For those of you of a certain vintage and who watched The Sky at Night on TV this name will be known to you, the late Sir Patrick Moore, an astronomer and TV presenter.
He is one of the most famous former residents of Selsey and he apparently moved there as the sky is so clear.
Images : www.visitchichester.org
Retail therapy is not on here, but many like to head towards one of the two shingle beaches where people swim (watch the tides they can be brutal) and beach fish ie partake of local fish (jellied eel, whelks, crab and cockles) from two outlets.
However, take some waterproof shoes as getting in and, more importantly, out of the sea can be tricky. Incidentally, beach fishing is undertaken by many for various species including bream and cod.
Bike hire is available nearby and there is a well-known nature reserve at Pagham Harbour which is accessible by the local bus.
We took the No 51 (every 15 minutes at a stop near the entrance to the B&B) eight miles to the atmospheric market town of Chichester which is believed to have played significant part during the Roman Invasion of AD 43.
The journey took around 25 minutes but it was standing room only going there. It was worth the effort.
The cathedral may be undergoing renovation but is still worth a visit and there are plenty of shops, including a number of well-known High Street names, in the relaxing, pedestrianised area.
Selsey
Selsey is also a good centre for touring. You can take the train or drive to Portsmouth or Southampton or Bognor Regis. Racing at Goodwood is not far away and majestic Arundel Castle, a well-known stately home and gardens, is nearby.
Coast Yard, St Andrews Lodge
Claire and Paul make you welcome the minute you arrive at their modern and easily found B&B which is on the only road in and out of Selsey.
Here you have a choice (subject to availability) of a room in the main house or one of the garden rooms overlooking a sizeable, landscaped area.
A plus is that you can select a drink from the honesty bar and relax on the patio or sit outside your room overlooking the landscaped garden in good weather.
If not, then there is a light and airy lounge area well-equipped with local literature. If in doubt about anything then ask Claire and Paul.
Claire was ready for my lactose intolerance with yoghurt and soya milk both in the dining room and in the handy fridge in our well-appointed room with sizeable en suite.
The flow in the shower could have been stronger, but the bed was extremely comfortable and sizeable.
Breakfast options included fresh fruits, yogurts, cereals, preserves and pastries. The traditional full English (with local sausages and bacon) option was augmented by a daily breakfast special. Summing up, this is a four-star establishment and thoroughly deserves to be.
One point to note, Claire and Paul do not accept dogs.
Eating out
The Seal, Selsey
Over the years, says the website blurb, this pub has acquired a reputation for serving quality locally-sourced food at reasonable prices. That claim had to be explored.
The Seal sits in a prominent position on one of the main roads to the beach. It has recently undergone a makeover which has improved the look.
However, it is too big, in my view, to enjoy a cosy, village pub feel.
Notwithstanding that, the menu should satisfy most tastes and we found the food to be excellent.
The staff are slick and pleasant. Prices are good too. My fab plate of freshly-cooked fish and chips was £13.95.
It was a sizeable fish plus lots of beautifully cooked chips and peas.
Pam's homemade chicken and chorizo pie was a mouth-watering masterpiece. Strong accolade but worth of it.
It arrived with mashed potatoes and vegetables including seasonal peas in a pod.
I washed my meal down with a pint of well looked after Youngs IPA. It was a perfect foil for the fish which was cooked in a strong but not overpowering batter.
In all, a pleasant experience and The Seal is worthy of a visit.
Viento de Levante, Selsey by Chichester
I would not have considered tapas with Selsey but Viento de Levante was recommended.
And this Spanish-themed, town centre restaurant in Selsey, near Chichester, lived up to most expectations.
However, we did not go down the tapas route as it is not our favoured food having been let down on so many occasions in chain establishments.
Instead, we strayed into other territory, because we liked what was on offer in the main menu.
The restaurant was packed, possibly because of the camp and caravan site nearby, one of the largest in Britain, if not Europe, but this was not peak holiday season.
