Historic places to visit in West Sussex

Arundel Castle and Gardens
Arundel BN18 9AB

arundelcastle.org

There is nearly 1,000 years of history at this great castle, situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex and built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel. Collections: The results of all this history are concentrated at the castle, which houses a fascinating collection of fine furniture dating from the 16th century, tapestries, clocks, and portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Mytens, Lawrence, Reynolds, etc. Personal possessions of Mary, Queen of Scots and a selection of historical, religious and heraldic items from the Duke of Norfolk's collection are also on display.

Bignor
Pulborough RH20 1PH

bignorromanvilla.co.uk

Bignor Roman Villa is the stunning remains of a Roman home and farm with world-class mosaic floors in a spectacular downland setting. Learn why the Roman owners chose to develop such a magnificent settlement at Bignor in the 3rd century AD and how they acquired wealth from its location.

West Street
Chichester PO19 1RP

chichestercathedral.org.uk

For 900 years Chichester Cathedral has stood at the heart of Chichester. Each generation has left its mark on the cathedral, so this magnificent building has unique architecture ranging from original Norman features to the towering Victorian Spire and newly restored Lady Chapel.

Coultershaw Mill, Station Road
Petworth GU28 0JE

coultershaw.co.uk

This waterwheel-driven three-throw beam pump was installed in 1782 to pump water from the River Rother up to Petworth, 150ft higher. The machinery has been put in working order and a 100 year old barn from Goodwood erected over it to act as a reception and display centre.

Roman Way, Fishbourne
Chichester PO19 2QR

sussexpast.co.uk

Explore this first-century home and outstanding archaeological site, get hands-on at our exciting family events and marvel at the largest collection of early Roman mosaic floors in Britain. Dating back to the beginning of Roman occupation of Britain this Roman Palace offers visitors of all ages a unique experience.

Hyde Drive, Ifield
Crawley RH11 0PL

crawleymuseums.org

Ifield Watermill is thought to be the only working Watermill in West Sussex still powered by its original water source, the Ifield millpond.

Manor Cottage, Southwick Street
Southwick BN42 4TE

btck.co.uk

The building dates from about the mid 15th century and was built as an open hall with an oak frame, wattle and daub walls and probably a thatched roof.

36 High Street
Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5DA

friendsofmarlipins.org.uk

The medieval building in which Marlipins Museum presents its collections is of national importance (Grade II* Listed). It houses more than 2,500 exhibits reflecting the rich history of the area, its archaeology, maritime shipbuilding past, the two World Wars, and the Shoreham Beach nature reserve..

Staplefield Road, Handcross
Haywards Heath RH17 6EB

nationaltrust.org.uk

Nymans is one of the great gardens of the Sussex Weald and is internationally famous for its beauty and collection of rare plants. It is the achievement of three generations of the Messel family over a period of over a hundred years.

9 North Pallant
Chichester PO19 1TJ

pallant.org.uk

Pallant House Gallery is a unique combination of a Grade 1 listed Queen Anne townhouse and an award-winning contemporary extension. It is based in the heart of Chichester and holds one of the best collections of Modern British art in the country.

Pulborough RH20 4HS

parhaminsussex.co.uk

THistoric manor house dating from the Elizabethan era, with rare art, gardens and 875-acre deer park.

Petworth Park
Petworth GU28 0AE

nationaltrust.org.uk

Rebuilt in 1688 by the 'Proud Duke' (Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset) around the ancient manor house of the Percy family, Petworth today houses the largest collection of paintings and sculpture in the care of the National Trust. Petworth also features a 30-acre woodland garden, which forms part of the Pleasure Ground, and a majestic 700-acre landscaped park designed by 'Capability' Brown which is home to the largest herd of fallow deer in England.

North Lane
West Hoathly RH19 4PP

sussexpast.co.uk

The only one of its kind open to the public, this beautiful 15th century Wealden hall house stands in a traditional cottage garden on the edge of the Ashdown Forest in picturesque West Hoathly. The house was owned in turn by Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, Mary I and Elizabeth I. It is now furnished with 17th & 18th century country furniture and domestic objects while the garden is planted with over 170 culinary, medicinal & household herbs.

Terminal Building, Shoreham Airport
Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5FF

visitorcentre.info

The services offered at the Visitor Centre include an introduction to the aviation world to anybody of any age and above all with any interest. For those wishing to experience the world of aviation we have regular airport guided tours and our Visitor Centre is full of interesting displays relating to Shoreham's history. Collections: The Archive houses a massive collection of photographs and literature dating back 95 years. In addition, we also publish a quarterly journal which contains a large degree of research material.

Standen, West Hoathly Road
East Grinstead RH19 4NE

nationaltrust.org.uk

Standen is a fine show-piece of the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts Movement, featuring rich William Morris textiles and wallpapers, complemented by contemporary furniture, ceramics and pictures of the time. Philip Webb, friend of William Morris, designed this family house in the 1890s.

Time Machine/Clocktrust Woodend Turning, Common Road, Funtington/East Ashling
Chichester PO18 9DH

clocktrust.com

The building itself comes from the block work recovered from the cathedral collapse in 1850. TimeMachineFun, a museum with a difference, you get to explore and interact with the exhibits, which are experiments. On display we have a variety of weird and wonderful technology, demonstrating how science and engineering has totally changed the society we all enjoy. Instead of just looking at the exhibits from a distance we have a hands-on approach where we open items up, take them apart and explore the science and engineering inside.

South Harting
Petersfield GU31 5QR

nationaltrust.org.uk

Late 17th-century house in an impressive setting. Fine late 17th-century house elevated upon the South Downs. Renowned Grand Tour Collection. Impressive Georgian doll's-house.

Ardingly RH17 6TN

nationaltrust.org.uk

The 200 hectares (500 acres) at Wakehurst Place include walled gardens, water gardens, a wetland conservation area, woodland, lakes and ponds.