WEST SUSSEX

Whether it's a weekend visiting magnificent castles and stately homes, antique foraging in charming market towns or a day of countryside pursuits, discover what you can 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 at Parham House

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 18thcentury 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 when it comes to producing superb English wines. Excellent climate conditions, diversity of soils and stunning countryside means a visit to West Sussex wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a vineyard.

Dream Escape adores Wiston Estate, which sits within 6,000 acres of land near Worthing and has been in the family since 1743. To complement the farming side of the estate, 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 necessary pit stop 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.

Goodwood House & Estate

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.

Petworth House

WHERE TO STAY

West Sussex has a huge variety of historic country-house and boutique hotels. Some of our favourites include Cowdray House, The Pig in the South Downs, and Gravetye Manor.

COWDRAY HOUSE

Cowdray historic country house is set within a 16,000-acre estate with superb landscaped gardens. The 22 guest bedrooms are beautifully appointed, with breath-taking 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.

Cowdray House

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 guest’s disposal. Cowdray House is hired exclusively and is perfect for country-house parties and family celebrations.

THE PIG IN THE SOUTH DOWNS

The Pig in the South Downs is located in the tiny hamlet of Madehurst near Arundel. Rooms are set within an inviting manor house or in traditional brick, flint and timber-clad Sussex Stable Yard buildings. No two rooms are alike, but all have been beautifully restored in The Pig's eclectic style; a mishmash of velvets and linens, gem colours, free-standing bathtubs and heaps of rural charm. The restaurant serves a delicious menu, with ingredients fresh from the huge kitchen garden or within 25 miles, and accompanying views over the vineyard.

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.

Gravetye Manor

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.

Find out more

Sally Strange, Client Relationship Manager “West Sussex has long been one of my favourite 'go-to' places, because one brief day spent enjoying such a myriad of pleasures has the power to restore and rejuvenate. Exploring historic towns, glorious gardens or finding the perfect treasure in one of the many beautiful antique shops, confirms one's faith that ‘quintessential England’ really does still exist. And then, of course, if you can finish this brief escape with a glass of one of the finest examples of English sparkling wine, you really do feel as if you have experienced a little piece of paradise, and all in one precious small corner of England, called West Sussex.”

⬥ sally@dreamescape.co.uk

WORDS | SUZANNE JONES

IMAGES © NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/CHRIS LACEY / JOHN MILL / CHRIS ORANGE / PAUL JOHNSON