The choice was considerable but Pam plumped for a mushroom pizza.
It arrived and was delicious, the cheese was moist and tasty, the crust just right and the mushroom content was spot on.
I decided on a sirloin steak. Not such a good choice. It was cooked to my liking – rare – but the meat was tough and came with a large amount of fat. However, for £14.95 including veg you can't really argue.
The Arjona Rioja (priced at £19.95) helped erase the disappointment of the meat and the overall ambience was good, particularly with the front doors opened because of the heat. That let in extra light and air into the restaurant.
Staff were pleasant but we did note that they seemed to be in a hurry as closing time approached.
Natural, I suppose, as I've been in that position as a restaurant worker myself, but clients – particularly those on holiday – don't want to be rushed and any leanings in that direction should be disguised.
After all, customers mean consistency of employment.
Chichester
This atmospheric town has a heritage dating back more than 2,000 years from the Celts and Romans through to the Normans and Georgians.
The coastline takes in Chichester Harbour, an area of outstanding natural beauty which includes Bosham which is illustrated in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Pagham Harbour is a site of special scientific interest and attracts tens of thousands of birds.
Attractions
Arundel Castle
The castle commands the landscape with views across the South Downs and the River Arun.
It was founded at the end of the 11th century and has been the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for nearly 1,000 years and it one of the longest inhabited country houses in England.
Open from late March until the end of October. Guided tours of the castle and gardens.
Chichester Cathedral: for 900 years the cathedral has stood at the heart of the town. It is famous for its collection of art and includes works by Graham Sutherland, Marc Chagall, John Piper and Philip Jackson.
Free entry and open daily. Guided tours available. Nearby is the 500-year-old Market Cross.
www.Chichestercathedral.org.uk
City walls
They date back to Roman times and are 1.8 miles long and nearly all parts can be visited.
Weald and Downland Living Museum
Explore a collection of rescued rural buildings in a 40-acre site and discover the stories of the people who lived and worked in them over a 1,000-year period from Anglo-Saxon to Edwardian times. Bring the dog.
Chichester Ship Canal: this is close to the city and offers cycling, rambling, rowing and fishing. There is a shop, café, visitor centre and canal boat trips. Canal Basin, Canal Wharf.
The Novium Museum, Chichester
The museum, purpose-built to show the remains of a Roman Bathhouse, is set over three floors and the exhibitions tell the story of Chichester over the past 500,000 years. Admission free.
Astronomy
pollution from artificial light is less here and this is believed to be the reason Sir Patrick Moore of
The Sky at Night fame loved in Selsey. British astronaut Tim Peake attended Chichester High School for Boys.
South Downs Planetarium
Here you can explore the universe in a star theatre. Free parking and convenient for public transport with easy access for the disabled.
Theatre
Chichester is home to one of the country's leading regional theatres, the Chichester Festival Theatre, which stages ambitious productions, many of which transfer from the West End of London. Booking recommended.
The Pallant House Gallery
The Pallant House Gallery is recognised as one of the most imaginative in the country. The exhibits change regularly.
Sport and leisure
Sailing
Chichester Marina offers over 1,000 berths for boats of up to 22m and there are a number of schools and courses available.
Motor racing
Goodwood is synonymous with the sport which first started in 1948 when the 9th Duke of Richmond raced around the circuit in the UK's first post-war event.
Key events take place every year including the Goodwood Revival when cars from the 1940s and 1960s race and everybody dresses in appropriate clothing.
Horse racing
First introduced in 1802 by the 3rd Duke of Richmond for local Army officers. Glorious Goodwood is held every year in July.
Getting around
We used the train service from Rye to Eastbourne and the line goes to Hastings and beyond.
There are also regular services to Brighton, London and Gatwick Airport and along the coast. A great way to avoid jams on the roads and parking problems.
There are regular services to most towns and you can find the information by looking up East Sussex Bus Services on line.