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Welcome ............................. 09
This wonderful county draws visitors back like a magnet year after year.
Great days out ................... 10 West Sussex offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
Don’t miss 18 Top things to do when visiting this picturesque region.
Shopping .............................. 20
Shopaholics will love it here for the eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, highstreet staples and quirky independents.
“ Wakehurst is home to the largest wildseed conservation project in the world” Days Out, P10 L Wakehurst. See p10
The Bluebell Railway. See p19
Discover breathtaking castles, stately homes and beautiful scenery
Welcome, visitor!
Whether it’s a weekend break to visit breathtaking castles or stately homes, days out with the children in the beautiful countryside or a taste sensation at a Michelin-starred eatery, West Sussex has got it all.
There’s no shortage of historic homes and gardens in West Sussex. Add to that ancient city cathedrals, Roman remains and reminders of the country’s thriving industrial past, and there’s enough to keep culture buffs happy for weeks! Highlights include Wakehurst, Ardingly; Nymans, Handcross; Arundel Castle and Petworth House and Park.
If it’s family fun you’re seeking, you’ll find it West Sussex. From adventure parks to beaches to nature reserves, there’s something to keep the kids happy, whatever their ages and interests.
Shoppers will rejoice in West Sussex. The region has a fiercely independent spirit, which
is reflected in the fabulous choice of locally run boutiques and Sussex produce. East Grinstead, Chichester, Arundel and Petworth are equally deserving of attention, as are many villages and rural towns throughout the county, from Steyning to Midhurst.
Foodies will be in their element here, too, as West Sussex is all about local produce. You’ll find it everywhere from seafood shacks to cute country pubs to plush Michelin-starred restaurants. Try Restaurant Interlude in Lower Beeding for Michelin-starred cuisine firmly focused on the local area. Or head to Camellia Restaurant at the luxurious South Lodge Hotel. It has three AA Rosettes and uses the finest Sussex produce in dishes such as butter-poached Dover sole and tartare of South Downs venison.
So whatever you do during your visit to the region, please enjoy – and come back soon! ■
Arundel Castle was established by Roger de Montgomery in the 11th century
This county offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
A wealth of adventures awaits in West Sussex. Whether you’re in the mood for seaside kitsch or unspoilt beaches, open countryside or manicured gardens, chocolate-box villages or grand historic houses, West Sussex has something to delight every visitor.
There’s certainly no shortage of historic homes and gardens in West Sussex. Add to that ancient city cathedrals, Roman remains and reminders of the country’s thriving industrial past, and there’s enough to keep culture buffs happy for weeks!
It’s easy to get your fill of romantic country gardens. West Sussex has more than its fair share, from enchanting St Mary’s House & Gardens in the village of Bramber to Kew
There’s no shortage of historic homes and gardens in West Sussex
Gardens’ 500 acres at Wakehurst, home to the largest wild-seed conservation project in the world – the Millennium Seed Bank.
Glorious gardens
Then there’s Nymans in Handcross, described as one of the National Trust’s ‘premier gardens’; Standen House and Garden, an Arts and Crafts home near East Grinstead; the Elizabethan Parham House and Gardens, in Pulborough; and Highdown Gardens, in Worthing – home to The National Plant Collection of the Plant Introductions of Sir Fredrick Stern.
Borde Hill Garden in Haywards Heath has an awe-inspiring Rose Garden, which
Wakehurst is home to the largest wild seed conservation project in the world – Millennium Seed Bank
features 750 David Austin Roses – a fantastic backdrop for a summer picnic. It’s also home to contemporary water fountain Aphrodite by figurative sculptor Brendon Murless. West Dean Gardens, near Chichester, meanwhile, is home to a collection of working Victorian glasshouses.
Founded in 1067, and almost completely rebuilt in the Gothic style in the late 19th century, Arundel Castle offers something for gardeners, history buffs and art lovers alike. There are themed gardens, including a renovated Victorian peach house and vinery; original features, such as the Norman keep, gatehouse and barbican; and an interior that includes paintings by Van Dyck and Gainsborough, among others. The castle runs events throughout the year, including re-enactments and its famous jousting tournaments each summer.
Nestled in the South Downs 12 miles north of Arundel is Petworth House and Park, a 17th-century mansion set within 700 acres landscaped by Capability Brown. It’s home to the finest paintings in the care of the National Trust, including many by JMW Turner, who spent long periods here.
Much more than a stately home, although worth a visit on that basis alone, Goodwood is also home to a racecourse, which hosts a world
famous five-day festival affectionately known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, as well as Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, a celebration of vintage vehicles and period fashion.
Cowdray Estate
Another venue worthy of a day visit is the Cowdray Estate, in Midhurst, home to Cowdray Park Polo Club. Members of the public can purchase tickets to watch a game during the season, which runs from April to September, the highlight of which is the fourweek-long King Power Gold Cup. The estate is also home to the ruins of Cowdray – a Tudor house visited by both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.
You’ll most probably need more than a day to check out everything that the county town of Chichester has to offer. For starters, there’s Chichester Cathedral, which was completed in 1108, and the Bishop’s Palace Gardens, which date back to 1147-48 and provide access to the city walls. Chichester is also home to the award-winning Pallant House Gallery, and The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre.
To find out what life was like for rural communities in days gone by, head to Weald & Downland Living Museum, in Singleton, l
Petworth House is home to the finest paintings int he care of the National Trust
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CINEMA
◊ Locally loved
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◊ State-of-the-art sound and projection
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The cinema for film lovers
East Grinstead Museum tells two intertwined stories: the fascinating history of East Grinstead town, its people, tools & trades, plus the incredible story of pioneer plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe and the 649 airmen who formed the famous Guinea Pig Club in World War Two.
Open 10am–4pm Wednesday, Thursday & Friday and by appointment for group tours & private events. Please call for weekend opening times. Staffed by volunteers.
Old Market Yard, Cantelupe Road East Grinstead RH19 3BJ 01342 302233 info@eastgrinsteadmuseum.org.uk
Amberley Museum has a narrow gauge railway and a printing workshop
near Chichester. The 40-acre open-air site is home to more than 50 historic rural buildings spanning 600 years, from a medieval shop to an Edwardian iron church. Visitors can watch demonstrations of domestic chores and traditional crafts, such as spinning and blacksmithing. The museum is also home to Lurgashall Watermill, one of a handful of West Sussex mills still in working order.
To find out more about the county’s industrial past, head to Amberley Museum, a 36-acre former chalk pit and lime works which has exhibits including a narrow-gauge railway, telecommunications and electricity halls and a printing workshop.
If you want to go really far back in time, you’ll be pleased to know that West Sussex has two Roman villas. Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens, in Chichester, is the largest Roman home in Britain and has impressive mosaic floors, underfloor heating systems, corridors and courtyards. You can stroll around the recreated Roman gardens – the earliest gardens found anywhere in the country – and take part in an interactive workshop.
Bignor Roman Villa is the stunning remains of a sprawling Roman courtyard villa, and a great place to learn some interesting history in a beautiful setting – the mosaic
Find out more about the industrial past of West Sussex at Amberley Museum
floors are particularly impressive.
If it’s family fun you’re seeking, you’ll find it right here in West Sussex. From adventure parks to beaches to nature reserves, there’s something to keep the kids happy, whatever their ages and interests.
