Reasons to Visit West Sussex On Your Next Vacation

West Sussex lies along the South Coast of England where historic towns and seaside resorts nestle along the English Channel.  It has a past that is rich in history and is awash with Roman, Saxon and Medieval Monuments.

The sunny climate of West Sussex offers up pebble beaches and the stunning rounded chalk hills of the South Downs. Quaint little villages with historic thatched cottages and flint walls rest alongside the scenery.

Visit one of the genteel market towns or the National Park and sample the delights of the country pubs the area has to offer.

Chichester

Dating back to Roman times, Chichester is possibly where Claudius’ army landed in AD43.  It is now a sophisticated Georgian city, home to Pallant House Gallery, a leading UK museum that is home to modern British art dating from 1900 to now.

It is also worth visiting the stunning Chichester Cathedral, which was built in 1075 and remains to be the only cathedral in the UK that is visible from the sea.

Go in spring or summer to take in the oasis of bright colour in the walled Bishops Palace Garden.

There is no shortage of places to eat in Chichester for even the most discerning diner, and in the summer months, tourists can take advantage of the beautiful landscapes for a spot of alfresco eating.

Arundel

Located in the South Downs, Arundel is a town which is home to one of England’s most complete medieval castles. Mentioned in the doomsday book 1086, Arundel Castle was founded in 1067, within months of the Norman Conquest of England.  It was severely damaged during the civil war in 1600 but was restored to its former glory in 1700 and is now one of the most visited attractions in the area.

Within the castle walls, you can find an armoury, chapel, dry moat and views of the River Arun from one of the many magical towers.

Also, worth visiting is the Cathedral, which may look medieval but was built in the 1800s in a French Gothic style.

Petworth

Make your way down charming cobbled streets and browse the antique shops, artisan boutiques and galleries on offer in this beautiful historic town in the South Downs,

Lombard Street, a narrow, cobbled alley snakes up to the yard of St Marys Church.

For the art lover, Petworth House, now owned by the National Trust, displays Turner paintings and is the location for the filming of the acclaimed film, Mr Turner.

South Downs National Park

South Downs National Park became a National Park in 2011, and it is here where green rolling hills make for picturesque walks interspersed with thatched villages and traditional country pubs. For the more adventurous, South Downs Way is a 100-mile footpath from Hampshire to East Sussex.

Worthing

Where the lower slopes of the South Downs meet the seaside is Worthing.  The holiday destination for affluent Victorians, Worthing has been referred to as ‘Sunny Worthing’ since the 19 Century.  The largest of all West Sussex towns this seaside town boasts a peer that dates to 1862, how a listed building with a newly refurbished tearoom.

Visit St Marys Church, an Anglo-Saxon building completed before the arrival of William the Conqueror.

Shoreham-by-Sea

Built-in 1850s in response to the threat of French invasion from Napoleon III, Shoreham has ditches, cannon wall, gun platform and caponiers which have all recently been restored and are worth a visit. 

A beautiful long shingle beach offers a perfect spot for walks with an enchanting seascape and the opportunity to visit historic Shoreham Fort.

Kelly Tate