Things to do in West Sussex
West Sussex is one of the original 'home counties' and in 2011 was officially declared the sunniest county in England. The county is known for having great walking country and glorious castles, villas and stately homes, charming antique centres and interesting modern independent shops.
Arundel Castle is one of the best places to start. The stunning building, high above the River Arun, dates from 1068 and is one of the best-maintained castles in Sussex. Head to the nearby Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and take the free boat safari to see swans, starlings, bullfinches and more. Visit the town itself to explore the antique centre, clothes boutiques, delicatessens and other unique small shops.
Turn south at Arundel to reach Bognor Regis, a great traditional British seaside town. With its promenade, parks and gardens, sunny beach and plentiful amusements, there's something to keep the whole family entertained. In all of sunny Sussex, Bognor Regis has more recorded hours of sunshine than anywhere else.
Chichester is another of the county's charming towns, and if you're in this area, a trip to Glorious Goodwood is a must, whether you're just visiting the house or attending the horse racing. St Mary's Hospital in the town centre, is an excellent example of a medieval alms house, and Christ Church and St John's Chapel are just two of the charming churches in the town.
West Sussex is particularly known for the timeless beauty of the South Downs, which is excellent walking country. Stretching from Winchester in the west to Lewes in the east, this national park covers over 1,600 square km of excellent walking, cycling or horse riding country. A trip to the South Downs planetarium gives a different perspective again on the county, and indeed the world.
Everywhere you look in West Sussex there is evidence of our ancestors. Cissbury Ring was home to a prehistoric flint mine before it became an Iron Age Fort and was later occupied by the Romans. For those who like wildlife, adders, lizards, slow worms and many rare butterflies are often spotted here.
The remains of Fishbourne Palace, the largest known Roman dwelling in Britain, offer a fascinating insight into Roman life. Only the north wing has survived in anything approaching its full former glory, with the mosaics one of the most interesting features. The re-created north garden gives a glimpse into just how impressive the villa must have been in its heyday. Cowdray Park near Midhurst allows you to experience Tudor life, with kitchens and other areas that are still intact.
Petworth House and Park is another thoroughly enjoyable day out. With gardens landscaped by the famous 'Capability' Brown and an extensive collection of paintings by Van Dyck, Turner, Reynolds and Blake, it's an illuminating window into the 17th and 18th centuries. The servants' quarters in the house are especially fine, with over 1,000 copper pieces in the kitchen collection.
West Sussex is a great place to experience an all-but-forgotten England, whether it's watching morris dancing, enjoying real ale at a beer festival, or the scents and colours of the Festival of Flowers in Chichester Cathedral.
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