West Sussex easily has its fair share of open farms and adventure parks. Tulleys Farm in Crawley has its own escape room and runs seasonal events including the Halloween-themed ‘Shocktober Fest’ and Christmas celebrations. Fishers Farm Park in Wisborough Green includes soft play, trampolines and jumping pillows, as well as pony rides and quad bikes. l
Arundel
Cathedral
The Cathedral Church for the Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton sits majestically, overlooking the ancient town of Arundel.
Henry, Fifteenth Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal was responsible for the commissioning of the present building in December 1868.
For opening hours, events and Mass times, see Cathedral website.
Arundel Cathedral • London Road • Arundel • West Sussex • BN18 9AY arundelcathedral.uk
KINGFISHER MEDIA PR0UDLY PRESENTS THE UK & IRELAND’S
Then, there’s Hotham Park, in Bognor Regis, which is home to an Alice in Wonderland sculpture trail, Hotham Park miniature railway, adventure golf, a playground and a boating lake.
Down in Littlehampton, scream your head off on the fairground rides at Harbour Park, or take things easier at the family amusements or adventure golf course. It’s a stone’s throw away from East Beach, where you can promenade alongside the UK’s longest bench – a 1,000-foot-long sculptural structure that rises, falls, twists and loop-the-loops its way along the seafront.
You can easily while away the hours along Worthing seafront, checking out the amusements and the award-winning pier. The town is also home to Worthing Museum & Art Gallery, which includes two art galleries, a sculpture garden and a permanent display of Regency and Victorian fashion.
For unspoilt coastline, head to Littlehampton’s West Beach, which is part of a nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It includes one of only three sanddune systems in the county.
From here, you could walk to Climping Beach, halfway between Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, also known for its shingle and sand dunes. And, if it’s sand you seek, then
For unspoilt coastline, head to Littlehampton’s West Beach, which is part of a nature reserve
West Wittering’s Blue Flag beach has it in (buckets and) spades.
Make the most of the coast and charter a boat for a pleasure ride or even a fishing trip.
Located at Chichester Marina, Emma Jayne Charters runs seal and sightseeing trips, while The Solar Heritage, run by Chichester Harbour Conservancy, has trips departing from the village of Itchenor on a solarpowered catamaran.
Wildlife lovers should head to one of the county’s many nature reserves. At Arundel Wetland Centre, you can take a boat safari through the reedbeds to catch a glimpse of a kingfisher or water vole, while RSPB l
At Littlehampton you can promenade along the country’s longest bench
Knepp, near Horsham, is a 3,500 acre rewilding project
Pulborough Brooks and Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve boast wetlands, woodland, salt marsh and mudflats.
Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve, near Chichester, features a grove of twisted and ancient yew trees that are among the oldest living things in Britain, while at Southwater Country Park, in Horsham, you may well come across lizards and nightingales.
Also near Horsham, Knepp is a rewilding project set in 3,500 acres. Set off on a vehiclebased safari or guided walking tour, and encounter herds of wild ponies, cattle, deer and pigs. You can even spend the night in one of the treehouses, shepherd huts, bell tents or yurts.
If you’ve a head for heights, then take a trip to Go Ape, based at Tilgate Park, in Crawley, and climb all the way across or take a helicopter tour at Goodwood Aerodrome, near Chichester.
Kids need wearing out? Head to Cobnor Activities Centre Trust, where they can learn to sail, kayak, abseil and more, or take things at a slower pace with a walk along the Chichester Ship Canal.
Alternatively, you could board one of Bluebell Railway’s steam trains and enjoy a civilised tour through the countryside as you sit back and reflect on all that wonderful West Sussex has to offer. Horsted Keynes
Set off on a vehiclebased safari or a guided walking tour at Knepp rewilding project
is a popular station and stop-off point that has been perfectly restored and retains the evocative atmosphere of a bygone era.
South Downs Light Railway runs through the grounds of Pulborough Garden Centre and out into the country. Steam-hauled trains run from March to September, but there are also special events throughout the year, such as the Christmas Experience in December. Get your tickets booked and hop on board!
From its historic country houses and Roman ruins to its wildlife reserves and funfilled coastal resorts, West Sussex is made for exploring. So take in the best culture, food and nature that the county has to offer! ■
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this inspirational county
1
Arundel Castle I
There are nearly 1,000 years of history at Arundel Castle, situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun and built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery on land granted to him by William the Conqueror. This ancient castle and stately home brings history to life at events held throughout its opening season. What’s more, visitors aren’t confined to the role of spectator, with
the opportunity to have a go at archery or artillery and interact with historical characters.
2
Explore Wakehurst
Wakehurst’s 500 acres in Ardingly include ornamental gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve. It is also home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild seed conservation project in the world. Visit the purpose-built facility to learn more about its important work.
3
Gardens & parkland
As if all that open countryside wasn’t enough, West Sussex has acres of beautiful gardens, from sprawling country estates such as Wakehurst in Ardingly; Sussex Prairies Wild, near Henfield (open August only in 2025); and Woolbeding Gardens in Midhurst. There are also a number of stately homes with gardens to explore, such as the National Trust-run Nymans or Petworth House and Park.
4
Eat local
Every county has its own culinary delights and discovering West Sussex’s makes for a tasty trip. It might not offer much in the way of regional dishes, but who needs pond pudding when you can enjoy locally produced sparkling wine, cheese, pies and even chocolate? Try lamb and game from the South Downs, mullet from the River Arun and Selsey prawns and crab, among other delicious options.
5
Beautiful countryside
What better way to enjoy the higher-than-average hours of sunshine than exploring the region’s countryside? West Sussex is the second most wooded county in the country after Surrey, covering about 19 per cent of the land, and over half the county is protected countryside.
6
Wildlife & nature
Wildlife lovers should head to one of the county’s many nature reserves. At Arundel Wetland Centre, you can take a boat safari through the reedbeds to catch a glimpse of a kingfisher or water vole, while RSPB Pulborough Brooks and Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve boast wetlands, woodland, salt marsh and mudflats. Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve, near Chichester, features a grove of twisted
and ancient yew trees that are among the oldest living things in Britain, while at Southwater Country Park, in Horsham, you may well come across lizards and nightingales.
7
The Bluebell Railway l
Hop aboard the Bluebell Railway and let the vintage steam engine guide you through 11 miles of glorious Sussex countryside. You’ll meet railway staff in period
clothing, see original working signal boxes, and step back in time as you board the vintage carriages. The four stations are preserved in different periods of history including Victorian, 1930s and 1950s..
8
Visit a vineyard I West Sussex, together with East Sussex, produces a quarter of English wine, so why not sample some of the best the UK has to offer? Among the producers offering vineyard tours and tastings are Bolney Wine Estate in Haywards Heath and Nyetimber in West Chiltington, which has Open Days and Chef’s Paired Dining Experiences throughout the year.
amusements, Littlehampton offers a traditional day beside the seaside, Worthing is a vibrant mix of old and new, and unspoilt, sandy beaches await you in the Witterings.
10
Spot some landmarks
West Sussex, together with East Sussex, produces a quarter of all English wine, so why not sample some the best the UK has to offer?
