams as you glide through the stunning South Downs scenery are a delight to behold.

If your car has been in storage for winter, all this is just a phone call away. At South Downs Secure, we ensure absolutely everything is taken care of for your first foray into summer driving. We meticulously maintain every car in our care and present it to you ready for the road. The only preparation you need to consider is packing your Raybans and a sports jacket or cashmere wrap for the evening.

South Downs Secure Summer Driving Essentials:

Firstly, ditch the map! We believe some of the best places are found when you’re lost. Do, however, arm yourself with a good bottle of wine. No, we’re not condoning drinking behind the wheel! But in our experience, many Sunday jaunts will result in a friendly invite to an evening gathering or dinner party of like-minded enthusiasts. The other essential glove box item is a battery charger for your mobile. However long you plan to be out, you’ll always far exceed this once you start discovering secret Sussex!

Roads to Roam:

• Follow the A272 from Wisborough Green to Winchester, and you won’t be disappointed. There’s no shortage of stunning scenery, and the driving is some of the best the South East of England has to offer.
• The scenic route from Goldalming to Chichester. The A283 winds down towards Petworth, then cut across Lurgashall and Lickfold to join up with the A286. This is a spectacular part of West Sussex and weaves through parts of the South Downs navigating steep climbs, sweeping bends and gentle straights.
• Explore the smaller routes around ‘Hidden Hampshire’. Follow some great driving roads such as the A340 and B3051 from Sherbourne St John to Kingsclere. The B3051 continues with fine downland driving as it crosses the Portway Roman road, undulating and weaving towards the old town of Overton on the River Test.

Spectacular Scenery:

• Head inland from the A259 at Climping towards Arundel. As you approach the historic town, you get an incredible portrait of the imposing castle and cathedral that dominate the landscape. Plus it’s a great place to stop off and have a wander.
• If seascapes are your favourite summer viewing, enjoy inspiring coastal views of the Seven Sisters from Beachy Head.
• Finally, our firm favourite would be the rolling hills of the South Downs as you navigate the Sussex countryside along the A272.

Stopping for Sustenance:

We’re lucky to have many charming pubs in Sussex and Hampshire that make the perfect pitstop during summer driving days. Here are our top three:

• First on the pub bucket list is the ‘pub with no name’ at Priors Dean, a charming old fashioned watering hole with a wholesome lunch menu. The car park has plenty of space, and with stunning views over rolling hills, this is a summer afternoon favourite.
• Not too far down the road is the ‘Trooper Inn’ this quirky and inviting pub offers a feast for the eyes as well as your stomach. The Trooper Inn also hosts ‘Trooper Classics’ a small but eclectic gathering of classic cars and their owners. They are held every second Thursday of each month from 7 pm onwards.
• Our list wouldn’t be complete with a visit to the fabulous ‘Half Moon’ in Kirdford, owner Jodie Kidd has maintained the period charm and historical features of the grade II listed building with impeccable standards throughout and their Summer Solstice Party should most certainly be in your diary.

Quintessentially Sussex:

With so much on offer across Sussex and Hampshire, it’s hard to pin down the best events in the region. But here are three firm favourites among our clients, that we think are, as the title suggests, quintessentially Sussex!

• ‘Friday Night Polo’ at the Cowdray Estate. Taking place on the lawns of the world-renowned Polo fields, this is a wonderful afternoon and evening event. The evening Polo match starts at 5:30 pm followed by street food, open bars and live music. Don’t miss treading the divots at half-time!
• ‘Ladies Day’ is the most glamorous day of ‘Glorious Goodwood Festival’. An action-packed day of horse racing and entertainment. To make the day a little extra special, consider a hospitality package in one of the private March boxes.
• The ‘Chilli Fiesta’ at West Dean Gardens is where Sussex meets sizzle! Not for the faint-hearted, this wonderful celebration of the fiery fruit is the UK’s largest chilli festival. It hosts an array of chilli foods from around the world, and a delightful mixture of live Latin music, dancing and vintage entertainment.

Stay a while:

There’s so much to fit in around beautiful West Sussex and Hampshire. You might wish to stay for the weekend. Our top pick of the some the best places to stay in the area are:

• Amberley Castle
• Bailiffscourt
• Alexander House

If you’d like to enjoy the West Sussex and Hampshire countryside this summer but need somewhere to store your vintage, classic or supercar, then contact us. Our sole focus is to provide our clients with exclusive, fully tailored car storage, maintaining the highest levels of professionalism at all times.