Petworth in West Sussex has its own distinct style. Approach from the east or north and the long, ancient wall of the Petworth House estate hints that you are arriving somewhere special and steeped in history. Arrive from the south or west and you find yourself almost immediately in the heart of this handsome market town and its attractive central square.
Petworth is bustling without feeling busy, with dozens of independent shops and boutiques, a fine reputation for art and antiques, a fascinating church, a magnificent country house and park, and glorious countryside on the doorstep. In short, if you’re looking for somewhere sumptuous, with plenty to see and explore but equally good opportunities to slow down, browse, eat and unwind, Petworth should be high on your Sussex list.
A little Petworth history
Petworth is an ancient market town whose story stretches back at least as far as the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was recorded as Peteorde. Today, it sits within the South Downs National Park, between Midhurst, Chichester and Horsham, and is perhaps best known for its historic streets, art and antiques and, of course, the magnificent Petworth House.
It is almost impossible to separate the history of the town from that of the great estate beside it. The land at Petworth came into the Percy family in the 12th century, beginning an extraordinary story of inheritance, marriage, politics, royal favour and occasional disgrace that would eventually involve three great family names: Percy, Seymour and Wyndham. The Percys were Earls of Northumberland; through marriage the estate passed to the Seymours, Dukes of Somerset, and subsequently to the Wyndhams, Earls of Egremont and later Lords Leconfield. Along the way there were confiscated estates, imprisonment in the Tower of London, connections with the Gunpowder Plot and some spectacular family fortunes.
The medieval manor was transformed in the late 17th century into the grand Baroque Petworth House we see today, while in the 18th century Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown reshaped the surrounding landscape. The house also became an important centre for art and patronage, most famously under the 3rd Earl of Egremont, who supported artists including J.M.W. Turner. Petworth House and Park were given to the National Trust in 1947, although the Wyndham family continues to live in part of the house and owns the wider Leconfield Estate.
Back in town, you are never far from the presence of the great house, sitting tantalisingly out of sight behind its long and imposing stone wall. St Mary’s Church stands close by, and from the church, cobbled Lombard Street tumbles down towards the heart of Petworth and its attractive old streets and buildings.
The Second World War left its mark on Petworth too. British and Canadian troops were stationed in Petworth Park, while Petworth House was used as a military hospital and nursery, and the town received evacuees and displaced people. After the war, the former military camp became home to a Polish resettlement community. Petworth was also the scene of a devastating wartime tragedy when a German aircraft bombed the local boys’ school, killing 28 pupils and staff.
The Market Square has been part of Petworth life for centuries (a market was recorded here as early as 1279) and today the town is a wonderfully characterful mixture of architecture, independent shops, galleries, antiques, cafés and restaurants. Add the tiny Petworth Cottage Museum, and you have a town where history and culture aren’t confined behind museum doors: they’re woven into the streets around you.
Things to do in Petworth
There’s plenty to do in Petworth, whether you’re planning a full day of sightseeing or simply fancy a few hours pottering around town. Browse the independent shops, galleries and antique dealers, wander the back streets and look out for the plaques that reveal snippets of Petworth’s past. Call in at the Petworth Cottage Museum (do check opening times), pick up something delicious from the Hungry Guest, linger over lunch in one of the town’s pubs or cafés, or see what’s showing at the local galleries.
Of course, no first visit would be complete without exploring Petworth House and its remarkable art collection, followed by a walk through Petworth Park, where you can look out for the resident fallow deer and other wildlife. Venture a little further and you can discover local vineyards and some wonderful countryside walks. And if you can, time your visit to coincide with one of Petworth’s regular fairs, festivals, exhibitions or special events.
You’ll find our guide to things to do in Petworth here:
Petworth food and drink
For the foodies, Petworth has plenty to sink your teeth into, with some outstanding restaurants in and around the town, including one recognised by the Michelin Guide. There are plenty of places for a leisurely lunch or dinner, but this is also Sussex wine country, with several vineyards within easy reach offering tours, tastings and, in some cases, light bites overlooking the vines.
There’s a local brewery too, while back in town the Hungry Guest is something of a Petworth institution – the perfect place to fill your basket with local produce, artisan treats and plenty of delicious things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them.
Take a walk
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Petworth (apart from the history and excellent food and drink, of course) is the wonderful walking. And there are options for almost every ability. Keep things gentle with a short stroll through Petworth Park, where ancient trees, sweeping views and herds of fallow deer provide plenty of interest, or pick up the long-distance Serpent Trail as it winds through the surrounding landscape.
For something more adventurous, Petworth makes an excellent overnight stop on the two-day Petworth Way, while a fantastic network of local footpaths means you can strike out across the surrounding countryside, walk onwards towards neighbouring villages and towns, or simply enjoy a good circular ramble. Whichever you choose, this is glorious walking country, with the South Downs landscape unfolding almost from Petworth’s doorstep.
Petworth itineraries
If you’re exploring wider Sussex, Petworth makes an excellent place to put at the heart of an itinerary. Sitting within the South Downs and within easy reach of Midhurst, Chichester, Pulborough and the Sussex coast, it’s a natural jumping-off point for discovering more of West Sussex.
And there are plenty of themes around which to build your adventure. Follow Sussex’s artistic heritage through the landscapes that inspired some of our great painters, combine wildlife with vineyards and local produce, pull on your walking boots and explore on foot, or simply join the dots between some of the most beautiful towns, villages and countryside in this corner of the county. History, art, landscape, food and wine all come together rather wonderfully here.
You’ll find three fabulous itineraries here:
Places to stay
With it’s cobbled streets, history and beautiful architecture, Petworth is a great place to wake up each morning if you want to make it your base for exploring, and you certainly can’t go wrong with The Angel Inn. But you also have the choice of some wonderfully quirky places to stay in the surrounding area which throw in just the right serving of little luxury!
Living in Petworth
With a population of only around 2,500–3,000, Petworth manages to combine the intimacy of a small market town with a surprising amount going on. Its position in the South Downs National Park puts exceptional countryside and walking on the doorstep, while its historic streets and handsome architecture make the town itself an attractive place to call home.
For such a small town, Petworth is particularly well served by independent shops. Alongside its famous antiques dealers and galleries, there are boutiques, a bookshop, pharmacy, hardware shop, wine merchant and everyday essentials, as well as The Hungry Guest artisan food shop. There is also an excellent choice of places to eat and drink, including The Angel Inn and E. Street Bar & Grill.
Culture is part of everyday life here too. Petworth has a thriving arts scene, with Newlands House Gallery and numerous smaller galleries, while the annual Petworth Festival and other music, literary and community events give the town a social life that belies its size.
Families have a primary school in the town, with secondary and independent options in the surrounding area, including Midhurst Rother College and nearby Seaford College. Property comes at a premium, but for those looking for country living without giving up good food, culture, independent shopping and a genuine sense of community, Petworth offers an unusual combination.
Getting there and transport
Petworth sits on the A272, making it well placed for exploring both West Sussex and the wider South Downs, with Chichester and the Sussex coast within easy reach by road. London is roughly an hour and a half away by car, depending on traffic.
There is no railway station in Petworth itself. The nearest is at Pulborough, around five miles away, with direct rail services towards London and the south coast. Bus services connect Petworth with Pulborough and other surrounding towns, including Midhurst and Chichester, and West Sussex’s Book-a-Bus service provides another option for local journeys. For visitors, this means Petworth is perfectly manageable without arriving by car, although having one certainly makes exploring the surrounding villages, countryside and wider South Downs easier.
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