A warm welcome
Soaking up the Great British summer on a South Downs staycation…
As we progress along the path out of lockdown, there is a real sense of anticipation in the air, with the return of many much-missed local events and activities drawing ever nearer.
Here in the heart of the South Downs, Woodlands Retreat B&B is perfectly-placed as a hub for exploring all that’s on offer locally during the Great British spring and summer, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back again.
Staycations are sure to prove popular once more in 2021, so if you’re searching for things to do during your visit, look no further - these are just a few of our highlights…
Goodwood Festival of Speed (8-11 July)
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 20 miles
One of the must-not-miss events on the staycation calendar, the Goodwood Festival of Speed attracts visitors from far and wide, eager to experience the sights and sounds of this grand summer party dedicated to motorsport.
This is a chance to gain a glimpse of some of the world’s fastest - and most iconic - cars and motorbikes taking to the famous Goodwood Hillclimb track, many driven by the names that first made them famous.
The much-anticipated return of the festival in 2021 will see the event carry over last year’s planned theme of ‘The Maestros - Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders’, featuring drivers, teams and manufacturers who have shown their true greatness by succeeding across a variety of motorsport disciplines.
Hampshire Food Festival (throughout July)
Various events and locations across Hampshire
This award-winning celebration of fine local fare returns for its 20th anniversary event in 2021, and you can be sure that after last year’s absence, Hampshire producers will be all the more keen to serve up some fantastic dishes for visitors to enjoy.
A perfect opportunity to sample some of the county’s best food and drink, this month-long festival typically includes a wide range of events and activities across Hampshire, all centred around local produce - everything from fairs and fetes to picnics, parties and pop-ups.
This is set to be a summer festival to remember!
Qatar Goodwood Festival (27-31 July)
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 20 miles
This famous five-day festival (affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’) is one of the highlights of the British flat racing season.
There’s high-octane racing action throughout the week, with highlights including the Qatar Goodwood Cup and Qatar Sussex Stakes.
But ultimately this is both a sporting and social occasion - a chance to be immersed in the magic of racing against the beautiful backdrop of the West Sussex countryside, with sumptuous style and hospitality adding to the atmosphere.
Victorious Festival (27-29 August)
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 18 miles
A family-friendly festival on the Southsea seafront, Victorious takes place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
This year’s recently-announced line-up includes Madness, whose popular hits such as Our House and Baggy Trousers are sure to please the crowds, while The Streets will bring their distinctive sound to Southsea Common and Brighton alt-rock duo Royal Blood are set to light up the Victorious stage.
There’s also plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, with a range of activities and performances on offer at the kids arena, spanning 30,000 square metres and open for the Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
Goodwood Revival (17-19 September)
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 20 miles
Immerse yourself in a bygone age at the Goodwood Revival - the only historic race meeting staged entirely in period dress.
Vintage fashion and wheel-to-wheel racing go hand in hand as this classic circuit plays host to a weekend of festivities both on and off the track.
Many of motorsport’s finest drivers and riders will be taking to the circuit, style and history take centre stage on the Revival High Street, and there’s plenty more to explore Over the Road, including a fairground, roller rink and car show.