West Sussex is the sunniest place in England! Sitting on the southeast coast of England, it stretches from pretty inland villages to seaside resorts.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to protect dogs and livestock. If near the coast, check for seasonal dog beach bans, and read up on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
Explore the South Downs National Park
Covering East and West Sussex, South Downs National Park ends (or begins, depending on which way you walk) in the county of Hampshire, near England’s old capital city of Winchester.
It’s known for its rolling chalk hills, especially the South Downs Way. You also (walking along the ridge) get sweeping views over the Weald, English Channel and patchwork fields below. The park has many outstanding landmarks including the Seven Sisters Cliffs.
Birds and wildlife love it here – from butterflies to skylarks and deer that hide away in ancient woodlands. Local nature reserves help protect rare orchids, bats and dormice. Birds of prey love it here, from barn owls at dusk, to kestrels that hover over the hills.
South Downs National Park is also an International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it’s free from light pollution.
A County of Two Stunning Cathedrals
West Sussex is home to two stunning cathedrals, beautiful buildings to admire, even if you’re not religious:
Chichester Cathedral has striking architecture surrounded by green spaces in one of England’s most charming harbour cities.
Built over 900 years ago, the tall spire can be seen from miles away, and inside viewers are treated to Norman and Gothic architecture, with ancient carvings lit up from light streaming through the stained glass windows.
Arundel Cathedral is another beautiful building, sitting in an historic town which also has a beautiful castle. The Gothic architecture blends beautifully with the local River Arun, from where you can spot it, ‘peeking from behind the trees’.
Built in the 19th century, this cathedral is known for its choir performance, walk up the hill to listen, after sampling homemade cakes or local beers at one of the independently-owned shops or pubs.
Just outside town, the Arundel Wetland Centre is a haven for wildlife. Boardwalks wind through reed beds, lakes, and meadows, where you can spot ducks, kingfishers, and sometimes even otters.
The castle is privately owned by the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk. However this estate is not popular with animal welfare campaigners, due to breeding pheasants for shooting. And setting snares that have trapped wildlife and domestic dogs.
The Guardian reports that in his time sitting in the House of Lords (21 years), the Duke has made no speeches, asked no written questions and only voted 12 times – seven times to protect hunting of innocent animals.
Yet as a Roman Catholic, he is the ‘most senior representative’ for his faith at Vatican City. God knows what Saint Francis of Assisi would think?
Bognor Regis: An Historic Seaside Escape
Bognor Regis is a beautiful town (though a bit faded these days) that is known for its sunny weather and Victorian flair. Back in the day, this is where monarchs would visit from London, for a seaside holiday.
Today cafés serving knickerbocker glories have been replaced by chain stores and fast food restaurants.
With litter clean-ups and help for small shops, these towns have the weather and old buildings to rediscover lost charms for affordable seaside holidays.
To the west of town, Marine Park Gardens offer neat lawns, flower beds, and shaded benches. It’s a peaceful spot with fountains and a sensory garden.
West Sussex is not known for housing the ‘prettiest’ of seaside resorts (Worthing, Littlehampton and Shoreham all have beaches, but they’re not Devon!) But Bognor Regis is sure worth a visit, as long as you don’t mind pebbly beaches!
West Wittering (tucked away on the Sussex coast)
One stunning beach tucked away on the West Sussex coast is West Wittering, which is also home to a charming village and scenic nearby walks.
Often called ‘the poshest village in Sussex’, it’s a short (bumpy) bus ride from Chichester. And home to many celebrities who have escaped London.
Local boy Nicholas Lyndhurst went to school here (he’s quite posh, he ‘learned’ the Peckham accent for playing Rodney Trotter as a jobbing actor).
This sandy Blue Flag beach stretches for miles, offering clean waters and plenty of room for everyone. Lifeguards patrol in the summer. Wide open sands make it ideal for picnics, sunbathing and building sandcastles.
At low tide, space expands even further, and children can splash safely in shallow pools. The views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight are always a highlight.
Keep dogs away from nesting birds, rabbits (and seals in sand dunes). There are seasonal dog restrictions, so check before travel.
East Head and the surrounding Chichester Harbour are home to many birds. Bring binoculars to spot herons, terns and avocets.
Seals sometimes pop up offshore. Stay well away, and never disturb seals or their pups (this could spook them into the sea, before they can swim).
Stay for the evening and you’ll be treated to sunset over the harbour or out to sea. The sky turns fiery pink and gold, and the beach quietens, as families head home.
Pretty Market Towns and Villages
Amberley is one of West Sussex’s prettiest villages, set at the foot of the South Downs. Thatched cottages, a traditional pub, and colourful gardens line quiet lanes.
The nearby Amberley Museum showcases old trains and vintage vehicles. Footpaths lead straight onto the Downs for country walks.
Selsey, is proud of its maritime history, and seafront walks give wide views over the English Channel. This was the home of TV astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, who lived in a place that boasts some of the cleanest waters in England.
Inland, the large town of Horsham is the ‘hub’ of West Sussex, with an elegant market square and winding streets, along with timber-framed buildings that house many independent shops and bakeries. It’s a pricey place, home to many airline pilots, who work at nearby Gatwick Airport.
