Celebrate your special occasion the West Sussex way

If your idea of a perfect celebration is a romantic getaway for two, dancing in the countryside with your friends and family, or fine dining with a fellow foodie, there are plenty of ways you can celebrate a special occasion in West Sussex.

We’ve rounded up some of the best places in our county to host your do, from cosy and low-key venues to grand destinations.

So, if you’ve got a big birthday, anniversary dinner, celebratory drink or even a wedding reception to plan for, you’re sure to find a special place that speaks to you.

Just the two of us

If you’re celebrating a milestone, why not indulge in a 19-course tasting meal at Restaurant Interlude set within the historic Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Horsham. Not only do they have spectacular views, the restaurant has won a Michelin star for its skillfully crafted dishes which have a good balance of textures and flavours, as well as a creative, original style. And if you’re planning on having more than one celebratory drink, Horsham is only a 50-minute direct train from London, meaning you can enjoy your celebrations and not worry about driving.

If you’re looking for an exceptional gastropub experience to mark the occasion , The Half Moon offers hearty pub food, local ales and is the perfect environment for an intimate meal for two.

Food served on a table

Fancy making a weekend of it?

Why not also book a relaxing spa break for two? Set in East Grinstead, Alexander House Utopia Spa offers a wide range of luxurious pampering, relaxation and fitness suites to set the perfect mood for your getaway.

Hot tub and sauna at Utopia Spa

Keep it in the family

The West Sussex coast has plenty to offer and is just a 90-minute drive from London. With 50 miles of stunning coastal landscape, the whole family can enjoy somewhere new to experience.

For a celebratory seaside getaway, why not rent a luxurious self-catering beach house situated in Angmering. Sitting just 100 yards from the beach through a private walkway, The Coral Beach House sleeps up to 12 people and features a hot tub in the beautiful subtropical garden. It’s perfectly placed to start your morning with a 10-minute stroll along the beach for brunch at The Seahorse Café, where you’ll find a menu packed with fresh local ingredients and a fantastic kids menu.

For some added adventure, why not try some watersports on the beach front and embark on a family taster paddle-boarding session with K66 Boardriders (please note age restrictions may apply). If it’s not to everyone’s tastes, spectators can watch the action, relaxing in a deckchair, with an ice cream on the beach promenade.

Outdoor seating area

Celebrating with the whole family?

Ami Bistro is a relaxed and welcoming restaurant close to Worthing Pier that provides a warm, intimate ambiance. The exclusive menus are refreshed quarterly and take full advantage of seasonal produce. Close to Worthing Pier, the restaurant is a great location to host any anniversary meal with your loved ones, followed by an evening stroll along the pier’s promenade.

View from the beach at Worthing

Let’s party

For a fun day with a twist, why not do something different and host your celebratory party in one of West Sussex’s picturesque vineyards? With facilities that are both charming and rustic, Nutbourne Vineyard works closely with private caterers to create a one-off event for any special occasion, set with the beautiful backdrop of the South Downs.

If you’re looking for somewhere that is self-catering, nestled in the heart of Petworth is The Lodge in Whithurst Park. It’s an architect-designed lodge that can be booked with holidaycottages.co.uk . Set in the grounds of a private estate, this unique and contemporary holiday home is ideal for couples and families to truly escape to the country. With spacious living and sleeping up to 10 people, this home accommodates everyone.

If your party is larger than 10, take a look at Amberley House Cottage Holidays or explore our other self-catering picks here. All locations are 10-15 minutes driving distance from each other, which means you can be close to everyone in your celebratory party.

A women looking out over vineyards

Are you spending a special occasion in West Sussex or are you planning to? We’d love to hear about your adventures or upcoming plans! Let us know what your ideal celebration would involve over on our Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram.