Weekend break ideas on south coast

[Tarchie]

I want to book a short break somewhere on the south coast. I would like it to be romantic, cosy as it will be cold in all likelihood, and not too expensive. We’d like it not to be too pretentious as this can be off putting but I hope MNetters can suggest some nice places.

Bump

Would also like to treat OH to afternoon tea while we’re away.

Dorset, Corte Castle and nearby. Dorchester area is pleasant too. Also around Bosham and Chichester. The South Downs villages and around Arundel. The New Forest also has great hotels and it’s not far to travel.

Chichester is Sussex! Not Dorset.

Where will you be travelling from? (And how will you be travelling?).

From Buckinghamshire by car.

Have a look at the Walpole Bay hotel in Margate

I have heard good things about Christchurch Harbour hotel?

Or an old lighthouse near Seaford (Kent). You can walk 7 Sisters (or one or two of them) and detour to Alfriston, have heard good things about pub there called The Star.

Pleasant cafe at 7 Sisters visitor centre.

Isle of Wight.

We are going for the night in a couple of weeks. Somehow crossing the water makes it feel more holiday like.

Only staying in a cheap premier inn but there are some lovely hotels over there.

If you stay between Dorset and West Sussex have a look at the afternoon tea on no mans land fort (off Portsmouth). Fabulous trip and an hour/1.5 hrs from these places so not too bad for a day out.

If you want four star, the Harbour hotel in Chichester does a nice afternoon tea, or the Bailiffscourt in Climping, or the Amber,year Castle Hotel near Amberley. Their afternoon tea is gorgeous, but pricy. The Chichester area gives you options to visit Portsmouth, Brighton or Southampton

You can get some good spa breaks at Carey's Manor near Brockenhurst. Try the Rhassoul Mud treatment for 2!

There is an Old Railway Station hotel in Petworth if u are into trains, it's feels very atmospheric, think Agata Christie crossed with a Ghost Train.