How to spend your weekend in West Sussex, Britain's sunniest county
West Sussex is a county of contrasts, blending lush green landscapes and beautiful beaches with bustling towns and postcard-worthy villages.
With the South Downs National Park at its heart and the picturesque shores of the Witterings, Selsey and Littlehampton at its feet, it offers the perfect retreat for bucolic downtime or lazy beach days. The county is also home to vibrant, tourist-friendly towns like Chichester, Crawley and the increasingly desirable East Grinstead, all with enticing restaurants, art galleries and historic landmarks.
Proudly known as Britain's sunniest county, West Sussex is easily accessible from London by train or car. History enthusiasts will find much to admire in its stately homes, including Parnham House and Goodwood House, while wine lovers can indulge in tastings at local vineyards such as Nutbourne and Tinwood, showcasing some of England's finest vintages.
West Sussex is emerging as one of the UK's most exciting destinations for foodies with offerings such as Michelin-starred dining in a manor house using homegrown ingredients and afternoon tea in a converted railway station.
For more on West Sussex, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, attractions and bars.
In this guide:
How to spend your weekend
Day one: morning
The pretty market town of Arundel is home to a medieval castle with impressive gardens and museum, both in its historic town centre, and a whopping 206 listed buildings (in the county only Chichester has more).
You may recognise the place from the film Wicked Little Letters, with Olivia Coleman and Jessie Buckley, which was filmed here (despite the story being based in nearby Littlehampton).
You could easily spend a whole day in Arundel Castle, which dates back to 1067, as friendly and helpful expert guides walk you through its interior answering questions about the decoration and art collection. The castle has an excellent café, too, serving freshly made sandwiches, quiches and cakes if you want lunch before exploring the town. (The café's kitchen used to be the servants' hall.)
Afternoon
Next to the castle is Spencer Swaffer Antiques – a beautiful Aladdin's cave of brilliantly sourced antiques, many of which wouldn't be out of place at the Sir John Soane's Museum. Also nearby, you can stock up on award-winning sparkling wines (or enjoy a tasting) at Digby Fine Wines' Tasting Room – the first tasting room on a UK high street. If you're visiting on the 3rd Saturday of the month you can stock up local fruit, veg and seafood at Arundel Farmers Market.
Arundel Wetland Centre (just under a mile from the castle) is the perfect place for all the family to get up close and personal with feathered friends and a snack at its Water Edge Café.
Six miles away from the centre is Amberley Museum, which celebrates Sussex's industrial past with working steam trains and craft demonstrations. It also has a changing calendar of events including classic car shows and Halloween specials.
Evening
End your day with dinner at The Pig Hotel. Part of the Pig Group, this West Sussex outpost is housed in an 18th-century, Grade II-listed Georgian house. If you're driving, stop off for a quick stroll through the beautiful South Downs en route.
Day two: morning
Chichester is the only city in West Sussex – the Romans called it Chichester Noviomagus, which translates as new marketplace. The city is home to an impressive cathedral and Roman ruins including a bath house and amphitheatre – one of only a handful of Roman amphitheatres discovered in Britain – that is now a park.
Chichester Cathedral was dubbed 'the most typical English Cathedral' by critic Ian Nairn and also has impressive cloisters – the grassy area in the middle is charmingly named 'Paradise'.
Chichester is the last cathedral in the UK to grant free access to visitors. The food at the Cloisters Kitchen & Garden is, pun intended, heavenly, with an emphasis on local ingredients in its hearty breakfast and lunch menus and homemade cakes and bakes. There's a great kids menu, too.
Afternoon and evening
Get an art fix at Pallant House Gallery which focusses on British art with a changing calendar of exhibitions as well as an impressive permanent collection of works from 1900 to present day, before stepping back in time at the Novium Museum. Built on top of the remains of a Roman bath house it tells the story of the city with interactive displays and also has great city views from its upper floors.
If you're still hungry for all things Roman, Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens is a good stop off on the way to the coast. The largest Roman home in Britain, it offers a fascinating insight into how the 1 per cent lived 1,600 years ago.
No trip to West Sussex would be complete without visiting the coast – if cycling is your bag the Salterns Way runs from the centre of Chichester to the sand dunes at West Wittering – much of the route and follows car-free paths.
For something a little more dramatic head to the historic village of Bosham, on the edge of Chichester Harbour. The village is often described as one of the most photogenic places on the south coast and legend has it that King Canute tried to control the sea from here. The king's daughter is rumoured to be buried in Bosham church having drowned in a river. Be warned, though, that Bosham Quay regularly floods as the tide comes in so quickly so be careful where you park.
Parking is less 'exciting' at nearby Littlehampton, home to two award-winning beaches and the pretty river Arun, the beachfront Harbour Park amusement park (which opened in 1932) and fun shops like Pier Road Coffee and Art, which champions local talent.
Enjoy sundowners at The Beach Littlehampton where water sport lovers can order a side order of windsurfing, kitesurfing or paddle boarding to go with their excellent stone-baked pizzas. Right on the water, the restaurant is open all year round.
When to go
West Sussex is 'open' year round and is, of course, Great British weather dependent. The majority of visitors tend to arrive during the warmer summer months – the 'sunniest county in the UK' notches up 253 hours of sun in July according to the Met Office.
Antique lovers flock to Ardingly for its July antiques fair while petrol heads make for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, also in July.
Arundel Museum runs an Artisan Christmas Fayre (in November) and Horsham celebrates the festive period with its own Piries Place Christmas Vegan Market (also in November).
Where to stay
Luxury living: Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa
Lord it up in this pleasing cluster of antique-filled medieval mansions that belie a 20th-century origin. Join Kevin the peacock and friends for a stroll in the grounds then relax in the smart modern spa and pools set beside the sea near Littlehampton.
Boutique beauty: The Pig
This outpost of The Pig is located in the green folds of the sylvan South Downs. It's English countryside incarnate, and a classic, classy spot for a rural weekend getaway.
Budget bolthole: The Welldiggers Arms
This 300-year-old roadside inn and top-notch gastropub overlooks the rolling hills of West Sussex's South Downs National Park. With its traditional country bar featuring tankards dangling from the ceiling, locals drinking real ale and muddy dogs sprawled by the roaring fire, bring your wellies and your pooch here for a wholesome weekend in the country.
Read our full review here.
Know before you go
Experience West Sussex is a mine of visitor information, hosted by West Sussex County Council. You can learn more about Arundel at Visit Arundel. The Tourist Information Centre in Chichester is within the Novium Museum. It can also be reached on 01243 775888. You can also find tourism information about Chichester online at The Great Sussex Way.
How to get there and how to get around
There are regular trains from London to Arundel, Amberley, Chichester, Fishbourne and Littlehampton, though West Sussex is best explored by car, particularly if you plan to take in the South Downs.
There are, however, approximately nine trains a day between Arundel and Chichester. International visitors can enjoy access to West Sussex from nearby Gatwick Airport. Enterprise Car Hire has offices at the airport as well as in Bognor Regis.
Steven Short split his time between London and Sussex for a decade before moving to Hastings full time in 2021. He loves coastal walks with his dog and exploring Sussex's ever-evolving food scene.
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