Heritage
If you are looking to visit a county that’s packed full of history and heritage then West Sussex will not disappoint. Goodwood is an impressive country estate that was built in the 1600s. Goodwood plays host to a number of festivals including the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed and also Goodwood Revival. If you want to get out into the countryside, the Monarch’s Way long distance walk passes south of Goodwood Racecourse so there’s the perfect opportunity to do a bit of walking.
Petworth House and Park is another stunning mansion that is surrounded by a beautiful deer park. The house was built in the 17th Century and provides a great day out for all the family especially those interested in art. The house has the National Trust’s finest collection of artwork with work by Turner, Van Dyke, Blake as well as classical sculptures and much more.
If you want to go back even further in time then a must visit is Arundel Castle. This restored medieval castle was built in the 11th Century and overlooks the River Arun. There are lots of events organised at the castle throughout the year including the annual Arundel Festival which showcases visual art, music, theatre and street entertainment.
Landscape & Scenery
West Sussex is home to an abundance of footpaths and over 50% of the county is designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The chalk hills of the South Downs lie across the south-east coast from Itchen in Hampshire to Beachy Head in East Sussex. If you are a keen walker and really want to spend your time in West Sussex in the great outdoors then South Downs Way is just for you as it is a 101-mile walk. Or try the Serpent Trail which takes you on a 64-mile walk through the glorious West Sussex countryside.
If you don’t fancy walking so far and want a more gentle walk then there are plenty of options from the Worth Way, a 7 mile walk following a disused railway from Three Bridges to East Grinstead; The Chichester Tree Trail, a 1.5 mile walk that shows visitors some of the most interesting trees in Chichester to the Centurion Railway Path, a 5 mile walk that is relatively flat and starts in Chichester and ends in West Dean.
Of course, these are just a few of the many walks available in West Sussex. To find out more about walking in the county please click here.
If you want to see some wildlife and the coast then head to Pagham Harbour. It is a protected area of wetland and home to little egrets, ringed plovers, lapwings, hedgerows, dragonflies lizards and migrant birds in the summer and autumn. In the autumn and winter over 20,000 ducks, geese, and waders come to the reserve making it an impressive wildlife area.
Other top attractions and places to visit in West Sussex include Hever Castle, Chichester Cathedral and the Worthing Museum and Art Gallery.
For more information about things to see and do in Sussex, visit Sussex Adventures.
Photo by Ray Harrington on Unsplash
