Heritage and gardens

Home to historic houses, castles and gardens, West Sussex is steeped in history and heritage. From world famous castles like Arundel to magnificent gardens and ruined Tudor Mansions like Cowdray to the remains of a Roman home at Bignor Roman Villa. So whether you’re looking for a family day out or a chance to discover something new, West Sussex is the place to be.

Heritage and gardens in West Sussex
Young adults sitting in park in Chichester

Bishop’s Palace Gardens

14 acres of tranquil gardens protected by a moat, Bishop’s...
Close up image of wild flowers with the sun shining through them

Sussex Prairie Gardens

Located near Henfield, the Sussex Prairie Gardens are set i...
Standen House in the sun

Standen House and Gardens

Discover the arts and crafts movement at the Standen family ...
Leonardslee Lake and Gardens in autumn

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is described as ‘The Finest ...
Roman man at Roman Fishbourne Palace

Fishbourne Roman Palace

Explore the largest residential Roman building in Britain an...
Arundel weekend trip itinerary

Arundel Castle

No trip to West Sussex is complete without visiting the magn...
Woodland waterfall at Woolbedding Gardens

Woolbeding Gardens

Nestled in a quiet corner of West Sussex lies a true horticu...
Hotham Park path through the trees

Hotham Park

Established by the founder of Bognor, Sir Richard Hotham, Ho...
Staff in costume at Weald and Downland Living Museum

Weald and Downland Living Museum

There’s nowhere quite like West Sussex’s Weald and Downl...
Chichester Cathedral pictured inside gardens

Chichester Cathedral

The magnificent Cathedral has stood at the centre of Chiches...
Two people enjoying a walk in the green countryside in Sussex

Storrington

Enjoy a visit to Storrington: a thriving, picturesque villag...
The pond at West Dean Gardens

West Dean Gardens

Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West Dean Gardens i...
Man taking selfie at Ouse Valley Viaduct

Ouse Valley Viaduct

Located between Haywards Heath and Balcombe, Ouse Valley...
Arundel Cathedral

Arundel Cathedral

Overlooking the historic market town of Arundel is the magni...
Inside a World War II cockpit at Wings Aviation Museum

Wings Aviation Museum

Haywards Heath's very own Wings Aviation Museum is a fascina...
Parham House and Gardens scenic countryside

Parham House and Gardens

Hidden just off the A283 just outside the pretty village of ...

History and heritage

From rare art to aristocratic splendour, some of our historic places have it all. Take a stroll in the distinguished grounds of Petworth House and Park before exploring the building itself which contains works by Turner and Blake. It’s a great choice for art connoisseurs of all ages.

If you’re looking for something for all the family, the Weald and Downland Living Museum is another good option. It hosts historic craft activities for children, woodland walks and gives an insight into 1,000 years of English rural life. There’s such a range of options, big and small, indoor and outdoor, that you can enjoy a historic visit to West Sussex all year round.

Arundel Castle
Children running in front of Petworth House

Local guides

Get inspiration for your next trip with the help of our local guides. Discover top attractions, fun things to do and exciting new experiences. There is something for everyone in West Sussex.