Exploring Sussex & all that it has to offer
Experiences in Sussex
Whether you want to go walking, cycling or simply sit down with a cup of tea and watch the world go by, a stay in Byre Cottages means that you have access to all that Sussex has to offer.
We’ve put together a few suggestions but please get in touch with any specific requirements for your stay with us.
Around and About
Enjoy antique hunting in Stable Antiques in Storrington, Petworth, Lewes and the Lanes area of Brighton. There are frequent car boot sales in the area too.
The flexibility of a self-catering cottage means you can choose where to eat out. There are some lovely places to eat and drink in Storrington, 13 Church Street is one of our favourites offering freshly prepared fine Thai cuisine for a sophisticated evening out, 13 Church St is opposite the The Old Forge Restaurant which is a great cafe and lunch spot.
Days out for children include Fishers Farm Park, Coombes farm rides (especially at lambing time), Southwater Country Park and Bluebell Railway.
Play golf, go sightseeing, horse riding or kayaking! There is something for everyone.
AREAS WE RECOMMEND VISITING
Storrington
You are here! Storrington is a small town with several independent shops, restaurants, pubs and tea rooms. Parham House and Gardens is a truly beautiful Elizabethan manor with fantastic walled gardens (including a wendy house built into the brickwork in the north-west corner) This fine house boasts rare collections of paintings, furniture, glorious views of the Downs and a good café – it is well worth a visit.
Arundel
Arundel Castle (see picture above) sits high on a hill above the River Arun, it dates back to the 11th century and is the seat of The Duke of Norfolk. The town also has a stunning Catholic cathedral famous for its Great Rose Window. Arundel has a number of lovely, little, independent restaurants and a Pizza Express. There is a good riding stables at Arundel.
Chichester
Is home to the remains of the largest domestic Roman building yet found in Britain, Fishbourne Roman Palace and Chichester watersports centre for waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing,etc lessons. Just north of Chichester is the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum – England’s leading museum of historic buildings. In the centre of town there is Pallant House Gallery – the best modern art gallery in South of England (outside London)! The cathedral has some wonderful paintings and beautiful cloisters. There is a good mix of well known High Street shops and small independent stores on the flat main streets around the Buttercross.
Goodwood
Just outside Chichester is the historic home of the Duke of Richmond, Goodwood House. The Festival of Speed, The Goodwood Revival and Goodwood racecourse attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The Cass sculpture park is a perfect setting in which to experience outdoor sculpture from leading modern artists.
Nutbourne
Pretty village with good pub, The Rising Sun, and vineyard open to visitors. Also Dyke Farm Shop..
Climping Beach
Mostly shingle (pebble) beach with sand at low tide but less crowded than West Wittering. Kiosk for refreshments.
West Wittering Beach
A popular sandy beach with a very shallow drop, South of Chichester. Shop for refreshments, toilets and showers.
Amberley
Is a picturesque village noted for its thatched cottages, it is also home to Amberley Working Museum. Amberley Pottery and Amberley Castle (now a hotel) are close to the Norman village church. There are a couple of good pubs in Amberley and a tea rooms.
Horsham
Horsham is an historic market town, with branches of many popular high street shops, the Carfax café area and interesting Horsham Museum which exhibits a Celtic dress brooch found on Sullington Manor Farm. The main shopping area of Horsham is quite flat and there is a small covered shopping centre/mall.
Petworth
Originally built to serve Petworth House, and the extensive deer park, it is now a beautiful country town well known for its antique shops. There are also some excellent restaurants, a charming coffee shop and some very smart clothes shops.
Guildford
Guildford is the historic and vibrant county town of Surrey and offers first class entertainment and shopping, surrounded by a wealth of gardens and historic buildings. The main streets of Guildford are on a steep hill.
Brighton & Hove
Georgian terraces, the Palace Pier, Brighton’s historic quarter the Lanes with lots of small antique shops, some quirky and interesting shops in the North Laines area, the Royal Pavilion, the world’s oldest operating electric railway ‘Volks’ along with museums, theatres, cinemas, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and amusement arcades make Brighton a great place to visit.
Lewes
Located approx. 20 mins East of Brighton, Lewes is the county town of East Sussex and is packed with history, charm and character. Lewes is built on a hill above the river and is home to the 15th century timber-framed Anne of Cleeves House which she was given as part of her settlement when her marriage to King Henry VIII was annulled in 1541. The castle too is worth a visit – and Charleston, home of the Bloomsbury group. The Sussex Guild of Craftsmen has a permanent gallery in Lewes.