Stately homes and other historic buildings in West Sussex
As well as those described below, you might also be interested in Arundel's Castle and its cathedral, the more magnificent Chichester Cathedral and, at the other end of the West Sussex coastline, the Royal Pavilion at Brighton.
Amberley Castle
Now in use as a top-end hotel, Amberley Castle is nonetheless a spectacular sight and the highlight of the very pretty village of Amberley.Originally a 12th century manor house which has it's characterful fortifications added in the 14th century, the castle was one of the retreats of successive bishops of Chichester.
Much of the castle is in a semi ruined state, which makes it even especially evocative. A walk around it across Amberley Swamp is a delight in summer - but don't try it in the winter.
Cowdray Ruins
There are few buildings as romantic as ruins and Cowdray Ruins are no exception.The Ruins are what's left of an important early Tudor courtier's palace which was partly destroyed by fire in 1793. You can explore what's left throughout the summer. Cowdray ruins are in the northern part of Midhurst.
There's a Visitor Centre and audio and group guides are also available.
Fishbourne Palace
Perhaps the greatest existing Roman find in Britain. Fishbourne Roman Palace is a superbly restored and intelligently set out seat of Roman power around the key city of Chichester and its harbour.Fishbourne is well-known for its fabulous mosaics, which can be seen from a flyover style walkway.
Goodwood House
Compact seat of successive Dukes of Richmond and Gordon, Goodwood House is most noteworthy for its outstanding collection of artwork.The collection includes famous pieces by Canaletto, Van Dyck, Stubbs, Reynolds and other greats, together with priceless furniture and exquisite porcelain.
Hammerwood Park
Stately home open to the public at selected times during the summer.An interesting story of dereliction, restoration and rock and roll.
Lancing College Chapel
Impressive Victorian Gothic Masterpiece dominating the west bank of the River Adur north of Shoreham-by-Sea.Knepp Castle
Privately owned ruined castle overlooking Knepp Lake near the A24 close to Shipley.The estate website gives an interesting overview of the history of the castle and current conservation projects.
Parham House
Undoubtedly one of the finest small stately homes in England. Parham is located near Storrington.Parham is not open all the year round, so check for details before setting out.
Pulborough Castle info
An earthwork motte and bailey fortification enclosed by a ditch. Not a lot to see as it's almost completely overgrown with trees and ferns but a pleasant walk nonetheless.Shoreham Fort
Gary Baines' Shoreham Fort website tells you practically everything you might want to know about Shoreham Fort, which was built in 1857Stansted Park
Lovely stately home on the Hampshire border north of Emsworth with an arboretum, elegant grounds, its own Light Railway a regular program of events especially in the summertime and a style of presentation that shows what life was like below stairs as well as in the poshest rooms.Uppark
A lovely 17th century stately home high on the South Downs above South Harting and the subject of a meticulous restoration.Worth Abbey
Lovely calm site telling you about the life of the 25 monks who live in the Abbey and the works they carry out.Not generally open to the public
Wiston House
Wiston isn't open to the public, other than for weddings, but it's still a major feature of the countryside north of the Downs near Steyning.Its a Grade 1 Listed building which currently houses the confusingly similarly named Wilton Park conference centre - which is owned by the Foreign Office.
Wiston House website
or you can read more about the history of Wiston House and village here.
Interested in historic houses?
Historic Houses Association
The HHA is the club for you if you happen to own a stately home. It represents the owners of these national treasures lobbying, providing technical advice and helping members overcome the many difficulties of preserving historic houses.If you don't happen to own a stately home, the HHA's website is still interesting as it tells you about the workshops it runs across the country and contains a lot of information about some of the grand old properties its members own.
- Roman Sussex
- Saxon Sussex
- The sea and its effect on coastal communities over the centuries
- Key dates in the history of West Sussex
Saturday March 13
- Arundel Castle
- Arundel Cathedral
- Brighton Pavilion
- Chichester Cathedral
- Torberry Hill
- Cissbury Ring
- The Devil's Humps
- Chichester Canal
- St Mary's Bramber
- Knepp Castle
- Windmills
- Sussex Churches
- Wey and Arun Canal
- More places in Sussex with historical connections
- The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton
- Amberley Museum
- Top Sussex Museums
