What to see & do
Within Petworth Area you have the famous National Trust Petworth House, home to a wonderful collection of paintings including local scenes by JMW Turner, who worked and stayed here, stroll out into the extensive park laid out by Capability Brown in the 18th century with its herds of roaming deer around the lakes. Then in contrast visit the Cottage Museum, which shows how life was for the working class of provincial towns before the Great War.
A little further a field, you might like to visit West Dean Gardens, Arundel Castle go horse or motor racing at Goodwood, or have a relaxing game of golf at Cowdray. Another fine house and garden is at Parham, or time your visit with the annual summer Petworth Festival of music and dance, garden open days, and we can guarantee what ever you chose you will not be disappointed with your visit. One of the joys of this corner of West Sussex, is the relaxed atmosphere, induced by the rolling countryside and open parkscapes, which surround the town. This makes for ideal walking country with so much accessible land, affording a variety of views and topography around every corner. There are many walks based on Petworth, including Petworth Park and the Southdowns way, and information on these can be obtained from the tourist information centre in Petworth Area, 01798 343523.