9
Sit back at the seaside
Whether you’re after kitsch, class or coastal isolation, West Sussex can provide. With its rides and
“What is this life if, full of care, / We have not time to stand and stare.” So wrote Welsh poet (and one-time East Grinstead resident) WH Davies. He wrote these famous lines long before he moved here but you should stand and stare at the beautiful landmarks, from the Ouse Valley Viaduct to Lancing College Chapel. ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love West Sussex for its eclectic mix of boho boutiques, high street staples and quirky independentss
From thriving rural high streets to bustling market towns to sprawling shopping malls, there are plenty of opportunities to fill your bags in West Sussex. Start your shopping odyssey in the lively city of Chichester, before branching out to boutiques, delis and markets at towns and villages across the county.
If you’re looking to make a day of it, then Chichester city centre, Horsham in the north of the county, and the seaside town of Worthing are all good options. They all have an excellent selection of brand-name retailers, alongside a healthy collection of independent boutiques.
If you’re looking to make a day of it, Chichester is a good option
Crawley’s County Mall Shopping Centre and its surrounding streets offer all the mainstream action you could ask for, with shops including JD Sports, River Island, Clarks Shoes and Primark, alongside fast-food dining favourites. Out-of-town shopping can be found at Acorn and County Oak Retail Parks on the A23, where you’ll find stores such as Next, TK Maxx and Currys.
For high street names in Horsham, head to Swan Walk Shopping Centre, which has the biggest concentration of big brands, including H&M, Sports Direct, FatFace, WHSmith,
Hobbs and Next. The town also has a John Lewis & Partners store on Albion Way.
If you’re a fan of a shopping bargain, head just over the West Sussex border to Gunwharf Quays, in Portsmouth. Home to over 90 shops including Ugg, The North Face, All Saints, Reiss and many more, the stores offer huge discounts on stock. There’s an array of bars, coffee shops and restaurants to tempt you after a hard day’s shopping, and, if that’s not enough, there’s also a Vue Cinema, Hollywood Bowl, a contemporary art gallery, nightclub and casino.
Chichester’s centre spreads out from the Market Cross (a 500-year-old monument) along North, East, West and South Streets. Here, independent bookshops and antiques stores can be found alongside household names such as Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, which has an ‘at Home’ shop located just off the A27, at Portfield Retail Park.
If you’re looking for high street fashion, then there’s no shortage of it, with names such as Jigsaw, Mint Velvet and FatFace trading along East Street.
It might not be able to compete with Brighton, but the seaside town of Worthing boasts nearly 400 retail stores, as well as a weekly market on Wednesdays on Montague Street. Worthing Town Centre Initiative is working to improve the visitor experience, and the shopping centre, now known as the Montague Quarter, is being repositioned as a dining destination. In the meantime, it still has a few shops such as TK Maxx.
For some serious retail therapy, head to Montague Street and South Street instead, where you’ll find all the big names, including Trespass, H&M, Waterstones, M&S and River Island. The Royal Arcade, a restored Edwardian shopping arcade, offers a charming shortcut from Montague Street to the seafront.
West Sussex has a fiercely independent spirit which is reflected in the fabulous choice of locally run boutiques and Sussex produce. East Grinstead, Chichester, Arundel and Petworth are equally deserving of attention, as are many villages and rural towns throughout the county, from Steyning to Midhurst.
Chichester is the county’s administrative capital and its only city. Its shopping centre is compact, pedestrianised, contained within Roman walls and overlooked by an 11thcentury cathedral. What’s not to love?
Independent offerings include Little London Boutique, on Little London, and All That Glitters, on North Street. For vintage clothing, head to Beyond the Fringe, in the Hornet, which is a great place for one-off,
original pieces. Stephen Lawrence has a ladieswear boutique on Magnus Court and menswear on St Martin’s Street. The familyrun company first opened in 1999, and it’s still going strong, with a range of stylish, timeless brands, as well as innovative new names for men and women.
More men’s fashion can be found in Hansfords, on South Street, founded in 1908 by Joscelyn Hansford, and now owned by his grandson, Matthew. Dartagnan Menswear on North Street is also a good bet.
For those unique finds, visit Draper’s Yard Market & Studios. Located in The Hornet, in a former pub garden, this ‘village’ of sheds houses independent businesses selling everything from hand-made jewellery to alpaca wool spun on the premises. There’s even a Test Shed, which offers start-ups the opportunity to rent retail space one day at a time.
More independent retailers put their wares on show at the city’s markets, held in North and East Street precincts on Wednesdays, and in the Cattle Market car park on Saturdays. l
L Draper’s Yard, Chichester j North Street, Chichester I County Mall shopping centre, Crawley
Bosham Walk is an Art & Crafts centre located in the heart of Bosham - a popular destination next to Chichester Harbour. We sell a variety of products from unique vendors through our central till system, including art, photography, ceramics, woodcraft, clothing, glass, homeware, jewellery, books and much more.
Search for the perfect gift, enjoy our café and ice cream shop, or get creative with pottery painting in our ceramics studio. Looking for a space to sell or create?
Contact us for pricing and more information via email at reception@boshamwalk.co.uk
www.boshamwalk.co.uk
Bosham, PO18 8HX
Bosham Walk @boshamwalk
Art & Crafts Centre
Horsham’s Food Rocks hold markets every Thursday, Friday and Saturday
A farmers’ market takes place on North Street and East Street every first and third Friday of the month.
Bosham Walk, just outside Chichester, is a wonderful place for families to wander around, with 13 unique craft shops and more than 100 arts and crafts sellers, plus a great café, ice cream and sweet shop. The Runnerduck is a delightful contemporary shop selling beautiful items for your home, while Miss Daisy has a stylish range of tunics, dresses, scarves, handbags, sweatshirts and jackets. For vintage finds, pop into Penny Baker Vintage, which has affordable vintage homewares, clothing and accessories.
Looking for some boutique shopping while you’re in Worthing? Hit Warwick Street, Rowlands Road and Portland Road. Rowlands Road has a great selection of antique dealers and art galleries, including Reginald Ballum, which sells vintage, classic, decorative and industrial pieces. Warwick Street is home to Emporium, which sells everything from pre-loved designer clothes to natural skincare and eclectic homeware, while you can dress head to toe at Bijou Boutique.
In Horsham town centre, The Carfax, together with West Street and East Street, is the key pedestrianised area, and takes its name from the Anglo-Saxon words ‘scear’ and ‘folkes’,
If food is your passion, you’re well served in Horsham. Food Rocks specialises in local produce
meaning ‘open space’ and ‘public’. It’s home to several specialist and independent shops and restaurants, including ladies’ clothing boutique Cuckoo and gift shop Vinegar Hill.
If food is your passion, you’re well served in Horsham. Food Rocks holds markets in The Carfax every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with stalls specialising in local produce and street food, as well as boutique shopping. The Carfax is also home to Crates Local Produce, which specialises in delicious local fare, including gin from Horsham’s Cabin Pressure Spirits. Even its coffee shop uses beans from Horsham Coffee Roaster.
For a truly out-of-the-ordinary, out-of-town shopping experience, head to Turners Hill, near Crawley, which is home to the intriguingsounding Pots and Pithoi. Here you’ll find a huge selection of Cretan terracotta pots, with over 120 designs in 240 sizes. We dare you l
East Grinstead’s historic High Street is a charming destination
to leave the county without one!
