Holiday Cottages West Sussex
West Sussex is one of the gems of southern England, boasting castles, stately homes and exceptional countryside stretching out to the south coast. Walkers and cyclists flock to enjoy the rural charms, with more than half of the entire county being made up of protected countryside. The secrets of West Sussex have been well known to its residents for centuries but savvy visitors and tourists have caught on to the peaceful surroundings and rare beauty of the area, meaning holiday cottages in West Sussex have become an increasingly popular way to enjoy a relaxing break in the English countryside.
The county is easily accessible by road or rail from London but feels a million miles from the hustle and bustle of big city life, making holiday cottages in West Sussex a popular option for those looking to escape for a reinvigorating rural retreat, as well as tourists keen to sample traditional English lifestyle dating back centuries.
The history of the area is dramatically visible in the shape of castles such as the Grade 1 listed Arundel Castle, a restored medieval castle dating back to 1068 and restored throughout the centuries. The castle, still inhabited by the Duke of Norfolk and his family, also offers 40 acres of gardens and stunning views across the River Arun and the nearby town. Less well preserved but equally intriguing, the ruins and remains of the Norman motte and bailey Bramber Castle, largely destroyed by Roundheads in the Civil War, gives a different glimpse into the county’s noble past and fires the imagination of visitors, while the riverside village of Bramber where the castle is based is worth a visit in itself for its timber-framed buildings, ecclesiastical architecture and warm welcome.
Bramber is just one of a number of attractive villages dotted throughout West Sussex, many of which provide the ideal base for your cottage holiday or an inviting destination for a day trip during your break. A number of West Sussex small towns and villages, particularly those in the north east of the county such as Copthorne, have become popular residential bases for commuters due to their proximity to London, but many have still retained their traditional charms. Arundel, complete with views of its famed castle and gothic cathedral, offers a popular Georgian and Victorian town centre which will prove a hit with those keen to browse antique dealerships, independent boutiques and art galleries, while the county town of Chichester perfectly marries contemporary shopping and luxurious restaurants and bars, alongside Roman walls, Georgian terraced buildings and its must-see 12th century cathedral.
Just a stone’s throw from its historic market towns and villages, the West Sussex countryside draws admirers from far and wide, particularly the rolling hills and valleys of the South Downs National Park. The West Sussex coastline is rich and varied too, from the traditional English resort town and shingle beaches of Bognor Regis to the water sports Mecca of Littlehampton, complete with enchanting sand dunes and modern marina with the stunning East Beach Cafe a must visit for architecture fans and seafood lovers alike.
For a refreshing break that takes in rolling countryside, historic market towns and adventurous coastlines browse our selection of holiday cottages in West Sussex today.
