Explore

AMBERLEY

Amberley is a chocolate box village with many old buildings, thatched cottages, a castle, a church, two pubs, and a shop. There is also a working pottery. Amberley Wild Brooks is a large area of flood meadows, one of the richest wetlands remaining in the UK.

AMBERLEY  TO ARUNDEL

This linear West Sussex walk explores the River Arun from Arundel upstream to Amberley. The start is Arundel railway station (grid ref. TQ024064) where regular trains connect with the end of the walk at Amberley.
www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-2835

SOUTH DOWNS WAY

Experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, the first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs at Eastbourne. If you’re looking for attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs, pretty villages, or if you just fancy a challenge, the 100 miles of the South Downs Way awaits you.
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way

CENTURION’S WAY

The Centurion Way was once the Chichester to Midhurst Railway line. The section between Lavant and Chichester was used for the transportation of sugar beet and was closed completely in 1957. The tracks were removed in 1993. The name Centurion Way was suggested by a local schoolboy and is based on the fact that the path crosses the course of a Roman road. The easy access trail (1.5km) runs from Chichester to West Dean Estate, and is for cyclists and walkers to use. The easy access trail runs on a section of the Way, close to West Dean.
www.visitchichester.org/activity/centurions-way

HALNAKER WINDMILL

Visit this Grade 2 listed building, World War 2 Observation Post and Neolithic Earthworks in Halnaker village near Chichester. This iconic Sussex landmark, perched on Halnaker Hill and visible from a wide surrounding area, is well worth the climb to admire close up. The wildflower-rich chalk grassland at the hilltop is a great spot to get away from it all and enjoy fine views of the coast across a patchwork of woods and farmland. Access is only possible by foot; it is possible to park 2 miles away in a lay-by and make the picturesque walk to the windmill.
www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-community/places-to-visit-and-explore/halnaker-windmill

AMBERLEY MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE

Just a few moments from the Castle, is the Amberley Working Museum. With a large 36-acre site, there is a lot to explore, from railways and bus services (both of which freely carry you around the site) to printing workshops and much more. The museum is dedicated to the industrial heritage of the South East, and is also home to traditional craftspeople like stained glass makers, black smiths and potters. There is also a great restaurant and many picnic sites from which the beautiful surroundings can be savoured.
www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

BIGNOR ROMAN VILLA

Situated just minutes away from Amberley Castle, lies in the centre of the South Downs National Park. Explore the Villa on your own or take the guided tour. Enjoy the tea rooms with lovely homemade cakes or take a look around the shop. The site’s beautiful mosaics are not the only thing that may capture the eye due to the unrivalled views and access to walks along the South Downs. A short distance from the Villa lays the quaint village of Bignor, with houses, gardens, and a 13th-century Church to explore.
www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk

FISHBOURNE ROMAN PALACE & GARDENS

If you wish to venture further than Bignor, take your mind back and imagine what would have been the luxury of this extravagant Roman residence at the largest Roman villa in the country. 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.
www.sussexpast.co.uk/properties-to-discover/fishbourne-roman-palace

GOODWOOD HOUSE

At the heart of the beautiful Sussex countryside lies the opulent English country house that has been home to the Dukes of Richmond for centuries. Goodwood House has picturesque views of the surrounding scenery, as well as charming woodlands to explore. They serve a sumptuous cream tea in the Ballroom on open days for visitors taking a tour of the house.
www.goodwood.com/estate/goodwood-house

WEALD & DOWNLAND MUSEUM

Discover rescued traditional rural buildings set in a beautiful landscape, telling the stories of the men, women, and children who lived and worked in them over a 950-year period. Enjoy the Museum’s 40-acre site and visit the collection of historic buildings – with 50 to explore and many of the exhibit houses furnished to recreate historic domestic interiors. There is a regular programme of domestic and craft demonstrations, including cooking in a Tudor kitchen, blacksmithing in a Victorian smithy, plus seasonal demonstrations. Take a walk in the woods, visit the café kiosk, or enjoy your own picnic.
www.wealddown.co.uk