East Grinstead’s historic High Street is a charming shopping destination, with one of the longest continuous runs of 14th-century timber framed buildings in England. The conservation area is packed with independent retailers selling clothing, art, gifts and books. The East Grinstead Bookshop is a quintessential English bookshop filled to the rafters with wonderful books, new and secondhand. It’s also a thriving home for chess with a board always available for passing players.
At the other end of the fashion scale is Twelve Middle Row, which sells budget boutique-style clothing and accessories, while interiors enthusiasts should head to Tree Frog for quirky and contemporary one-off pieces for the home.
It’s also worth popping into East Grinstead Bookshop, a quintessential English book shop in a stunning Tudor house. The shop is packed to the rafters with wonderful books, both new and second hand, and you can refresh yourself at the café while browsing away the hours.
Petworth is the place to go for antiques, which is fitting given its centuries-old history. The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book and has held a street fair on 20th November since 1189. East Street is one of the main thoroughfares, home to Petworth Antiques
Market. With more than 40 antiques dealers all under one roof, the market sells everything from militaria to tapestries, with a good selection of lovely ceramics, textiles and smaller pieces of furniture.
Antiques aren’t all that Petworth has going on. Among its cobbled streets, you’ll find art galleries, fashion boutiques and home and interior specialists. Set in a Grade 2-listed Georgian townhouse and adjoining coach house on Pound Street, Augustus Brandt sells antiques and bespoke furniture from more than 17 rooms. The 7,500 sq ft retail space also includes a shop stocking homeware, giftware, toys and even pet accessories.
Oakapple Trading Company, in Golden Square, also specialises in homeware, with three floors of products by British brands, such as Cornishware, Bronte by Moon and Burgon & Ball. Another independent retailer is Twenty, on East Street, which sells a plethora of high-end women’s fashion brands. If your home is in need of some TLC, check out Tallulah Fox, which specialises in gorgeous home accessories and hand-painted furniture.
The BBC’s Foyle’s War was filmed in this market town, distinguished by the yellow window frames and doors of many of its cottages. Take a stroll along West Street, Red Lion Street, Church Hill, Knockhundred
Row and North Street to bag some beauties at a diverse mix of independent retailers. Me & Maya offers a range of beautifully made clothes, designed by its owner Lalita, who has a passion for beautiful fabrics and fashion.
Start your bargain hunting on Arundel’s High Street, home to Arundel Bridge Antiques, where over 40 traders sell antiques and collectables over two floors. Just around the corner is The Old Print Works Shopping Arcade, originally built in the 1850s as the town’s printing press, where you can pick up original prints and paintings, vintage vinyl, jewellery, handbags and more. Retro is a theme here, with vintage-style apparel at RetroEsque; classic and collectable vinyl records and CDs at A Ray of Delight; and ethical skincare at Officially Organic.
If you’re in the market for some fine food, Arundel won’t disappoint. The Fairtrade town hosts a farmers’ market on the third Saturday of each month and is home to plenty of foodie businesses, including Pallant of Arundel, located at the foot of the High Street. Its owners champion smaller producers including local suppliers such as Sussex High Weald Dairy in Horsted Keynes and Arundel Brewery.
Steyning’s High Street packs a lot into a small space. The Little Sweet Shop boasts 300 jars of confectionery, and also sells beautiful
boxes of handmade chocolates. Kids will love climbing on the big red wooden book train which sits at the centre of the children’s section in Steyning Bookshop. It also sells a wide range of new fiction and non-fiction, as well as localinterest books, maps and guides, stationery, cards and book-related toys and gifts. The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson is a Steyning resident, so if you’re looking for gifts for young children, why not pick up a signed copy?
More shops are waiting to be found off the high street at Cobblestone Walk, a quaint and compact shopping arcade home to more than 25 shops and a quirky 16th-century tea house.
If you’re in the area, then Shoreham Art Gallery, run by a collective of 23 artists, is worth a look. The gallery exhibits a diverse range of work, from oil and watercolour paintings to handbags and hand-made books, all priced by the artists themselves. The town is also home to Tarmount Studios vintage emporium, which sells pre-loved furniture and clothing, antiques, art and locally designed clothing.
Quirky vintage shops, independent boutiques and gourmet goodies abound in West Sussex, and it’s a pleasure wandering the country’s pretty high streets and quaint villages to find them. High street more your thing? Take your pick from numerous modern shopping malls. ■
Petworth is the place to go for antiques
EATING OUT
West Sussex is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
Try Restuarant Interlude in Lower Beeding for Michelin-starred cuisine
West Sussex is rightly proud of its quality regional produce, whether that’s Sussex beef or game, seafood landed by local fishermen, high quality wine from sun-kissed vineyards or cheese, fruit and vegetables from the county’s farms. You’ll find it everywhere from seafood shacks to cute country pubs to plush Michelin-starred restaurants.
Elegant eating experiences are
aplenty in West Sussex. ‘Local’ is the watchword on many menus, which offer lamb and game from the South Downs, mullet from the River Arun, Selsey prawns and crab, among many other delights.
The county’s sparkling wines rival French champagnes, and it even produces a Parmesan-style cheese. (It also gave us Shippam’s pastes – now Princes, and still produced in Chichester – but we’ll
gloss over that!).
Horsham has a few excellent fine dining options set in the surrounding countryside. Try Restaurant Interlude in Lower Beeding for Michelin-starred cuisine firmly focused on the local area. Or head to Camellia Restaurant at the luxurious South Lodge Hotel. It has three AA Rosettes and uses the finest Sussex produce in dishes such as butter-
poached Dover sole and tartare of South Downs venison.
Further fine dining adventures can be had at Mannings Heath Golf Club & Wine Estate, where Nick McAllister serves high-quality, creative dishes with a personal touch at the Vineyard Kitchen Restaurant.
To sample award-winning menus head to AG’s Restaurant at Alexander House Hotel in Turners Hill, which has three AA Rosettes. Or make for the nearby village of West Hoathly, where you’ll find Gravetye Manor’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
A short drive away, in Cuckfield, is Ockenden Manor, where the food is described as ‘French-influenced’, but the ingredients come from closer to home – check out the foodprovenance map on its website for an idea of what you can expect.
Arundel
Over in Arundel is The Parsons Table, which won Sussex Eating Experience of the Year 2019. Run by Lee and Liz Parsons, who between them have worked at Claridge’s, Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons and The Savoy, the focus is on local, seasonal ingredients and classic cooking served in an informal setting. Try the breast of partridge with game pie.
Dine in style at the restaurant at Amberley Castle, a luxury hotel located six miles north of Arundel. At the Queen’s Room Restaurant, you can sit under a 12th-century barrel-vaulted ceiling and choose from an à la carte or seven-course tasting menu. You’ll be in good company here – Henry VIII was a visitor, and, in 1945, so too was a young Queen Elizabeth II. In Hassocks, David Lloyd Wickwoods serves delicious food, smoothies and award-winning coffee from Our Clubroom (previously The Glasshouse Restaurant).
To the south of Midhurst lies Goodwood House. Its central clubhouse, The Kennels, is for members and guests only, but you can sample some of the Goodwood glamour at its Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant. Located just yards from Goodwood, customers travel further than their food at this restaurant. All
West Sussex is proud of its produce, whether that’s beef or game, seafood & wine, or cheese, fruit & vegetables from the county’s farms
meat is from animals born and bred on the estate and the estate’s butcher is directly involved in designing the dishes according to the cuts available.
