West Sussex covers a part of southern coast of England. Despite being within easy reach of both London and the Channel ports, West Sussex retains all the character of true countryside, with its sense of tranquillity, colourful fields, little thatched-roof cottages and cosy inns. West Sussex prides itself with many beautiful Gardens, Mansions and other attractions. It simply has it all - stunning scenery, accessibility to all major attractions, good pubs - what more one needs?
If walking is your "thing", West Sussex offers over 2,500 miles of well kept long distance and local footpaths and bridleways, with plenty of traditional village pubs, in case you get tired and hungry! West Sussex coastline includes Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton, Worthing, Bognor Regis. There are sandy beaches, good night life and excellent shopping along 90 miles (145Km) of attractive coastline.
5 Best Places to Visit in West Sussex (England)
1. Worthing
Worthing is the largest town in West Sussex, it has a busy town centre which has the advantage of being close to Worthing's five miles of beach and promenade.
2. Crawley
Crawley is a lively town with great leisure and shopping facilities. It also has an interesting history, dating back to the Bronze Age, something that may come as a surprise to those who think of it as a `New Town', entirely created after the war.
3. Chichester
Steeped in history, arts and culture, this small cathedral city is situated between two 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty' - the rolling hills of the South Downs and the tranquillity of Chichester Harbour. The nearby coastline has glorious stretches of beaches, including West and East Whitterings.
Chichester's Roman heritage is displayed at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Medieval to Victorian buildings can be seen at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. Chichester is a home to the internationally renowned Chichester Festival Theatre and events and festivities take place throughout the year.
4. Arundel
the picturesque town of Arundel, dominated by its stunning Norman Castle, is the historic heart of the South Downs. Build on the river Arun, this sleepy little town is situated between the South Downs and the shimmering sea.
5. Bognor Regis, Arundel & Littlehampton
These three towns are a unique blend of traditional seaside fun, rural tranquillity and centuries of heritage. Bognor Regis and Littlehampton boast 14 ½ miles of beautiful coastline between them. Their beaches have consistently won prestigious Seaside Awards for cleanliness and safe swimming.
10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in West Sussex (England)
1. Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis s one of the oldest Saxon sites on record in West Sussex, recorded in AD 680 as Bucgan ora, and in 1405 as Bogenor. The resort of Bognor Regis was "discovered" by Sir Richard Hotham, a London Hat seller, in 1785, who found the charm of the town and the fresh sea air beneficial to his health.
Other notable buildings included, The White Tower (1898), The Royal Norfolk Hotel (C19), and Russell Place, in High Street, all beautiful examples of Regency architecture.
2. The Ice House
The Ice House, built around 1790 is the best surviving example of its kind in West Sussex. It was used to store ice, as well as straw and food. It is 28ft deep and 12ft across. The ice was collected from nearby rivers and lakes and stored for use in the summer. The Picturedrome, now the local cinema, opened in 1886 as the Assembly Rooms.
3. Littlehampton
Littlehampton was first recorded in 1086, as a tiny hamlet called "Hampton". In the 19th century local sailors and ships travelled all over the world from Littlehampton's bustling harbour. Littlehampton attracted its first holiday visitors nearly 250 years ago and its growth as a town between 1800 and the early 20th century was largely due to its booming tourism industry.
4. Hiorne Tower
Hiorne Tower, set above Swanbourne Lake in Arundel Park, a folly built by the architect Francis Hiorne for the 11th Duke of Norfolk in 1787.
5. The Parish Church of St Nicholas
The Parish Church of St Nicholas, dating back to the 14th Century, is a church of two halves - Anglican and the Roman Catholic Fitzalan Chapel.
6. Arundel Cathedral
The Cathedral is situated opposite St Nicholas' Church, was built by the 15th Duke of Norfolk and opened in 1873. The architect, Joseph Hansom - who invented the Hansom Cab - designed the church in the Gothic style. This place is worth a visit at any time of the year, but you have to go and see the Corpus Christi Carpet of Flowers all done by the parishioners 60 days after Easter.
7. Arundel Castle
The magnificent Arundel Castle is the second largest castle in the country and has been the ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk and Earls of Arundel for more than five centuries. Set in over 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland, the 11th century Norman Castle overlooks the River Arun and provides a stunning backdrop to the town.
8. South Downs
The South Downs is an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". Everywhere you look, you can find dramatic north-facing slopes with stunning views from the ridges, deep river valleys offering glimpses of shimmering sea in the distance. Some of the local attractions include Wildlife at Drusillas and Arundel Wildfowl Trust; the Maize Maze at Tulleys Farm, Stock Car Racing, The Bluebell Steam Railway; the Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre, Rudyard Kipling's home at Bateman's, Bewl Water.
9. Festival of Speed
Goodwood(famous for its annual 'Festival of Speed')
10. Blue Bell Railway
steam engines pulling carriages through 9 miles of the Sussex countryside, with a collection of steam engines from 1865 to 1958.