West Sussex is an ideal destination for a road trip with THE OUT. It’s got castles, stately homes, rolling downs and romantic beaches to watch the sun set – and all just a couple of hours from London. Of course, Brighton and its bustling Lanes hold their attractions, but if you’re looking for true relaxing road trip nirvana, and not a retro Kurt Cobain T-shirt, the following guide is for you.
Distance/journey time from London
Around 60 miles/under 2 hours (to the coast – less inland).
Routes & great driving roads
Getting there
After you’ve made your way through south London’s traffic on the A3, pick up the A243, and then the A24. Soon you’ll be driving through the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and if you want to stop and admire it to its fullest, take a right at Dorking and follow Ranmore Road which takes you to Denbies Hillside, one of the most spectacular views on the North Downs. The car park is owned by the National Trust. While you’re in the area, pick up a bottle of wine or two for later on from nearby Denbies Wine Estate, the largest vineyard in England, with 265 acres of vines. White is the way to go here – try their floral Surrey Gold NV. From here, the A24 wanders gently all the way to Worthing on the coast.
The A272 and the South Downs
One of the UK’s most scenic roads is the A272 which threads its way east to west through the South Downs - especially the Bolney-Billinghurst-Petworth section. Exploring its views, villages and eateries would be a day out in itself. If you’re a gardener, the area has lots of great places to pick up plants at refreshingly non-London prices – the Camelia Botnar and Rotherhill Nurseries are two of our favourites.
Brighton to Arundel
Another cool road trip takes you from Brighton on the A23, through Hurstpierpoint on the B2116, where you pass the Royal Oak at Wineham. In fact – why pass it? With its huge 14th century fireplace and large garden, this is a traditional British pub for all seasons – and it’s dog friendly. After lunch, set your satnav for Amberley – an idyllic quintessential British village with thatched cottages and a great little museum. From here you’re just 10 minutes from Arundel.
See
A trip to West Sussex wouldn’t be complete without visiting Arundel– whether it’s walking around looking for a bargain in one of its many bookshops in the ancient city centre, enjoying watching a game of world-class cricket against a backdrop of the South Downs at the Arundel Castle Cricket Club, or cooling off in the Lido’s two pools.
From Arundel you’re only 10 minutes away from Climping Beach – a genuinely quiet hidden gem. It’s stony and tucked away down a narrow winding lane off the A259 – which explains why it’s less busy than other beaches on the coast – but the silence and serenity are perfect for de-stressing after a busy week in London.
Stay
Bailiffscourt describes itself as “the ultimate country escape”. It’s a series of charming houses and cottages with an award-winning spa set in 30 acres of private parkland leading to Climping Beach. Sink into a comfortable sofa, warmed by a crackling log fire. Families and dogs are welcome and encouraged to wander, exploring their extensive grounds and the beach.
900-year-old Amberley Castle has luxury rooms, is family friendly and is also a great place for afternoon tea, or a more formal meal. Choose from the 12th-century Queen's Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling and open fire or The Great Room, built in 1165 with high lancet windows, open fireplace, oak flooring, tapestries and suits of armour.
Eat
The Parsons Table, Arundel is run by chef Lee Parsons (ex-Claridge’s and Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons) and his partner Liz. They moved to Arundel in 2015 with the aim of starting their own restaurant, and have built a reputation for local and seasonal ingredients, relaxed informal dining and impeccable service.
Walk
West Sussex is traversed by the famous South Downs Way – an ancient long-distance footpath and bridleway running over 160 km from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. Thankfully, the South Downs National Park Authority has broken it down into helpful bite-sized chunks for every ability and timeframe. Choose a walk here.
