DESTINATIONS

West Sussex

Whether it’s a weekend visiting magnificent castles and stately homes, antique-hunting in charming market towns, or a day of countryside pursuits, discover what to look forward to with Dream Escape in West Sussex.

West Sussex, where countryside meets the coast, is a county of contrasts. Woven into a patchwork of ancient woodland, rolling hillsides and fertile farmland are magnificent castles, stately homes and an abundance of galleries, gardens and vineyards. And it’s all just a hop and a skip away from the capital.

Dream Escape has delved into charming market towns brimming with independent shops, antiques and designers. We’ve sampled world-class English wines in the best of Sussex vineyards and sought an array of peaceful pastimes.

Country Pursuits at Cowdray House

Choose from a wealth of countryside activities and pursuits at the sprawling Cowdray Estate. From shooting, fly fishing and foraging to calligraphy, stargazing and wildlife tours, there are activities to excite every member of the family.

A visit to Cowdray, the seat of British Polo, should include instruction on the ‘game of kings’. Bespoke lessons include an introduction to the game, hitting lessons on foot and learning to ride ‘polo style’ on horseback with stick-and-ball tutorials. If that’s too intense, take a guided pony ride through the South Downs.

Parham House and Gardens

Set in 875 acres, beneath the rolling hills of the South Downs, and bounded by an ancient deer park, Parham House, dating back to 1577, is one of the country’s finest Elizabethan houses.

The Great Hall sits at the heart of Parham, with an exquisite carved oak screen and an outstanding collection of Tudor and Stuart portraits, artwork, furniture, tapestries and needlepoint.

The Long Gallery runs the entire length of the house and has a beautiful painted ceiling, which was restored after the house was purchased by the Hon. Clive and Alicia Pearson in 1922. 

Family members still live here today and are very much involved with its safeguarding and preservation. Fresh flowers adorn the rooms at Parham and are traditionally gathered from the gardens, glasshouses, and the charming 18th-century walled garden.

Arundel 

Arundel is a Dream Escape favourite and actually warrants a complete day trip because there’s so much to see and do in this historic town. The town’s focal point is Arundel Castle, which has commanding views over the River Arun and countryside. Almost a century of history can be found within the castle walls, which were built in the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel.

Explore the state rooms that feature art by Canaletto, Gainsborough and van Dyck, exquisite antiques, furniture and tapestries. Arundel Castle is one of the longest inhabited country houses in England and some rooms are still occupied by the family but open to visitors after midday.

Many original features remain, such as the Norman keep, gatehouse and barbican and the lower part of Bevis Tower. Stroll through a series of themed gardens, the Fitzalan Chapel and the new formal Collector Earl’s Garden.

After the castle, visit the cathedral and take a foray into Arundel’s small lanes and alleys, where you’ll find many antique shops, tea shops, and galleries. Nature lovers will enjoy Arundel Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Wiston Estate and Winery

Sussex is home to a host of outstanding vineyards and leads the way in producing superb English wines. Excellent climate conditions, diverse soils, and stunning countryside mean a visit to West Sussex wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a vineyard.

Dream Escape adores Wiston Estate, which sits on 6,000 acres near Worthing and has been in the family since 1743. To complement the estate’s farming side, Pip Goring founded the vineyard and planted the first vines in 2006.

The newly refurbished winery opened just over a year ago, and their vineyard tour is a must-do. Pay a visit to the traditional Champagne Coquard press and take a tutored tasting of some of the estate’s award-winning sparkling wines. Afterwards, drop into Chalk restaurant for lunch or dinner. Chef Bradley Adams and his team have designed a superb menu with an excellent assortment of locally sourced, sustainable dishes.

Goodwood House and Estate

Goodwood, a distinguished sporting estate, has been home to the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years. For lovers of racing, Goodwood is a must-visit during your visit to West Sussex.

Motor enthusiasts should time a visit to coincide with Goodwood Festival of Speed in June, or Goodwood Revival in September. Otherwise, enjoy a driving experience on the historic two-and-a-half-mile circuit.

Horse racing was introduced to ‘glorious Goodwood ’ by the third Duke of Richmond in 1802. There are 19 race days during the season, including the Qatar Goodwood Festival. Culture lovers will enjoy a guided tour of the Goodwood collections, which feature paintings by Stubbs and Canaletto, Ducal; furniture; tapestry and porcelain. Follow with afternoon tea in Goodwood’s magnificent ballroom.

Petworth

Set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Petworth is a beautifully preserved historic market town known as the antiques centre of the South of England. → 

We love the charming cobbled streets and market square, which are lined with antique shops. Petworth Antiques Market, home to over 40 dealers, is a good place to begin a foray into vintage jewellery, ornaments and antique furniture. Step back in time with a visit to Petworth Cottage Museum. This tiny cottage has been refurbished to look as it did in 1910, when Mrs Cummings lived there while working as a seamstress at Petworth House.

Petworth House

Petworth House has been the seat of the Egremont family since the 17th century. Surrounded by a deer park and Capability Brown landscaping, the house is home to an impressive collection of National Trust paintings, including works by Van Dyck, Reynolds, William Blake and JMW Turner, who frequently visited the house.

Where to Stay

West Sussex has a wide variety of historic country houses and boutique hotels. Some of our favourites include Cowdray House, and Gravetye Manor.

SEE OUR ACCOMMODATION SECTION.  

Cowdray House

Cowdray, a historic country house, is set within a 16,000-acre estate with superb landscaped gardens. The 22 guest bedrooms are beautifully appointed, with breathtaking views over the estate. Cowdray House is not a hotel, so you’ll enjoy the feel of staying at a country house with fine attention to detail and exquisite styling. Culinary excellence is mandatory at Cowdray, with produce locally and seasonally sourced, and much of it reared on the estate itself.

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a bowling alley, a tennis court, a cricket strip, a croquet lawn and a helicopter pad are all at guests’ disposal. Cowdray House is hired exclusively and is perfect for country-house parties and family celebrations.

Gravetye Manor

This stunning Elizabethan manor house is enveloped by beautifully landscaped gardens. The Relais & Châteaux property offers a superb English country-house experience, with mullioned windows, wood-panelled rooms, rich fabrics, and four-poster beds in some of the 17 bedrooms.

The glass-fronted dining room of the Michelin-starred restaurant takes full advantage of the garden views, where diners enjoy home-grown produce from the kitchen garden. 

IMAGE CREDITS: ©National Trust Images / Chris Lacey / John Mill / Chris Orange / Paul Johnson

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