Finding the perfect gift for your dad

Adventurous fathers, look out! For thrill-seeking, adrenaline junkie dads, there's a whole host of activities out there. Brace yourself, and get ready to make some memories!
Mugs at WaterstonesMugs at Waterstones
Mugs at Waterstones

For an epic piece of adventure this Father’s Day, take to the skies in your own private hot air balloon ride! The British School of Ballooning offers an incredible aerial experience over the stunning landscape of West Sussex.

Launching from its private field, watch the landscape spread out before you as you are carried over the breathtaking views of the South Downs. Look out for Petworth House, Cowdray Park, and even the Isle of Wight en route. Priced at £125 per person. www.hotair.co.uk

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Old man a bit of a daredevil? Then you can get his blood pumping with a rally car racing experience! Go off-road with Karting Chichester. Based in the West Sussex countryside, just outside the city centre. Car parking and refreshments are available on site. Experiences are priced from £155.To book call: 0870 162 4847, www.karting-nation.co.uk

A board in Trents in ChichesterA board in Trents in Chichester
A board in Trents in Chichester

If you desire a slightly less high-octane experience, then perhaps stick to a classic and take dad out for a few rounds of golf at the Bognor Regis Golf Club. Non-members are welcome. Prices are set at £40 per day, or £30 per round. Prices drop to £20 after 4pm. www.bognorgolfclub.co.uk

STYLE ICONS

Calling all stylish fathers! Is your dad a regular fashionista? The stylish type, with all the latest clothes and technology? Or, does need a nudge in the right direction? If his fashion choices leave you hanging your head in your hands, shielding your eyes from the glare of his latest shirt choice, then perhaps its time for a Father’s Day makeover!

Give him some clothing inspiration with some stylish coffeetable books or, for the tech-savvy, a masculine tablet case makes a quirky choice. Waterstones currently has an intriguing selection of wacky gifts.

The stunning grounds at Bognor Regis Golf ClubThe stunning grounds at Bognor Regis Golf Club
The stunning grounds at Bognor Regis Golf Club
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Next time your dad puts his feet up, remind him of your adoration with a tongue-in-cheek mug, such as this ‘totally most awesome dad in the universe’ beauty, £9.99.

Whether his locks are wild and overgrown, or he is more of the follicly-challenged type, pamper your dad with Q Hair and Beauty’s stylish offer. Based in Chichester’s North Street, Q houses a team of skilled professionals, ready to help any man look and feel his best. Give some serious luxury with a full body massage, in addition to a cut and style with a designer-level stylist. Q has taken a little off the top for all dads, giving this £57 value for £35. Or, if your dad is bald as a coot, you can still choose from the extensive list of treatments and services available, and get a £30 value for £20. A full list of services on offer can be found at qhairandbeauty.co.uk

TASTY TREATS

Now your dad is looking smart, you can take him to the cool city-centre hang-out Trents. In the heart of Chichester, you can enjoy a roast with a pint or glass of wine for £10.50, with the special father’s day deal. Trents loves fathers; will yours love Trents?

A man’s man who loves a challenge? Go head-to-head with your dad at The Slug and Lettuce in Chichester. Let out your competitive side! For £16.75, in true style of the addictive TV show Man vs Food, The Slug and Lettuce challenges you to finish a mammoth meal, consisting of its ultimate burger, plus two standard burgers, two hash browns, chips and onion rings in addition to a pint of milk. Eat it all in the allocated time and you will receive the meal for free! Dads receive a free pint with main meals too! Dad, beer, mountain of food... challenge accepted!

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Got yourself a sophisticated papa? If he knows his 60 per cent cocoa from his 85 per cent, then give him something special. Not just for the ladies, luxurious chocolate makes a perfect gift for any father. Montezuma’s is serving up some brightly pop art-inspired treats for father’s day. Father’s Day Nuts £4.99, Father’s Day Bar Library £13.49, Father’s Day Truffle Box £11.99, and large truffle box 16.99, or go all out with the Father’s Day Hamper £23.99. Alternatively, get individual and create a personalised hamper with your own selection of chocolates and ribbon.

CULTURE VULTURES

Take the opportunity to soak up some culture with a trip to the Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, and admire the latest RB Kitaj exhibition. Alternatively, take a guided tour around the Grade I listed building Edes House, built in 1696, also on June 16 (booking available at www.westsussex.gov.uk). Tickets £14.

If he has an ear for classical music, then the Berkerley Concert at the Holy Trinity Church in Bosham, would make the ultimate treat. Held at 4pm, tickets £10. Lynden Cranham and David Pollock, will present a programme including music by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel and Scarlatti. Tea and cake will be available in the interval, for a small donation (www.festivalofchichester.co.uk)

Now, for the bottom-of-the-garden potterer. If your dad’s idea of heaven is busying himself at the bottom of the garden, and his garage or shed make his ultimate haven, then there a plethora of country days out to be found. Take a trip with any little ones to the Amberly Museum and Heritage Centre, where a fun ‘Dads Can Do’ day will be held. A mixture of  fun and challenging activities await, including steer a steam engine, locomotive footplate rides and hands-on crafts. For more information you can call 01798 831370 or email: [email protected]

CLOSE TO NATURE

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If your dad likes getting close to nature, then a day out at the Weald and Downland Museum may be right up his street. It’s a day out the whole family can enjoy, with lots of child-friendly activities.

This Father’s Day coincides with ‘Sussex Day’, a brand-new event for the museum, which seeks to celebrate all that is great about Sussex life. Apart from the exciting array of activities on offer at the event, the Weald and Downland also offers its unique rural-life collections, rescued buildings, and animals. The museum provides the perfect opportunity to spend time with the family, whether exploring the fascinating exhibits, or enjoying a cup of tea by the duck pond. Free parking is available (Standard adult admission £10.40, adults 65+ £9.40, children £5.70, children under 4 go free).

Perhaps it will inspire some new additions to that tool shed...

For a simple and inexpensive outing, you can take a walking tour of Chichester’s city walls, 11am-12.30pm, meet at the bell tower. Tickets are £5, www.festivalofchichester.co.uk

Weather permitting, it would make the perfect midday ramble.

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