Visit Petworth Park: Nature and History Await in Sussex

Where? Petworth, Sussex, GU28 9LR
How much? Around £12 entry for non-members to house and park.
What? 17th-century Grade I listed country house and park
Distance from London? 2hrs by public transport / 2hr drive
Dog friendly? Yes (except access to the house)
Parking? Limited spaces, so arrive early or park beyond the house park. Free for members, paid entry for non-members.

I’m fully embracing my wholesome era, swapping pubs for parks and nightclubs for 17th-century estates. It feels like a full circle moment, considering I used to spend my weekends begrudgingly traipsing around National Trust sites with my parents, wishing I could just stay home and play The Sims. Only now do I realise how lucky I was to have all these beautiful houses and gardens right on my doorstep. And in true poetic justice, I’ll probably end up dragging my own kids to them one day too!

As an avid reader of Jane Austen, desperate to step back in time and experience just for a day what life might have been like in a scene from Pride and Prejudice, or enjoying a picnic with a parasol in Emma, I couldn’t help but imagine Petworth Park in its 17th-century glory. There is even a painting of the house in the gallery, capturing a particularly grand year when its annual fête saw over a thousand guests arrive, overwhelming the kitchen. In the scene, ladies recline on the lawns in frilly gowns, their hair styled in twisted ringlets, while small deer and rabbits bask in the sunshine around them. It looks utterly picturesque.

We headed to the park on a crisp spring morning. The sun was shining, and the bluebells and daffodils were just beginning to emerge from the leaf litter. It was absolutely beautiful, and though we weren’t quite dressed in 17th-century attire, it still felt as if we had stepped onto the set of Bridgerton. The park itself is stunning, with glistening ponds patrolled by ducks, rolling hills, and herds of deer nestled within the foliage.

By the lake, we found a small stone arch with seating, where we sat for ages, soaking up the spring sunshine, chatting with local visitors, and watching the fishermen cast their lines. If you’re looking for a peaceful, and truly blissful day, you couldn’t ask for a better one.

Petworth House

After enjoying a coffee and cake (I opted for a coffee and walnut slice which was delicious) at the Servants’ Quarters café in the courtyard opposite the main house, we explored the second-hand bookshop and browsed local crafts and gifts before heading to the main house.

Inside, it is as opulent as you might expect. It’s hard to believe that people once lived in these spaces, surrounded by towering sculptures of battle scenes and gods, and walls lined with intricate gold-framed paintings of landscapes and portraits, some of which are rather amusing. Wandering through the rooms, I was especially awestruck to spot a William Blake etching, having studied him at university. We also entertained ourselves with a game, deciding which 17th century gentleman might have caught our eye back then. There was a clear standout winner, but I won’t spoil it. See if you can find him yourself!

Once you have finished exploring the park and house, be sure to visit Petworth, a charming little English village. It may be small, but it has a couple of cosy pubs like The Angel Inn and The Star, a few boutiques, and some beautiful old doors with intricate knockers. If you are used to city life, you might be in for a shock. It is certainly a far cry from Canary Wharf or Central!