About
Petworth - a perfect blend of history, culture and shopping!
Petworth is a perfectly preserved market town nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Steeped in history, Petworth has been voted Best Antiques Town and has links to the famous artist JMW Turner, a frequent visitor to Petworth House (National Trust). The town has many treasures to discover including Petworth Cottage Museum and Coultershaw Beam Pump, located 1 ½ miles south of Petworth on the A285 towards Chichester – all making it a day out to remember.
The town still celebrates its cultural past with an annual Fete in the Park and the nationally renowned Petworth Festival, a music and arts extravaganza that attracts thousands of visitors every summer from around the world.
Retail heaven away from the hustle & bustle of the High Street
Visitors wishing to indulge in a little retail therapy will be spoilt for choice. Petworth has a well-established reputation as a unique retail haven away from the bustle of the traditional High Street. It is a real treasure trove of independent boutiques, cafes, restaurants and accommodation. The town offers a wide range of products and services from flowers, fine foods, books, natural luxury skincare, ladies’ designer fashions, traditional gentlemen’s clothing not to mention the world-famous antiques and arts establishments - some 37 of them all within a half-mile radius.
The perfect Pitstop
After sampling the delights of Petworth, why not give your feet and taste buds a treat by stopping off at one of the many cafes, pubs and restaurants?
Just want a cup of coffee or quick bite to eat? Enjoy a delicious cream tea from The Hungry Guest Cafe in the garden of Newlands House Gallery, a gorgeous hot chocolate from Coco Cafe & Sugar Lounge.
Aficionados of Indian Cuisine will also be delighted by Meghdoots, home to authentic cooking or enjoy a visit to one of the traditional country pubs like The Star, The Angel Inn, Badgers and Foresters Inn, Petworth has something to suit all tastes and budgets.
No time to stop? Pick up a wide range of takeaway options and gourmet delicatessen products from the local Co-op, Baytree Bakery, Cates Delicatessen or The Hungry Guest Food Shop.
What’s On?
Petworth is a special place – at any time of the year. Come to Petworth to:
Stock up on books at the famous Petworth Society book sale held the second Saturday of every month between 10am-3pm.
Take a springtime historic walk around the town and the picturesque Shimmings Valley.
Meet Mrs Cummings at the Petworth Cottage Museum as she puts on the kettle and takes us back to a real-life estate worker’s cottage circa 1910.
Explore Petworth through Turner’s eyes at magnificent Petworth House, explore the attics, underground tunnels and experience the taste of years gone by in the historic kitchens.
Immerse yourself in culture at the prestigious Petworth Festival which hosts first-class artists from around the world every July. Have fun at the summer Fete in the Park with a free evening musical concert (usually the second Saturday in July). Join in Petworth’s own ‘Independents’ Week in July when the whole town is drenched in red, white and blue to celebrate the uniqueness of the town as a totally independent retail haven away from the bustle of the traditional High Street. The Petworth Festival Literary Week normally takes place in October and welcomes a host of writers, directors and presenters. Enjoy the wonders of the Petworth Fair, held towards the end of November, a traditional funfair and one of the last remaining street fairs in the South dating back to 1189.
Round off the year with the Annual Christmas Lights Switch on the first Saturday in December. The whole town comes together to create a Winter Wonderland that captures the magic of the season everything from festive market stalls, Santa Claus, mulled wine, mince pies, street entertainment and music. Don’t miss the popular Live Windows Displays where local shops present fabulous winter scenes featuring moving people!
For more information on visiting Petworth, Midhurst and other towns and villages in wonderful West Sussex visit the Experience West Sussex