Emsworth is at the centre of a fascinating area with Portsmouth and its Historic Dockyard to the west, Chichester, a walled Roman Cathedral City with its Festival Theatre to the east, the South Downs to the north and Chichester Harbour to the south.
It has hosted a Food Festival attracting 40,000 visitors a year for the last several years which was started because there is a large variety of restaurants and pubs in the village providing a good variety of food and reflecting the interest in good living the area enjoys.
Walking is endless, either around the Harbour or on the South Downs and the variation of wild life from the Downs to nearby Farlington Marshes and the foreshore makes this area a haven for those interested in bird watching and nature.
The Historic Dockyard at Portsmouth, containing HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose and more, together with Portsmouth Harbour and all its associated history makes a day out on its own without even visiting the shopping and restaurants at ‘Gunwarf Quays’ and the spectacular 130 metre ‘Spinnaker Tower’ from which the view of Portsmouth and the Solent is stunning.
Also in the area is Goodwood House, at which the Festival of Speed takes place, and the Horse Racing Course and Motor Racing Circuit which hosts the ‘Revival Meeting’ each year.
Stansted House with its many Shows and Open Air Concerts is only two and a half miles away and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park is just up the road.
Chichester has a fine Cathedral and dates back to Roman Times and in-fact the Roman Palace at Fishbourne is one of the finest illustrations of Roman living. Chichester is also a fascinating City and is the home of the famous Festival Theatre, and the City hosts ‘The Chichester Festivities’, a series of lectures, concerts and entertainments, in the summer.
Arundel, with its Castle, Catholic Cathedral, river and antique shops is also near by.
Probably the greatest attraction of the area is Chichester Harbour itself. It is an ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’ and provides idyllic sailing for dinghies and cruisers alike. The sandy beaches of West Wittering, East Head and Hayling Island and the well managed walks around the harbour, with its varied wildlife make it an area of ever changing interest. There are also boat tours of the harbour, starting from Emsworth and Itchenor, including on the Solar Powered boat designed for the purpose.