At Lower Beeding, you’ll find The Crabtree, where the emphasis is on local ingredients, including beef and cider from nearby Trenchmore Farm and fish and seafood pulled from the English Channel at Shoreham.
For pub dining with a sprinkling of celebrity stardust, The Half Moon, in Kirdford is an excellent choice. It’s owned by supermodel, TV presenter and Celebrity MasterChef runner-up Jodie Kidd, and its seasonal menu makes the best of local produce such as partridge from Cowdray Park and Selsey crab. Little wonder that it’s been awarded two AA Rosettes.
Selective and seasonal is the mantra of The Horse Guards Inn. The 350-year-old pub on the western edge of Petworth House and Park serves vegetables from its own garden and eggs from its chickens. A brief detour north to Lickfold will take you to The Three Horseshoes. Set in a charming 16th-century building, it serves top-notch organic and locally sourced food that is far superior to the average pub grub.
Lurgashall
The village of Lurgashall isn’t just picturesque – it’s also home to the outstanding Noah’s Ark Inn, a 16th-century pub overlooking the village green. If you like your food locally sourced, you can’t do much better than this. Ingredients come from within a 50-mile radius wherever possible – eggs come from the owners’ own flock of hens, and the pub’s vegetable garden provides heritage tomatoes, beans, garlic and herbs. In the summer months, you can watch the locals playing cricket or catch the Pantiles Players’ latest production in the pub’s garden.
Over in Henley, fab pub food can be yours at The Duke of Cumberland Arms, a 16th-century inn perched on the side of a hill, with stunning views of the South Downs. A favourite of food critic Giles Coren, it has a cosy bar, modern dining area and garden ponds alive with fresh trout. Does it keep things local? It sure does. l
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Crab & Lobster’s dishes include Selsey crab thermidor and tandoori-spiced monkfish
The menu features locally foraged mushrooms and vegetables from the pub’s own garden, not to mention diver-caught scallops from Sussex waters, sausages from Midhurst and beer from Langham Brewery in Lodsworth.
The Fox Goes Free near Goodwood offers pub favourites such as fish pie, alongside an à la carte menu. It has a long history – William of Orange was a regular visitor, and it even featured in an episode of Doctor Who.
The South Downs
Just outside Arundel is The Pig –in the South Downs. The Grade 2-listed lodge opened in September 2021, and is part of Pig group, which includes venues in Hampshire, Devon and Dorset. It features the largest kitchen garden in the group, so you can expect homegrown produce, and it even has its own vineyard, with 4,000 vines of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Laid-back eateries and markets are commonplace in West Sussex – good news if you prefer to keep things simple. So get out there and enjoy all the tasty treats on offer, whether you’re sampling street food at a market or eating fresh fish on the beach.
Top choices in Chichester for a delicious, unstuffy meal out include The Fat Fig, which mixes Mediterranean flavours with the comforts of an English kitchen; and Purchases bar and restaurant, l
L The Crabtree, Horsham I The Crab & Lobster, Sidlesham
where you can enjoy dishes such as beef wellington and rabbit saddle, alongside artwork on loan by Pallant House Gallery.
Cassons Restaurant, in Tangmere, on the outskirts of the city, offers innovative cuisine at great prices, including some excellent-value set and tasting menus. In nearby Emsworth, 36 On The Quay also offers exquisite tasting menus in its intimate restaurant which affords spectacular harbour views. Expect high-quality, contemporary dishes with fine attention to detail, and a wine list to boot.
At Chichester Harbour, waterside venues include the Crown & Anchor, at Dell Quay. The pub specialises in seafood, with a daily menu dictated by that morning’s catch. In Sidlesham, four miles south of Chichester, you’ll find Crab & Lobster. Nestled on the banks of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, its dishes include Selsey crab thermidor and tandoori-spiced monkfish. You certainly won’t be short of fish and seafood eateries along the coast, from the Witterings to Shoreham-by-Sea. In Bracklesham Bay, Billy’s on the Beach offers views of the Isle of Wight, alongside dishes such as freshly dressed crab and a glass of prawns.
Littlehampton
In Littlehampton, East Beach Café pulls in the crowds thanks to its award-winning architecture, designed by 2012 Olympic Cauldron architect Thomas Heatherwick to resemble a piece of weatherworn driftwood. Other dining options in the town include 47 Mussel Row – try its salmon, smoked on the premises – and The Fish Factory, an unpretentious and informal restaurant, where you can choose how your fish is cooked (beerbattered, grilled, steamed or coated in matzo meal).
The Fish Factory has a sister restaurant in Worthing, but it’s not the only seafood option in the town. CrabShack is a laidback restaurant and bar overlooking the sea. Stop off for an old school prawn cocktail, a Sicilian fish stew or something
similar from its daily changing menu. Also located on the front is The Beach House. Enjoy a burger and a pint of beer from Arundel Brewery, or head to its sister venue, The Corner House, where you can get your chops around pub favourites, such as homemade steak and ale pie.
Shoreham-by-Sea
The last stop on the coast is Shoreham-by-Sea, where options include Into the Blue Restaurant. This seafood and steak restaurant has a daily specials board, as well as a regular menu serving classics, such as Dover sole meunière.
If you’ve got meat on the brain, make sure to try Steakist Bistro and Grill, in Arundel, a stylish new eatery where prime cuts of beef, tuna or chicken are seared to perfection on a sizzling robata grill, and served with a signature sauce and crunchy fries.
Fill your face with tasty goodies from around the globe at Horsham Carfax Local Market, which takes place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There’s everything from authentic Slovak food at DJ’s Spot, to Asian fusion at BinchoVan to plant-based Syrian eats at The Syrian Kitchen. Cakes, artisan breads and cheeses are also available.
In East Grinstead, La Farola has been serving Spanish dishes to the town’s residents for more than 30 years. Order from the restaurant à la carte menu or enjoy an authentic nibble at its traditional tapas bar. You can get a mean burger at London Rd. Bar & Grill, or a juicy T-bone steak washed down with a classic cocktail at Italian-inspired Dom Domingo Steakhouse.
Another option is Basmati Indian Restaurant in Petworth. Located in the former wine cellars of a 13thcentury hotel, the restaurant rooms were once part of a network of l
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tunnels leading to Petworth House and Park.
Looking for the comfort of familiar food? You’ll find all the top chains in West Sussex. Horsham has a great selection of large chain restaurants, including Bill’s, Côte Brasserie, Pizza Express and Wagamama, as well as smaller ones such as Smith & Western and Giggling Squid.
To the south of the county, the city of Chichester has multiple options for diners, including chains such as Raymond Blanc’s venture, Brasserie Blanc. Once you’re done tasting the local vintages at Bolney Wine Estate, settle down in the airy Eighteen Acre Restaurant. It’s open during the day for a tasty breakfast, light bites and delicious lunches.
Petworth
Onwards to Petworth, where you can get stuck into bread, pastries, cakes and sourdough pizza at The Hungry Guest, an award-winning café and food shop owned by Danish-born master baker Troels Bendix. Its sister pub with rooms, The Angel Inn, offers all-day dining, with a seasonal menu featuring local produce.
If plant-based is your jam, there’s a growing number of top veggie and vegan options. Sage Vegan Café, in Crawley, offers tasty vegan and gluten-free breakfasts, burgers and healthy salads. In Chichester, Café Paradiso is the only strictly vegetarian restaurant in town, specialising in homemade and freshly prepared hot lunches, soups, salads, cakes and pastries.
