Originally Posted by
stut
Chichester is a good base. It's a tiny city (with an impressive cathedral), but there's plenty around it too. The old town of Arundel and its castle. Pretty Bosham, where Canute failed to make the tide turn. Bognor Regis - for better or worse, very traditional seaside. Amberley for the South Downs (and chalk pits).
Excellent suggestion too - could also hop on the train to Portsmouth for some maritime history.