An Introduction to West Sussex

West Sussex lies on the coast of central southern England, within easy reach of London, but has a quiet beauty and charm.

The county is a catalogue of English history. Iron Age Hillforts on the South Downs are reminders of the length of time people have been relying on the chalk hills for their livelihood. Today, many visitors walk up onto the Downs to enjoy the magnificent views that these ancient remains offer and to breathe the fresh sea air as it comes in of the Channel.

West Sussex is also home to excellent country houses such as Goodwood House where the portraits, hang in the rooms as they were intended to thanks to a stunning refurbishment that has brought the rooms back to their regency splendour,  Petworth House has the best collection of paintings of any National Trust property, including Turner originals that he painted on his many visits as a guest at the house and Uppark, a late 17th-century house in an impressive setting. The elegant Georgian interior houses a famous Grand Tour collection that includes paintings, furniture and ceramics and an 18th-century dolls' house with original contents is one of the highlights. Other experiences that should not be missed are the exquisite long gallery at the Elizabethan Parham House, the wooded parkland at Stansted, and the William Morris interiors and Art and Craft Movement furniture and fittings at Standen House near East Grinstead.

The county has some splendid gardens. From the great showpiece gardens in the High Weald like Leonardslee, Borde Hill, Nymans, High Beeches and Wakehurst, to the specialist gardens like Highdown Chalk Garden, West Dean and Denmans, West Sussex is full of the best in English gardening.

Over half of the County is protected countryside. The South Downs and the High Weald are popular with walkers and lovers of the traditional English pub where you can refresh yourself after your walk.

For horse-lovers there is racing at Fontwell and Goodwood near Chichester, showjumping at Hickstead, and polo at Cowdrey Park near Midhurst. The thrill of motor racing in classic cars brings alive the special meetings at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit; and for the quieter life there are theatres, concerts and festivals to enjoy including the internationally famous Chichester Festival Theatre and Chichester Festivities. Vintage motorbikes at Amberley, rare breeds at the Weald and Downland, Romans at Fishbourne; there is a choice of over 150 events a year to enjoy

West Sussex is a beautiful county with much to offer its residents and visitors. With sparkling seas and the quiet beauty of the South Downs, there is something for everyone.