For a traditional afternoon tea, head to Joanna’s Boutique Tearoom, which offers a fabulous range of mouth-watering patisseries and dainty sandwiches alongside delicate homemade warm sausage rolls, ham hock terrine and Welsh rarebit, all served on a traditional tiered stand.
From sampling fresh seafood on the beach to wining and dining in some of the country’s swishest restaurants, the foodie scene in West Sussex has something for everyone. Your only difficulty will be deciding where to eat! ■
L CrabShack, Worthing I The Horse Guards Inn, Petworth
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to West Sussex
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Spend the morning exploring a small part of the South Downs. The Levin Down walk is a 2.75-mile circular trail from Singleton passing through the hillside nature reserve, with its views of the Trundle – an Iron Age hillfort – and Goodwood Racecourse. The walk takes 90 minutes to complete – more if you take a brief detour at Charlton and stop off for a pint at The Fox Goes Free, a 400-year-old pub and the site of the first Women’s Institute meeting in England in 1915.
From Singleton, head four miles south to Goodwood’s Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant, which has a selection of delicious small plates to tempt your taste buds. Located just yards from Goodwood Home Farm, customers travel further than their food at this restaurant, where the estate’s butcher is directly involved in designing the dishes according to the cuts available.
Travel four miles south to Chichester and spend the afternoon at Pallant House Gallery. Described as ‘a collection of collections’, the gallery was formed when the then Dean of Chichester Cathedral, Walter Hussey, gifted his private art collection to the city. Since then, the gallery has attracted the interest of other benefactors, leading to the opening of a new wing in 2006. It contains an extensive collection of British Modern Art, including pieces by Sir Henry Moore, John Piper and Graham Sutherland, and also has a rolling programme of exhibitions.
Enjoy a pre-theatre dinner at Brasserie Blanc, which has wellpriced two- and three-course menus available 12pm-6pm on weekdays,
before heading to Chichester Festival Theatre for one of its latest productions.
DAY TWO
Head west out of the city to the coastal village of Bosham. It was from here that Harold, last king of the Saxon English, sailed for Normandy in 1064 and it even features in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Canute was said to have lived in Bosham and legend has it that it was on Quay Meadow that he commanded the waves to retreat. Visit the Saxon Holy Trinity Church where his daughter is thought to be buried and enjoy the views of Chichester Harbour and its wildlife.
Linger a little longer in Bosham for lunch with a view at The Anchor Bleu. The 300-year-old pub has a harbourside patio area, as well as a cosy bar and dining rooms within.
Sixteen miles east of Bosham
Pallant House Gallery has been described as ‘a collection of collections’
lies Arundel, the last calling point on this whistle-stop tour of West Sussex. Spend the afternoon at the majestic Arundel Castle, visiting its Norman keep, gatehouse and barbican, viewing its art collection and exploring its themed gardens.
Book dinner at The Parsons Table. Owners Lee and Liz Parsons met at Claridge’s Hotel, London, but their own venture offers a more informal dining experience. Enjoy locally-sourced fish or South Downs lamb and a glass of Nutty Brut from Nutbourne Vineyards. ■
Pallant House Gallery, Chichester
Culture vultures assemble! This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
When it comes to arts and culture, West Sussex can boast a flagship regional theatre, the largest single collection of Turner oil paintings outside Tate Britain, and a landscape that has inspired artists and writers including William Blake, Jane Austen and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
If live performance is your passion, you’ll be more than happy in West Sussex, where there’s a thriving calendar of live music, theatre and festivals throughout the year, including for book lovers. Literature buffs can take things further following literary trails and
visiting the landscapes that inspired so many of the country’s greats.
When it comes to culture in West Sussex, Chichester is the leading lady! Home to Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT), Pallant House Gallery and arts festivals and events throughout the year, it’s the place to go if you want to soak up some art and theatre.
When it opened in July 1962, CFT revolutionised performance. Its thrust stage, in which the auditorium is arranged around the stage, was the first in Britain for over 450 years. The first season, under inaugural
artistic director Sir Laurence Olivier, attracted national attention, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attended a charity performance of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya that same month. It was here, too, that the first National Theatre Company was formed under Sir Laurence.
It’s the CFT’s annual festival that attracts the most international attention. It takes place from late spring to early autumn and includes world premieres staged at its smaller studio theatre, The Minerva Theatre, and outdoor events on and
Dominic Marsh and the company of Me And My Girl a Chichester Festival Theatre. Opposite page: Chichester International Film Festival
around Oaklands Park.
If it’s festivals and events you’re looking for, Chichester has a packed calendar including Chichester Open Studios in May, when you can visit the studios and homes of over 150 local artists. June and July bring art, music, theatre and cinema to the city with The Festival of Chichester, while Chichester International Film Festival takes place in August across multiple venues, launching with open-air screenings at Priory Park.
Chichester isn’t the only haunt for cultured types. You’ll find festivals and events across the county.
Petworth is home to the Petworth Festival, a two-week summer celebration of music and the arts, and the town also hosts a week-long literary festival in the autumn.
Arundel Festival of the Arts takes place in August, the Henfield Festival of Gardens & Art takes place June is a chance to see local artwork and performances by resident musicians, while the next biennial Steyning Festival will take place in 2026. Others include Bognor Regis’ South Downs Folk
Chichester International Film Festival takes place in August
Festival in September, Cuckfield BookFest in October, and the Sussex Art Fair at Goodwood, which features thousands of pieces from galleries, collectives and independent artists, displayed over three days in May.
Writers inspired by West Sussex include Oscar Wilde, who wrote The Importance of Being Earnest while on holiday in Worthing in 1894; Philip Larkin whose poem An Arundel Tomb was inspired by Chichester Cathedral’s 14th-century table tomb; and William Blake, who wrote his epic poem Milton, the preface of which was later adopted for the hymn “Jerusalem”, while
living in Felpham.
Pizza Express in Worthing may not seem like a place for literary inspiration, but Stanford Cottage, where the restaurant is housed, once played host to Jane Austen! Austen took up temporary residence here in 1805 – and she later drew on the experience for her final but unfinished novel Sanditon, the story of an up-and-coming seaside resort in Sussex.
While you’re in the region you could pull on your hiking boots and hit some or all of the West Sussex Literary Trail, a 55-mile walk linking Horsham with Chichester with highlights including Bury House, the final home of novelist and playwright John Galsworthy; Field Place, near Horsham, the birthplace of Shelley; and Chichester, where the poet John Keats began to write The Eve of St Agnes early in 1819, one of his bestknown poems.
Love browsing a gallery or two? You’ll be kept busy in West Sussex. You’ll find everything from galleries specialising in modern l
Photograph by Taran Wilkhu for Pallant House Gallery Registered Charity No: 1102435.
Pallant House Gallery, Chichester
and contemporary art, to classic oil paintings displayed at historic country homes. There’s plenty enough to feed your soul!
Art buffs are in for a treat in Chichester. You’ll find some of the best modern art collections in the UK at Pallant House Gallery, including works by Sir Henry Moore, John Piper, Graham Sutherland, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.
