48 Hours in Petworth

A treasure trove of independent shops

Petworth is a picturesque market town nestled in the heart of the South Downs. Its quaint cobbled streets wind past many independent shops, antique treasure troves and country pubs. Dominating the landscape, is the majestic Petworth House, a Grade I listed 17th-century manor, complemented by the breathtaking grounds of Petworth Park. Spanning 700 acres, the park is home to a herd of fallow deer, many ancient trees and the most beautiful views of the Sussex countryside.

Written by: Jade Callan

2 Day Itinerary
Our Guide for the Best Recommendations in Town
Travelling to Petworth

2 Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

Tallulah Fox, Petworth

Petworth is fantastic for shopping. Whether it’s antiques or knick-knacks for your home, it’s a charming way to spend a morning. Head to Tallulah Fox for an incredible selection of homeware; don’t forget to go downstairs and pick a selection of tapered candles for your dining table. You can then make your way up Lombard Street and browse the little shops and galleries on the way.

Some other fantastic shops that are not to be missed are Oakapple Trading, The Petworth Pop Up and Maggie and Belle; you are guaranteed to leave with something special for you or someone else. If you’re after something new to wear, Gigi Boutique and Sorella offer a great selection of women's clothing and L’amour Encore is a preloved high-end designer boutique, offering an exquisite selection of unique finds. For the foodies, you must visit The Hungry Guest Deli and pick up a coffee and some local artisan produce (tip: they do the best pecan pie and brownies). They also have a whole glass-walled room dedicated to cheese from local and international cheesemongers - it really is a food lover's dream! Another gem for food enthusiasts (or wine aficionados) is Hennings Wine Merchants. The staff are so knowledgeable and can help pick out the perfect bottle; they have a great selection of English wine on offer too. Being situated in West Sussex, we are fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best vineyards in the UK.

The Antiques Market, Petworth If antique shopping is more up your street, shops are abundant in Petworth. Head to Phoenix Antiques, New Street Decorative or Petworth Antiques Market; you can spend hours going from shop to shop finding one-of-a-kind pieces, everything from high-end furniture to affordable and unique glassware and prints can be found here.

One of the best things about shopping in Petworth is the effortless opportunity to champion local, independent businesses. You not only discover brilliant products but also contribute directly to the vitality and charm of the community, which you instantly feel a part of.

The Hungry Guest Café

A morning of exploring and shopping can work up an appetite, so head to the Hungry Guest Café for a spot of lunch. They offer a delicious selection of sandwiches, pizza and brunch items, and their cakes are fantastic too.

Afternoon

After lunch, head next door to Newlands House Gallery, they always have fantastic exhibitions; at the moment the incredible work of Nick Brandt is on display. Since it opened its doors in March 2020, the gallery has seen the likes of Helmut Newton and Lee Miller & Picasso grace its walls.

Head to where you’re staying via The Petworth Bookshop, it’s an independent store run by a passionate team and they always manage to lure people in with their brilliant window displays. If you need a card or gift, the bookshop is right next to Red Card which is the go-to place for any special occasion or party items.

Newlands House Gallery

The Angel Inn in Petworth Stay at The Angel Inn; it’s a 3-minute walk from the market square and has 7 comfortable, renovated Coach House rooms. It’s full of character and its medieval origins are reflected in the original beams, fireplaces and quirky passageways. It also has a brilliant beer garden, which is perfect for a crisp brew in the summer months, or during winter they have a cosy outdoor tent with warm blankets and heaters, making it the perfect spot to hunker down with a glass of red or a hot chocolate.

Evening

E. Street Bar & Grill

A short walk from the Angel Inn is the award-winning E. Street Bar and Grill, which has recently been featured in the 2024 Michelin guide. Start with a drink in the bar area; they do all the classic cocktails and serve some of the best English Sparkling Wines: Nye Timber and Wiston. Their a la carte menu features the very best local produce and you can even build your own seafood platter for the table. Each season they do a Wine Dinner Series that focuses on a different wine region; you sit down to a 3-course dinner with wine pairings from that specific area. Past series have included Argentina, Spain Italy and the USA. After a wonderful dining experience, your bed is stumbling-distance away and you can even stop for a nightcap downstairs in the pub before retiring to bed.

Day 2

Morning

After a leisurely breakfast at The Angel Inn, take a short walk to Kiki Wellness for a relaxing yoga session. After an hour-long flow, leave feeling realigned and ready to take on the day. Pop into Saddlers Café for a takeaway coffee and take the long way back to your room. There is always something new to see on the characterful cobbled streets of Petworth.

Afternoon

Head to Petworth Park and stroll amongst the 700-acre deer park and pleasure gardens. Petworth House takes centre stage and holds one of the finest National Trust art collections, including works by Van Dyck, Turner and Gainsborough, and is definitely worth a visit. You can stop at The Audit Room Café for some lunch, and don’t forget to check out the second-hand bookshop afterwards. You can spend the whole day here exploring; there are multiple trails and walking routes available for different abilities. The ancient trees trail is especially magical.

Petworth Park

Evening

The Horse Guards, Tillington

There are some fantastic pubs surrounding Petworth offering that authentic country pub feel. The Welldiggers Arms in Low Heath is a 2-minute drive away and in the sleepy village of Tillington, you will find The Horse Guards Inn, a 350-year-old pub that was recently featured in the Top 100 Gastro Pubs in the UK and for a very good reason! In the summer months, they have a beautiful hidden gem of a garden where chickens roam and the rosé flows; in the colder months, the pub always has a roaring fire and lots of cosy corners to enjoy a homemade sloe gin over a board game. Enjoy 3 delicious courses of local, seasonal food and remember it for a long time.

After checking out and picking up some final delights from The Hungry Guest, swing by the Makers Barn. It’s an utterly charming spot that champions all things handmade by rural craftspeople and small businesses. You will come across everything from handmade soaps to locally weaved baskets, providing you with the perfect opportunity to take a piece of Petworth home with you.

Maker's Barn, Petworth