Petworth in Sussex features cobbled streets, 40+ antique dealers, and a 700-acre park with a 17th-century stately home housing an internationally significant art collection
Petworth is a charming UK town filled with picturesque cobbled lanes(Image: Andy Soloman via Getty Images)
At this time of year, there’s nothing quite like strolling through a picturesque UK town before settling into a welcoming pub. There’s one particular spot that’s absolutely worth the journey.
The unspoilt English town of Petworth in Sussex feels like a step back in time, boasting charming cobbled lanes brimming with antique emporiums. Independent shops nestle amongst the streets, alongside cafes, delis and inviting pubs that create the perfect setting for an idyllic day out.
Petworth Antiques Market alone houses over 40 dealers, where you can uncover everything from exquisite furniture pieces to ornaments and an array of home accessories.
When hunger strikes, drop into The Hungry Guest delicatessen on Middle Street before heading out to explore the expansive 700-acre Petworth Park, which sits beneath the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House.
Inside, guests can wander through the 17th-century stately home and discover a treasure trove featuring an internationally significant collection of art and sculpture. You might even recognise it from films such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as its appearance on Netflix’s Bridgerton.
One Tripadvisor reviewer remarked: “Pretty Petsworth. Petsworth House is a beautiful period home with an amazing Mural up the staircase. The artist who painted the mural can be found hiding behind one of the pillars in the painted mural. A favourite of Turner – the famous artist who used to stay here and paint. The grounds and lake are really pretty.
“The Town nearby has some beautiful medieval houses, which are antique shops, as well as a great antique market. A great place to walk around and have afternoon tea. One of my favourite historical towns.”
Another visitor said: “Our first visit to Petworth and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the house isn’t particularly impressive from the outside, the artwork within certainly is worth viewing. We did a guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, which was greatly enjoyable and informative.”
They added: “I’m not even a great art fan, but he brought everything to life. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe and a lovely walk around the estate in the sunshine. I would say it is more suited to adults than children, but we really enjoyed our visit.”
Petworth lies just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and roughly 50 minutes from Portsmouth. If you appreciate nature and wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for the hundreds of deer roaming freely throughout the grounds.
The grounds represent one of the finest surviving examples of English landscape design by celebrated architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. From this location, visitors can take in breathtaking views across the South Downs, with the estate providing an ideal viewpoint.
It’s also an ideal destination to leave behind the chaos of everyday life for an invigorating stroll. Worth noting too that Petworth received such acclaim, it was recognised as one of Britain’s most scenic towns by Condé Nast Traveller earlier this year.
So if you’re considering a day trip within the UK, Petworth makes for a charming and peaceful excursion this winter.