Dean of Chichester Cathedral from 1955 to 1977, Walter Hussey was a big fan of modern art, and thanks to his influence there are many modern works to be found amongst the cathedral’s ancient features. Commissions during his time included Graham Sutherland’s Noli me Tangere; a stained-glass window by Marc Chagall, based on Psalm 150; and the John Piper Tapestry. Hussey died in 1985, bequeathing his private collection of modern British art to the city to form the basis of Pallant House Gallery. Subsequent commissions
by the cathedral include Christ in Judgement by West Sussex resident Philip Jackson, whose statue of St Richard can be seen outside.
If you’re here for the classics, never fear! There are older artworks too, such as 16th-century paintings by English Renaissance artist Lambert Barnard, and the Chichester Reliefs – two carved stone panels illustrating the story of Lazarus, dating from the early 12th century.
Delve into history further at Fishbourne Roman Palace, the largest Roman home in Britain, where you can stroll around the recreated Roman gardens – the earliest gardens found anywhere in the country – and enjoy the largest collection of mosaics in situ in the UK.
Horsham Museum and Art Gallery has more than 26 exhibitions in its medieval timberframed building, including one dedicated to the Warnham-born poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and his novelist wife, Mary.
The gallery opened in 2010 and features a collection of watercolours and etchings by Dr Geoffrey Sparrow, as well as works by Raoul Millais, best known for his equestrian paintings and his Spanish artworks from his time spent with Ernest Hemmingway.
Worthing Museum and Art Gallery’s highlights include a lovely sculpture garden, with works by John Skelton and Philip Jackson, and the third largest costume collection in the country (Queen Victoria’s underwear is among the 30,000 pieces).
You don’t have to go to a gallery to check out world-class art. Visit one of the county’s historic houses and you’ll see beautiful pieces from a host of famous names. Visitors to Arundel Castle can view paintings by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Canaletto; while Goodwood House has paintings by Van Dyck, Canaletto and Lely. Parham House displays portraits of notable Elizabethans, such as Henry l
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Gallery 57, Arundel
Frederick, Prince of Wales, painted by Robert Peake.
It’s said that Petworth House and Park is home to the finest art collection in the care of the National Trust, and it’s easy to see why. Its impressive display includes major works by Van Dyck and Titian, and three paintings by William Blake, but it’s best known for its association with Turner, who spent long periods at the mansion under the patronage of Lord Egremont. There are 20 of his oil paintings here – the largest collection outside of the Tate. Also in Petworth is Newlands House, an 18th-century townhouse whose galleries focus on the great artists of the 20th century.
Petworth wasn’t the only place in the county to inspire Turner – stand on Hunston Bridge and look towards Chichester for the view he painted of the Chichester Ship Canal against the backdrop of Chichester Cathedral and the South Downs in 1828.
It’s not all ancient relics in West Sussex, you’ll also find an abundance
Gallery 57 shows themed exhibitions of 2D & 3D artworks throughout the year
of inspiring contemporary art, and Arundel is a great place to start. Arundel Contemporary represents established and up-and-coming artists, while Gallery 57 is a contemporary art gallery showing painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, 3D mixed media and jewellery in themed exhibitions throughout the year.
Petworth has a great selection of independent and contemporary galleries too, such as Forest Gallery and Rountree Tryon Galleries, which also has a branch in Mayfair. Kevis House Gallery sells contemporary paintings, prints and drawings, as
well as staging regular exhibitions.
More contemporary art and sculpture awaits at the MoncrieffBray Gallery in Egdean, which curates painting and sculpture exhibitions each year in the converted barn and surrounding three acres of landscaped gardens, as well as viewings by appointment at other times. Recent exhibitions have included works by David Humphreys, Ann Oram, Lucy Marks and Diana Tonnison.
If the county’s art offering has inspired you to get creative, then you could always book one of the short courses on offer at Chichester’s West Dean College of Arts and Conservation – the former home of poet, artist, designer and patron of the Surrealist Movement, Edward James.
From its historic country houses to its fascinating museums to its lively programme of music, theatre and festivals, West Sussex is simply overflowing with art and culture – so dive in and get exploring! ■
The night-time economy in West Sussex is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
After dark
The fun doesn’t stop in West Sussex once the sun goes down. Head out in the evening to discover a thriving nightlife scene including quirky micropubs, banging nightclubs and live music venues showcasing the latest hot bands. A night out in this cultured and creative county is never boring!
A pub or bar is never far away in West Sussex, whether you’re seeking a quiet pint or a footie match on TV. The county is dotted with drinking holes, both rural and urban, and they’re a great place to chat with some locals, take part in a pub quiz
or even check out an open-mic night.
Soak up the traditional pub atmosphere and local ales at The Stand Up Inn, in Lindfield, and sample their excellent Thai menu. For a fun night out try to make it for one of their live music and quiz nights. Over in Horsham, The Malt Shovel hosts regular livemusic events showcasing original live music, as well as its monthly Hangover Sessions on a Sunday.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to drinking in Worthing. The first micropub in Sussex, Anchored offers a regularly changing selection
of ales from Sussex microbreweries, as well as Sussex ciders and wine.
In Worthing, Green Man Ale & Cider House, a former café turned micropub, typically offers five ales plus a handful of ciders and locally sourced biltong. Bar Next Door is known for its friendly vibe and fun weekend nights, while The Brooksteed alehouse is a small and friendly boozer specialising in real ale, craft beer and cider.
The Fountain is one of the oldest public houses in the city, having opened its doors in 1798. The pub is built against the Roman city wall,
The county is full of options for the craft beer lover, such as The Norfolk Tap in Arundel. Opposite page: The Fountain, Worthing
which is visible in the restaurant, and was once run by HG Wells’ grandparents. It’s also said to be haunted by ghosts of a man, a dog and a Roman soldier – spooky!
Even older is the Chichester Inn, a Grade 2-listed pub dating from 1785. The pub hosts local, regional and international artists, playing everything from rock to world music in its entertainment bar.
Real ales (not to mention more than 50 different types of gin) are served up with live music at The Egremont. Hailed as Worthing’s most comfortable pub, it plays host to local bands and tribute acts each week, as does the Rose & Crown, which has a quirky courtyard garden to enjoy in warm weather.
Meanwhile, The Alexandra has something for everyone, with Sky and BT Sports on multiple screens, traditional pub games, and regular live music and karaoke nights.
Along the coast, in Bognor Regis, The Hothampton Arms hums with live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and has regular openmic and quiz nights.
The Fountain is said to be haunted by the ghosts of a man, a dog and a Roman soldier
In Shoreham-by-Sea, musicians perform every Friday and Saturday night at The Duke of Wellington, which also hosts regular music events such as ‘Dirty Shoes’ for rock fans and ‘Strange Brew’ for those into classic 60s and 70s tunes.
A short walk from the cathedral and castle, the pub offers great food and one of the best ranges of drinks in the region, including a varied selection of new and oldworld wines.
For a more sedate evening, why not head to one of West Sussex’s many country pubs for a few quiet drinks out in the garden or by the fire? Some of the stand-out options include The Horse Guards Inn near Petworth, The Noah’s Ark Inn at Lurgashall, The Bridge Inn at Amberley, and The George at Burpham, near Arundel.
If you favour a different type of tipple, head to Piries Bar in Horsham. This 16th-century oak-beamed bar stocks more than 30 different types of gin, serves fantastic cocktails and holds regular events such as karaoke nights and
Prosecco nights.