ARUNDEL

Charming, stylish, and steeped in history, the picturesque market town of Arundel in West Sussex is probably most famous for two stunning landmarks – Arundel Castle and Arundel Cathedral. Families, couples, and groups can enjoy a wide range of activities including fishing, boating, wildlife watching, outdoor swimming, and walks on the nearby South Downs. Shop at independent boutiques, antique markets, and art galleries, or eat out overlooking the River Arun in one of Arundel’s pretty waterside pubs, cafés, and restaurants.
www.arundel.org.uk

PETWORTH

The beautiful market town of Petworth, a hub for arts and culture, is set in the heart of the South Downs National Park and surrounded by the walls of Petworth House and Park.
www.discoverpetworth.uk

CHICHESTER

The City of Chichester, shaped by its unique heritage, is made for exploring. Blending old and new, Chichester offers an enticing mix of designer label boutiques, high street shopping, renowned art galleries, Stylish restaurants, and contemporary cafés. Home to the beautiful Bosham Harbour, just a ten-minute walk from the city centre.
www.visitchichester.org

BRIGHTON

Discover attractions such as the Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion, and the brand new British Airways i360. The city is also home to a cornucopia of cultural delights as well as big name shops and hundreds of independent boutiques. There are many award-winning restaurants in Brighton and Hove, catering to all tastes, from classic fish ‘n’ chips to creative vegetarian restaurants and even a zero waste restaurant.
www.visitbrighton.com

BOGNOR & LITTLEHAMPTON

Traditional seaside towns with many rides and amusements for the children. Be sure to enjoy the towns many parks and gardens, or just relax at one of the town’s cafés or public houses. Take in a show at the Alexandra Theatre, or enjoy some live music at one of the towns many music pubs. The town is proud of its clean beaches and relaxed welcoming atmosphere. If relaxing on the beach isn’t for you, the town is ideally positioned to explore the surrounding towns, historic sites, and natural beauty of the South Downs National Park.
www.bognor-regis.org

ARUNDEL CASTLE

Situated across the beautiful countryside of Arundel and overlooking the River Arun, Arundel Castle was built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel. With existing features, such as the motte, dry moat, and gatehouse, history really comes alive here. Experience the rich and grand interiors and the stunning walled gardens also add another aspect to the Castle’s beauty. With tours, workshops, and events available, visitors are able to learn about the history of the Castle in great detail. Furthermore, there are places to eat and shop.

PETWORTH HOUSE

This magnificent country house and park has been a family estate for over 800 years, and contains internationally important art collections with numerous works by Turner, Van Dyck, Reynolds, and Blake, ancient and Neo-classical sculpture, fine furniture, and carvings by Grinling Gibbons. Continuing to pass through wealthy family owners, the estate has become the grand and beautiful place it is today, displaying a rich decor and neatly landscaped grounds.

PARHAM HOUSE

Originally belonging to the Abbey of Westminster, King Henry VIII granted the manor of Parham to a London mercer called Robert Palmer. the foundations were then laid in 1577 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The Parham Estate today spans across 875 acres and has different parts to it. There is a historic deer park which encompasses rare and protected pieces of nature, such as trees, animals, and insects, with limited access to visitors.

THE ROYAL PAVILLION

The spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV, is inspiring for its exotic and oriental style both internally and externally. Now housing some of the finest collections of art and furniture, including examples of Chinoiserie style, original pieces lent by The Queen and a magnificent display of Regency silver-gilt.

UPPARK HOUSE & GARDENS

This elegant 18th-Century house poised on the South Downs portrays the lifestyle of wealthy Britain, showing rich Georgian interiors and a beautifully landscaped garden. With links to fame, such as the garden being inspired by Capability Brown and Humphry Repton, and the mother of H.G Wells once being a housekeeper here, many stories can be found within these walls…