Found on the South East English coast, West Sussex has a varied makeup of costal and rural areas and it has characteristics that often hark back to another time period. From stately homes and medieval castles to rolling countryside and small quaint villages, it is a popular tourist destination and also has the added benefit of being the sunniest county in England according to the Met Office. Read more
Seagull Cottage is all about the location. Sitting on Pagham's tranquil RSPB Nature Reserve, overlooking its harbour and lagoon, this delightful holiday home is just perfect for families and also couples (one or two), especially those who appreciate tranquillity, bird watching and being close to the sea. The beach is a short stroll away and guests have a family size hot tub in the garden for sitting back and soaking up the magical atmosphere. A quiet piece of coastline in West Sussex (and one of the sunniest in the country!) with plenty of attractions close by for day trips out including Chichester Harbour.
Settle back in style in this fantastic seaside Victorian mews house in Aldwick. Mews Cottage is on a private gated estate, metres from Bognor Regis promenade and beach, with space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms. It's perfect for a family holiday in any season as there is so much to see and do. Go windsurfing, SUPing and sailing, visit Goodwood and Arundel Castle. Shop in Chichester and Brighton, and sightsee in Portsmouth historic dockyard. The South Downs National Park is only a few miles away, and there are miles of spectacular coastline to explore.
A self-catering holiday on the Sussex coast is magically restorative. There's something about the fresh sea air and slower pace of life that never loses its charm, so Seas the Day is such a great holiday home. Set over three levels with spectacular views of the English Channel and colourful beach huts, it is a pebble's throw from the water and less than a mile from the shops, cafes, and pubs of Rustington. There is space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms, with a layout that suits families and friends in any season.
Perfect for 2 guests, this self-catering studio offers stylish holiday accommodation in an enviable position just a two mile walk to the beautiful sandy Blue Flag beach at West Wittering. On the edge of Chichester Harbour, Claron Lodge is the perfect choice for water lovers, walkers and those who want to explore the many attractions of West Sussex and its coastline.
Sitting quietly between the promenade at Shoreham-by-Sea and the River Adur, Palm Tree is a welcoming self-catering apartment for one or two people. The owners saw the struggle their friend had finding wheelchair accessible holiday accommodation, so they created a place where everyone, regardless of their level of mobility, can enjoy a relaxing holiday by the seaside. The seafront is only 50 metres away, while shops, cafes, and pubs are around a 15-minute walk/wheel. Brighton and Worthing are nearby for a day out, as is the beautiful South Downs National Park.
Orchard Cottage nestles amongst the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, and is a family and walkers friendly holiday home with lovely country walks from the front door. There are lots of attractions within easy reach including cosmopolitan Brighton with The Lanes for shopping, superb restaurants, beach and its bustling seaside vibe night and day. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Offering 4 Star self-catering, this well presented holiday cottage nestles amongst the Sussex countryside of the South Downs National Park and offers excellent walking straight from the front door. The coastline is within easy reach with vibrant Brighton with its great shopping, beach and splendid pier just eight miles away. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Sitting in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, this stylish comfy Four Star holiday home is ideal for walkers and those who want to explore the areas many attractions including cosmopolitan Brighton which is just over eight miles away. Lovely countryside walks from the front door and the coast is within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Sitting at the foot of the South Downs National Park, this delightful holiday cottage is located in the small historic town of Steyning in West Sussex. Rosebud Cottage is perfect for walkers; pubs and shops a short stroll away and within easy reach of the Sussex coast including Brighton.
A traditional comfy holiday cottage ideally placed in the West Sussex village of Singleton, just a mile from Goodwood and six miles from the cathedral city of Chichester. Sitting at the heart of the South Downs National Park, there are lovely walks and cycle rides straight from the front door as well as attractions to walk to including West Dean Gardens and Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. An excellent base whether you want to explore the many attractions of Sussex, attend one of Goodwood's fantastic events or simply relax in beautiful countryside with glorious beaches such as West Wittering within easy reach for lazy days by the sea.
Cherry Tree Cottage is a welcoming holiday home sleeping four people in two bedrooms. Its flexible layout makes it ideal for couples, families or friends. It is in picturesque Prinsted in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and only a short walk from the coast. The South Downs and New Forest National Parks are both within easy reach, giving wide scope for walking, cycling, sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Brighton and the Isle of Wight are both within an hour of Cherry Tree Cottage, and local attractions include Goodwood House, Stansted House, and the Weald and Downland Living Museum.
Popular towns in and around West Sussex:
ChichesterSearch within South and South East England
For history loves the county is full of interesting and historically significant sites. West Sussex is home to two main castles – Arundel Castle and Bramber Castle – that have played important roles in English history. Arundel has been completely restored and was a strategic stronghold during the English Civil War of the 17th century and Bramber is a very typical Norman motte-and-bailey castle that now lies in ruins but still gives an insight into the historical nature of the area.
The diverse countryside that is featured all around the region provides a fantastic starting point for exploring the wide-ranging wildlife and nature of West Sussex. To the north of the county you can find acres of green and wooded landscapes and it is a prominent location for bird watching. The RSPB Pulborough Wild Brooks reserve and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Arundel reserve are two of the most well-known wetland and reserve conservation areas, and offer a great chance to see teals, barn owls, nightingales, wigeons and a variety of other species in a pleasant and serene natural environment. Chichester Harbour is another renowned bird spotting location and you can find numerous sea birds flying on its shores.
There are countless natural walks and trails around the county as well, such as the Down Link – a 37 mile long trail that can be taken on by foot or on bike and incorporates both rural tranquility and the costal South Downs. West Sussex is also a popular location for stately homes and there are many dotted throughout the county such as Uppark in the village of South Harding and Petworth House that features a 13th century chapel.
A particularly popular and quaint attraction is the town of Steyning. Its traditional nature with its Tudor buildings, annual arts festival from May to June and general slow paced way of life makes it a charming place of interest. The village of South Harting, majestically situated between green landscapes and woodland, was where Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope spent his final years and penned Mr Scarborough's Family while in the area. The village itself retains its traditional charm like many of the small towns and hamlets throughout the county and is one of the best representations of 'Old England'.
Due to its long history, West Sussex is home to numerous ghost stories and folklore. The ruined Racton Monument has long had a spooky air around it, as has the Iron Age hill fort of Chanctonbury Ring. For those curious in all things paranormal they are two of the counties highlights.
West Sussex manages to combine its costal features with countryside and rural landscapes. Parts of the country have barely changed over the centuries and it provides a fascinating glimpse into a time long since passed for the rest of England and a gateway to a way of life that cannot be found elsewhere.