Horsham’s offerings include Mungo’s Bar, a late-night cocktail bar with resident DJs playing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, while Chichester is home to Smith & Western, a bar serving frozen margaritas and American BBQ from an historic train shed.
Worthing’s Escape Bar & Grill is a waterfront venue offering live music and DJs on what is the town’s largest terrace bar. At Rocking Horse cocktail bar, also in Worthing, not only can you enjoy expertly mixed cocktails, you can also learn how to make them yourself at one of their masterclasses.
If whiskey is your spirit of choice, The Whisk(e)y Rooms has a dedicated menu showcasing an everchanging selection of world whiskies. They also have an excellent choice of whiskey-based cocktails – and those based around other spirits too!
Spend the evening listening to a hot new band, laugh yourself silly at a comedy club or expand your
West Sussex’s theatre options are dynamic and diverse
mind with some highbrow theatre. Whatever form of entertainment you’re into it’s alive and kicking in West Sussex.
You may be far from the bright lights of London’s West End, but West Sussex’s regional theatres and arts centres offer entertainment that’s dynamic and diverse. Varied programmes throughout the year include drama and dance, music and musicals, film and talks.
As well as its main auditorium, The Capitol, in Horsham, has two cinema screens and a studio theatre, which puts on Sunday night comedy once a month. The Hawth Theatre, in Crawley, has a main theatre and
a studio showing contemporary theatre, dance, music and cinema, while outdoor performances are held in its amphitheatre during the summer months. Worthing Theatres encompasses Connaught Theatre, Pavilion Theatre and Assembly Hall, where you can catch a range of performances, from touring plays to panto and comedy.
The Regis Centre and Alexandra Theatre is a community-run venue in Bognor Regis (currently being renovated and set to reopen in 2026), as is Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea, a multi-awardwinning, purpose-built arts venue that offers a diverse programme of music, theatre, comedy and film.
For a high-brow evening, head to Chichester Festival Theatre. Its annual festival of original productions runs from April to November, but, outside of these months, you can catch touring productions, as well as musicians and comedians.
If it’s a giggle you’re after, there’s
For a high-brow evening, head to Chichester Festival Theatre
plenty of comedy on the bill at the county’s arts centres. Or you could make your way to a dedicated club such as Crawley Comedy Club or the Laughing George Comedy Club in Bognor Regis.
If you’re seriously into your jazz, Chichester Jazz Club runs a 10-month programme of live music from September to June, spanning a wide range of styles. Non-members are welcome, so why not enjoy an evening at one of its candlelit tables? Are alternative vibes more your thing? Head to Arundel Jailhouse, which transforms into an underground club at night, hosting live music, comedy and theatre. Relax in one of the cell booths at its monthly jazz club, comedy night or 80s disco. The club also organises murder-mystery dinners and music nights from its very own Jailhouse Blues Band.
Another great spot for live music in Arundel is The Red Lion. People come from miles around to enjoy the eclectic mix of talent that performs
there, with live bands, acoustic acts, an open-mic night and a blues night.
If you love a good festival, there are loads that take place in West Sussex, and most have top evening offerings. In June, Glastonwick, billed as ‘the beer festival with good music, the music festival with good beer’, is held in a rural location in Coombes, north of Lancing College, with shuttle buses running from Shoreham. Founded by local punk poet and musician Attila the Stockbroker, aka John Baine, its line-up includes punk, ska, punk-folk and poetry. Also in June, Goodwood’s Three Friday Nights combines horse racing, live music and dancing.
Other festivals worth a visit if you’re in the area in summer include July’s Petworth Festival, which highlights classical, jazz and world music; Arundel Festival of the Arts, ten days of music, art and theatre that takes place each August; Chichester International Film Festival; and Sussex Gin Fest,
in Haywards Heath.
Other events in the calendar are the South Downs Folk Festival, in Bognor Regis, in September, which encompasses music, dance and a real ale festival; and Worthing Beer and Cider Festival, in October. If you’re in Worthing in spring, hit the Oktoberfest, which features German beers, food stalls and DJs on the decks.
If you love some sporting fun on a night out, there are bowling alleys in Chichester, Crawley, Horsham and Worthing, or, for something completely different, head to Fontwell Park Racecourse, in Arundel, where you can have a little flutter at one of the evening race meetings. Should you win, the drinks are on you!
There’s just as much to entertain you after dark in West Sussex as there is during the day. Especially if you’re into festivals, theatre or just having a quiet drink in the pub. So get out there and enjoy – there’s plenty of fun waiting for you! ■
South Downs Music Festival
Although West Sussex has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
Bordered by Hampshire, Surrey and East Sussex, and within commuting distance of London, West Sussex is a good base from which to explore much of South East England. London, with all its offerings, from historical landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, to newer ones such as the London Eye and The Shard, is just a train ride away. Even closer, but a world away in terms of its vibe, is Brighton and Hove, with its quirky independent shops, cafés and bars in North Laine and The Lanes and the exotic-looking Brighton Pavilion.
There is plenty to see and do in the city: Brighton Pier, Sea Life Brighton, the Brighton i360 observation tower and Brighton Marina are among the attractions. Enjoy a daytime stroll along the seafront and stay on for the pubs, clubs and alternative nightlife at venues such as Komedia.
Sussex may have been divided for administrative reasons but the two counties have distinct identities, so it’s worth a visit to its easterly neighbour. Attractions include The Bluebell Railway, which starts at Sheffield Park and crosses the county border to East Grinstead; Ashdown Forest, the inspiration behind the tales of Winnie the Pooh; the beautiful ruins of Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge; and opera at Glyndebourne, near Lewes.
Another historic attraction worth a visit in East Sussex is Herstmonceux Castle Estate where you can explore 300 acres of themed gardens and managed woodland.
There is plenty to see and do in Brighton; the Pier & Marina are popular attractions
For those travelling with children, Drusillas Park, near Alfriston, with its zoo and other attractions is a good option, while walkers should head to the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs: one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the South Coast. The National Trust looks after the site and has a visitors’ centre at Birling Gap, from where you can begin a coastal walk.
This is also 1066 country and visitors to this English Heritage site at Battle can stand on the very spot where the armies of King Harold and William the Conqueror
clashed and explore the ruins of Battle Abbey – built by William as a penance for the loss of life incurred in the conflict.
Nearby Hastings has a wellpreserved Old Town, with architectural gems including a yellow-painted, three-cornered cottage known as Piece of Cheese and the fishing net huts. It is also home to the award-winning Hastings Contemporary gallery, which hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions featuring British art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
West Sussex’s northern neighbour, Surrey, can count RHS Garden Wisley, home to one of the largest plant collections in the world, and the theme parks Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park Resort among its attractions, while Kent, though it does not border the county, is worth a visit for Leeds Castle alone.
Alternatively, you could venture west to Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard to see the remains of Henry VIII’s ship The Mary Rose and Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory, and enjoy the view of the harbour from 170 metres above in the Spinnaker Tower.
Also in Hampshire, on the fringe of the South Downs National Park, is Marwell Zoo, home to hundreds of animals, including giraffes, tigers and rhinoceros. Head deeper into the county for the New Forest National Park, home to native ponies and the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, or visit Winchester to see its medieval cathedral. ■
Brighton’s Royal Pavilion
PHOTO-FINISH
Sunset on Worthing seafront
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