1. Arundel Castle
Built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel, Arundel Castle is sited in 40 acres of magnificent grounds overlooking the river Arun. See paintings, furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculpture and carving, heraldry and armour in stunning room settings. The recently re-landscaped evocation of a Jacobean garden is a tribute to the 14th Earl of Arundel known as ‘The Collector.’ Facilities include a shop and restaurant.
2. Petworth House
Petworth is magnificent country house and park with an internationally important art collection set in a beautiful 700 acre ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped deer park. The house contains a large art collection, with works by Blake, Van Dyck, Reynolds and Turner; Petworth itself was immortalised in his paintings. See the fascinating servants’ quarters with a ‘state of the art’ Victorian kitchen and intricate wooden carvings by Grinling Gibbons in the Carved Room.
3. Bignor Roman Villa
Bignor Roman Villa is the stunning remains of a Roman home and farm with world class mosaic floors in a spectacular Downland setting. Learn why the Roman owners chose to develop such a magnificent settlement at Bignor in the 3rd century AD and how they acquired wealth from its location. Outside the Roman Villa, walk through the beautiful Nyetimber vineyard and explore the endless footpaths and stunning villages in the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty.
4. Pallant House Gallery, Chichester
Pallant House Gallery in Chichester contains works by Henry Moore, John Piper, Ceri Richards, Graham Sutherland and others. The core of the collection is Modern British art. Each group of works has been formed by different impulses and lends its own character to the collection, making the experience of Pallant House Gallery engaging, insightful and unique. There’s also a series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, and facilities include a shop and restaurant.
5. Littlehampton
Littlehampton is a lovely seaside town with a good mix of restaurants and bars and a guarantee of some of the best sunshine in the UK. The Look and Sea Visitor Centre hosts an interactive exhibition of the town’s maritime history as well as a five-storey tall viewing tower with magnificent views across the River Arun, out to sea and towards Arundel and the South Downs. Visit the Harbour Lights cafe and evening Bistro, and see the unique design of the East Beach Cafe on the seafront.
6. Fishbourne Roman Palace
Fishbourne Roman Palace museum contains fascinating artefacts along with plans, reconstruction drawings and models. The remains of the North Wing are enclosed for their protection and are the largest collection of in-situ mosaics in Britain including the famous Cupid on a Dolphin. Outside, the northern half of the formal garden has been replanted to its original plan. Adjacent is a Roman Garden Museum which includes a reconstructed Roman potting shed with a selection of horticultural tools.
7. The South Downs Way
Experience some of England’s finest countryside and coastal landscapes on this 100 mile National Trail, running from Winchester to the white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. This is one of the best long distance trails in the country, with clearly marked pathways allowing you to explore shorter walks or longer distances. If you are interested in great views, attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages, or if you just fancy a challenge, the South Downs Way awaits you.
8. Amberly Working Museum
Amberley Working Museum is a 36 acre open-air museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of the south-east. It contains a wide range of exhibits, ranging from transport-based collections, such as the Southdown bus collection and the village garage, to industry-based collections, such as the Print Workshop & Wheelwrights. The Museum is also home to a number of resident craftspeople, who work to traditional methods.
9. Holmbush Farmworld
Holmbush Farm World is a part of a larger working family farm and woodland estate and provides a perfect opportunity to interact with a wide range of farm animals at close quarters. The layout in has been arranged so that people can see lambs being born, cows and goats being milked, chicks being hatched and other daily animal activities! The animals are all in custom built pens for easy viewing, and many of them are really friendly and love to be stroked and patted.
10. Bookers Vineyard Tours and Tastings
In the heart of rural Sussex lies Bolney Wine Estate, a vineyard which carries on a tradition brought to Britain by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. Today, Bookers Vineyard produces a range of English red, white and sparkling wines. Come for a tour of the vineyard and new, state of the art winery, lasting approximately an hour and a half, followed by a tasting of three wines and a buffet meal. You even get to take home a complimentary bottle of still wine!