Explore West Sussex
A guide to West Sussex, England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information.
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West Sussex Travel Guide

West Sussex is a delightful area of superb gardens and historic country estates. The coast is more heavily populated, with a series of small coastal resorts that have blended into one long urban stretch from the outskirts of Brighton & Hove in the east to Bognor Regis in the west. Inland from the coast the countryside is dominated by the swell of the South Downs, and the South Downs Way long distance path runs along the crest of the downs on its way from Hampshire to East Sussex, providing excellent walking opportunities and superb views.

In the west of the county Chichester Harbour - not a harbour at all but a landlocked area of saltwater channels - provides a popular boating, fishing, walking, and birding area. Boat tours of Chichester Harbour provide visitors with a chance to explore this unusual ecosystem.

Nyman's Gardens
Nyman's Gardens

The city of Chichester itself was built by the Romans at the crossing of two important roads. The remains of a Roman amphitheatre can still be seen outside town, but most people come for the striking medieval buildings, including the Norman cathedral and the Guildhall. Just outside the city is Fishbourne Roman Palace, one of the finest Roman remains in Britain. Superb Roman mosaics have been preserved in the museum, and the original gardens reconstructed.

Further north is an interesting triumvirate of attractions; almost within sight of each other are Goodwood racecourse, home of the "Glorious Goodwood" race meetings every August, the Weald and Downland Open-Air Museum, where over 35 historic buildings rescued from demolition have been carefully dismantled and reconstructed, and West Dean Gardens, a superb Victorian mix of formal and informal gardens.

Near Hayward's Heath are three more typically superb West Sussex gardens; Nyman's, notable for its collection of rare plants from across the world, High Beeches, a lovely place of peaceful woodlands dotted with water gardens, and Borde Hill, a series of linked garden "rooms" each with its own style.

Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle

These are just a few of many excellent gardens in West Sussex, yet the county has an equal share of historic houses worth visiting. Start with Parham Park, a marvelous Elizabethan manor set in a deep park. Then move on to Uppark, a classic Georgian house set high on the Downs, or Petworth, a magnificent Jacobean mansion in a 700 acre park landscaped by Capability Brown.

Arundel Castle, towering over the town of the same name, is every inch the perfect medieval fortress, with grey-stone battlements and round towers bristling. The core of the castle contains an authentic Norman motte where a queen once stayed, but that medieval core was enhanced and added to by a 19th century Duke of Norfolk. One of the highlights is the ornate private chapel, a testament to the staunchly Catholic Fitzalan-Howard family's faith. Just down the road from the castle is the Arundel Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, where visitors can view endangered bird species from protected viewing stations, and explore the natural world of the marshlands.

Undiscovered gem:
Boxgrove Priory - on the outskirts of Chichester, this delightful little church stands in a wooded grove near the ruins of its medieval guesthouse. Boxgrove was founded as a monastery in the 14th century, and part of the monastic church lives on as the parish church.

From history to walking, villages to ornate country houses, there truly is something for everyone in West Sussex.

Top Historic attractions in West Sussex


Arundel - Village   5 Heritage Rated Attraction
Bignor Roman Villa - Roman   4 Heritage Rated Attraction
Fishbourne Roman Palace - Roman   4 Heritage Rated Attraction
Arundel Castle - Castle   4 Heritage Rated Attraction
Chichester Cathedral - Cathedral   4 Heritage Rated Attraction
Goodwood House - Historic House   4 Heritage Rated Attraction
Parham - Historic House   4 Heritage Rated Attraction
Petworth House - Historic House   4 Heritage Rated Attraction

  

HISTORY CORNER

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British Heritage Awards

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British History Quiz

This writer, politician, and philosopher is best known for 'Novum Organum', and his 'Essays', published in 1597 and 1625



 Clue

This Day in British History

12 February, 1554

Lady Jane Grey executed

Grey became famous as the 'Nine Days Queen', a pawn in the ambitions of the Earl of Northumberland

Monarch Mayhem

This sickly monarch died at the age of 16, leaving the throne to his elder sister



 Clue




Accommodation
West Sussex

Bull Pen

Charlton
Self catering cottage

This double bedroom property in the Wiltshire village of Charlton offers a wonderful place for a romantic getaway for two. more >>
Sleeps 2

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West Sussex

The Annex

Rustington
Self catering cottage

This single storey studio apartment sleeps two people, just five minutes walk from the beach in Rustington, two miles from Littlehampton on the Sussex coastline. more >>
Sleeps 2

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Crawley (Hotel)

Ramada Plaza Gatwick & 3 days Parking

Situated just 3 miles from the main airport terminal, the Ramada London Gatwick is perfectly placed for a pre-flight stopover. With easy access to the airport, close proximity to the M23 and 3 days inclusive onsite parking from Superbreak, the Ramada London Gatwick is an ideal hotel choice wherever your … more >>

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Crawley (Hotel)

The George Hotel

Dating back to 1615 this former Coaching Inn, is steeped in history and character. Located in Crawley town centre, and all the major restaurants, bars, fitness facilities and shopping areas are within 5-10 walking distance. The George is close to the M23 and Gatwick Airport. The hotel has a themed … more >>

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