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
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.
Chestnut Lodge is a beautiful timber holiday cottage in the Sussex village of Halnaker. Sited in it’s own grounds, it has a lovely, leafy outlook. Just over the garden fence is the South Downs National Park, with a vast network of footpaths, picturesque villages, country pubs and varied landscapes to enjoy. It is also close to Goodwood, Chichester, Portsmouth, and the coast for fun days out. The cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms, with a flexible layout to suit the needs of couples, families or friends. It has been designed with wide doorways, level flooring and a wheelchair accessible bathroom. There is parking for up to four cars and an EV charger.
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 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.
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.
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 (as it sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms), 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 (and outside shower) 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, Goodwood etc.
Ridge Farm is an ideal place to gather family and friends together for a self-catering holiday. The farmhouse has grown over the centuries without losing any of its character and sleeps up to 24 people - perfect for a group holiday, workshop, corporate event or wedding weekend. The hire also includes exclusive use of the 14 acres of gardens, meadows and woodland, flood lit tennis court and an indoor leisure complex with heated swimming pool, sauna and hot tub. There is also a separate cottage, the Granary, to hire alongside the Farmhouse. A short stroll along the path will take you to this hidden gem - an enchanting cottage from the outside, whilst the inside holds an exceptional bespoke interior. Independent form the main house, with its own sitting room and kitchen downstairs and a bedroom and bathroom upstairs. The Granary can sleep an additional 2-3 guests. We're located on the Surrey/Sussex border, within easy reach of Gatwick and Heathrow airports, the M25, London and the south c
"The Masters House" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in West Sussex. Hurstpierpoint is a pretty village nestled on the edge of the South Downs National Park, close to the city of Brighton in Sussex. The village comes alive on the first Saturday in July, when it hosts the St Lawrance Fair, which offers a...
"The Stables Barn" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in West Sussex. Fontwell is a small hamlet in the heart of the Sussex countryside, made famous by Fontwell Park Racecourse, where in October 1949 Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II had her first win as the owner of Monaveen. The racecourse is still a...
"1 Paythorne Farm Cottages" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in West Sussex. Small Dole is a modest village resting in Sussex, in close reach of the market town of Henfield, hosting a wonderful range of amenities and attractions. The village itself is home to pubs and shops, as well as offering easy access into the...
"Woodend Annexe" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in West Sussex. The small hamlet of Fontwell is situated in the heart of Sussex countryside, close to the South Downs National Park. The hamlet is home to the famous Fontwell Park Racecourse, plus the market town of Arundel is 5 miles away and offers a castle,...
"Sea House" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in West Sussex. Rustington is a thriving coastal village set between Worthing and Bognor Regis, with a good range of shops, both small independent retailers and national names, as well as a number of cafes, pubs and restaurants. This coastal village...
"Longmace" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in West Sussex. Located right in the heart of Arundel, Longmace has undergone a stunning transformation from a jewellers dating back from 1770 to a luxury holiday home, sleeping up to 6 guests. The property has been beautifully styled and designed in keeping...
"Apartment in Sussex" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in West Sussex. This apartment is exquisitely located overlooking the West Sussex countryside on the edge of the pretty village of Rudgwick close to village pubs and farm shops. Enjoy scenic walks from the doorstep along footpaths that link up with the...
"Karibu" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in West Sussex. Situated at the foot of the beautiful South Downs National Park is High Salvington, a charming neighbourhood home to an array of shops and eateries. The thriving neighbourhood is close to the Worthing Golf Club and within easy reach of the...
"The Old Granary" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in West Sussex. Within the South Downs valley of Sussex, West Chiltington is tucked between Pulborough to the west and Storrington to the south. It's a hidden gem, with lovely homes, winding alleys, and welcoming stores and taverns. The large village, like...
"Sandrock Springs" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in West Sussex. Northchapel is a charming village located within the South Downs National Park, in Sussex. The village offers a village store at the local post office where you can stock up on essentials, and there is also a pub, the Half Moon Inn. There are...
"1 Stonewall Cottages" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in West Sussex. Kirdford is a charmingly quintessential village resting between the quaint towns of Wisborough Green and Petworth. Renowned for its historic architecture and vibrant community, Kirdford offers an array of attractions, including scenic walking...
"Long Meadow" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in West Sussex. A market town nestled in the the South Downs National Park. Mildhurst is brimming with history, landmarks, Tudor houses and 94 listed buildings. Henry VII helped build the Cowdray House and Gardens set on the banks of the River Rother, the...
"Olive Tree Beach House" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in West Sussex. Located in Shoreham-by-Sea, a vibrant coastal town on the stunning Sussex coast that perfectly blends historic charm with seaside tranquillity this property is ideal for those looking to explore the bustling city of Brighton to the east and the...
"Stable Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in West Sussex. Stable Cottage is a single-storey holiday home, perfect for couples or small families. It sits adjacent to the owner's farmhouse and stud farm, in 70 acres of grounds. It has a lovely outside seating area with countryside views across the...
"Penthouse on the Seafront" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in West Sussex. This stunning apartment offers contemporary and sleek interiors with a south-facing roof terrace with direct sea views and is situated across the road from the beach and seafront. It offers central and stylish accommodation for families or...
"Byre Cottage 4" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in West Sussex. Storrington is a West Sussex village between Pulborough and Worthing. The town is known for Parham House & Gardens, Storrington & District Museum, Sandgate Park, and nearby National Trust Warren Hill. Joanna's Boutique Tearooms serves...
"The Yeoman's House" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in West Sussex. Arundel sits just outside the South Downs National Park and with the River Arun winding through the town makes for a popular tourist destination when visiting Sussex. Combining one thousand years of history with independent shops, contemporary...
"Flat 34 - Marine Court" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in West Sussex. The seaside village of Littlehampton has two beaches, a thriving marina, and a harbour. Over the Coastguard beach, the International Blue Flag and Quality Coast Flag are flown. This bustling seaside town on the south coast offers year-round...
"Harbour Reach" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in West Sussex. Littlehampton is a seaside resort town with two beaches, a bustling marina and harbour. The International Blue Flag and Quality Coast Flag fly over the Coastguards beach. This busy south coast town has all that is desirable for a seaside...
"8 Sea Way" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in West Sussex. The coastal village of Elmer is part of the built-up area around Bognor Regis, resting within the Arun District of West Sussex. The village is home to Elmer Beach, a beautiful and scenic stretch of South Coast seaside, along with a small...
"Lily Ponds Cottage" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 7 guests in West Sussex. Lily Pond Cottage is wonderfully located close to Pulborough with easy access to a wealth of wonderful sites and local activities.There are plenty of local family-run public houses, with beer gardens and beautiful views of the South...
"Primrose Place" is a 5 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 9 guests in West Sussex. Worthing is a major coastal town in West Sussex, in a glorious location. Set just an hour and twenty minute train ride from London, this has been a popular holiday spot since Victorian times. Worthing is a hub of activity with a fantastic...
"The Coach House" is a 6 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 10 guests in West Sussex. Bolney is a pretty village in the heart of Sussex, perfectly located for visits to both the east and west of the county. Set to the west of the main A23 dual carriageway which runs from London to Brighton, this quiet part of a rural landscape...
"Elizabethan Manor" is a 7 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 14 guests in West Sussex. Elizabethan Manor possesses a unique charm and homeliness. Located on the outskirts of the National Park, its catchment area is superb, with accessible transport links and stunning surroundings. There are plenty of local family-run public...
Popular towns in and around West Sussex:
Bogor RegisBrightonChichesterCrawleyHassocksHorshamSidleshamSouthdowns National ParkSteyningWorthingSearch 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.
