Attractions and Places To See around Petworth - Top 20

Petworth is rich in history. You can visit the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House and Park, often called the "English Versailles," which features opulent rooms, an impressive art collection, and a 700-acre deer park. Another notable historical site is Bedham Old Church, an atmospheric ruined church and school in a picturesque, isolated hamlet. The Burton Mill Pond and Mill also offers a glimpse into the area's industrial past, with a restored water-powered milling machine.

Yes, Petworth is surrounded by natural beauty. The expansive 700-acre Petworth Park, designed by Capability Brown, is free to roam and perfect for walks, offering ancient trees, two serene lakes, and a herd of fallow deer. You can also explore Graffham Down Nature Reserve, which maintains grassland and wooded habitats with brilliant views over the rolling countryside. The Burton Mill Pond and Mill is part of a Local Nature Reserve, important for its wetland habitats and wildlife.

The area around Petworth is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking routes, including those within Petworth Park and the wider South Downs National Park. For specific trails, explore options like the Hesworth Common loop or the Shimmings Valley walk. Cyclists can enjoy gravel biking and road cycling routes, with options like the View from Bignor Hill loop or the West Sussex Lanes. You can find detailed routes for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling around Petworth.

Absolutely. Petworth Park offers ample space for families to walk, picnic, and observe the deer. The Burton Mill Pond and Mill is also considered family-friendly, providing an interesting historical site within a natural setting. For a unique experience, consider the The Three Moles pub, which is cycle-friendly and offers a garden BBQ in summer months, making it a good stop for families enjoying the outdoors.

For panoramic vistas, head to Bignor Hill summit and Roman road signpost. This prominent viewpoint on the South Downs Way offers far-reaching views over the rolling countryside. Graffham Down Nature Reserve also provides brilliant views to the north over agricultural landscapes. Even the isolated Bedham Old Church is set in a commanding position looking north over the Sussex Weald.

Petworth is a hub for culture and arts. The town is renowned as a center for antiques, with over 30 independent dealers and the notable Petworth Antiques Market. You'll also find several art galleries, including Forest Gallery and Newlands House Gallery, which hosts modern and contemporary art exhibitions. The town's cobbled streets are home to independent shops and boutiques, and Petworth hosts cultural events like the Petworth Festival and Literary Week.

Beyond the well-known sites, consider visiting the Bedham Old Church, an atmospheric ruined church in a tranquil, isolated hamlet that was once a popular escape for artists. The Burton Mill Pond and Mill, part of a Local Nature Reserve, offers a peaceful natural setting with historical significance. For a glimpse into Edwardian life, the Petworth Cottage Museum, furnished as it would have been in 1910, provides a unique historical perspective.

The Petworth Cottage Museum is a small but charming museum, open from April to October. It was the former home of Mrs. Cummings, a seamstress at Petworth House, and is furnished as it would have been in 1910. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of estate workers during the Edwardian era, providing a contrast to the grandeur of Petworth House.

Yes, Petworth town center has numerous independent shops, boutiques, and foodie haunts. For a traditional countryside pub experience, The Three Moles in Selham is a cycle-friendly option near Graffham Common and Burton Mill Pond, offering traditional pub food and a large beer garden.

Petworth House and Park is a magnificent 17th-century stately home managed by the National Trust, often compared to the "English Versailles." It is renowned for its opulent state rooms, historic kitchens, and an impressive art collection featuring works by J.M.W. Turner, Van Dyck, and Gainsborough. The surrounding 700-acre deer park, designed by Capability Brown, is a significant landscape, home to ancient trees and a historic herd of fallow deer, offering extensive walking opportunities.

Petworth is home to historic churches such as St Mary's Church, which dates back to Saxon times, and the Sacred Heart Church. Additionally, the isolated Bedham Old Church, though now in ruins, offers an atmospheric glimpse into the past. Bignor Hill features a Roman road signpost, marking a strategic location on the ancient Stane Street.

In Petworth Park, you can observe a large herd of fallow deer that roam freely. The Burton Mill Pond and Mill, part of a Local Nature Reserve, is nationally important for its wetland habitats, rare plants, birdlife, and invertebrate populations, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting in a serene setting.