As the warmer months approach, the feeling of wanting to get away and experience new sights, tastes and activities starts to take hold.
With West Sussex being just an hour from London, it couldn’t be easier to get away for a few nights and discover the diverse landscape of coast, countryside and woodland.
We’ve put together a short itinerary to help you discover #YourWestSussex.
Ideal for: Couples, friends, solo travellers
Themes: Walking, food and drink, art and culture, heritage and gardens
Nights: 2
Begin your adventure by checking what’s on at Amberley Museum; the spring and summer months are often filled with car or motorcycle shows, craft weekends and fairs. With demonstrations and displays of vintage transport and heritage crafts, the museum explores the days of working industrial life in Sussex.
Next, make your way to the beautiful Nutbourne Vineyard for an afternoon tour, taking in the stunning views of the countryside near the South Downs. You’ll learn about the whole process from vine to glass, concluding with a tutored tasting of five still and sparkling English wines in the Wine Lodge.
After a leisurely day of getting to know West Sussex, unwind in the quaint country rooms at the nearby Chequers Hotel in Pulborough. Enjoy the array of local ales on tap and delve into some of the region’s finest produce featured on the hotel restaurant’s seasonal menu.
Start your day with a visit to RSPB Pulborough Brooks and explore the local wildlife. The Arun Valley floodplains, grassland, pools and surrounding meadows are a fantastic setting for keen photographers and nature lovers. The accessible facilities make a great stop for enjoying a coffee and cake or lunch before heading across to Steyning for the afternoon.
Steyning has much to offer in the way of independent shopping, tea rooms and antiques. The unique shopping village and courtyards of Cobblestone Walk are tucked away from the high street, with gift shops, jewellery and crafts popping out of wooden cabins.
For avid historians, the Norman ruins of Bramber Castle are just a mile’s walk away from the town centre and are perched on a knoll overlooking the River Adur. The sights and surrounding scenery from this viewpoint are not to be missed and they make the ideal setting for a wholesome afternoon walk if you’re feeling spirited.
As the evening rolls around, check into The Castle Inn Hotel in Steyning for a comfortable stay in a home away from home and enjoy some British classics from the restaurant menu.
For your last day, why not visit the stunning Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens on the edge of the High Weald, just south of Horsham. You’ll find yourself truly speechless amongst the impressive array of exotic flowers and plants, tranquil lakes and stretches of forest. Leonardslee is also home to a rare colony of wallabies, as well as a number of other fascinating wildlife such as deer, badgers and kingfishers. There’s a farm shop and two cafes on site to satisfy that mid-morning hankering for coffee, tea, pastries as well as a variety of light dishes.
Bring your West Sussex adventure to a close with a delightful lunch at The Crabtree, located nearby. This charming traditional Sussex country pub offers a modern touch with a seasonal gastro menu that features the best of locally sourced produce.
We would love to hear what makes your West Sussex adventure. Tag us in your photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or use the hashtag #YourWestSussex.