Scattered throughout the country are delightful towns with riverside promenades and cozy pubs that provide that quintessential English setting. One particularly charming destination worth exploring is located in the southeast, offering a glimpse into history.
Nestled in the southeast, the picturesque historic town of Petworth in Sussex is characterized by its meandering cobbled streets and Georgian architecture, along with a vibrant art and antiques scene. The quaint streets are filled with antique shops, boutique stores, cafes, delis, and inviting pubs.
Among its notable dining spots is The Hungry Guest on Middle Street, renowned for its seasonal, locally sourced cuisine that has gained the town recognition. Additionally, there are several cozy pubs to enjoy, such as The Welldiggers Arms, The Black Horse Inn, and The Angel Inn.
Petworth Antiques Market is another highlight in Petworth, with over 40 dealers offering a diverse range of items from exquisite furniture to ornaments and home decor. A visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “I absolutely love going to the Petworth Antique Market, the customer service is amazing with extremely friendly, helpful staff, and I always always find beautiful treasures there!!”
A major attraction is the splendid Petworth House and Park, featuring a vast 700-acre park surrounding the majestic 17th-century Petworth House. Visitors can explore the historic mansion and discover an exceptional collection of internationally acclaimed art and sculptures within its walls.
The estate is renowned as one of the finest examples of an English landscape designed by the famed Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Guests can also witness deer freely roaming the grounds of Petworth Park and enjoy stunning views of the South Downs from the park’s elevated position.
Featured in movies like Napoleon, Rebecca, Maleficent, and Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton, Petworth has garnered attention as a filming location. A TripAdvisor user praised the site: “Another National Trust gem! Had a wonderful day there. So much to see and wonderful walks in the grounds and deer park. The art collection is outstanding, and as usual, the volunteers in the house were great. Had an interesting talk in the square dining room about the history of the family. Found the kitchens fascinating! Great cafe too. Highly recommend.”
Another visitor commented: “We had such a wonderful visit! The house is extremely interesting to explore, and the grounds are gorgeous. Petworth town is really lovely too