by Sally Longson

Created on: August 01, 2008   Last Updated: August 03, 2008

West Sussex offers the visitor both countryside and town an abundance of outdoor activities within easy driving distance of Gatwick Airport.

From market towns to country estates, the county offers a variety of activities to interest the visitor with lots to do and amuse. Children are also well catered for, with lots of opportunities to run wild in open spaces and to connect with nature, castles to explore and beaches to play on.

Towns such as Petworth and Midhurst offer antique shops and country stores to stroll around, while Chichester and Brighton have a range of shops and nightlife. The county has views to gaze at in every corner; whether you are at the top of Devil's Dyke taking a brisk stroll, or on a harbor cruise at Chichester, there's much to see.

Those with wildlife and animal interests are very well catered for in Sussex, with spots such as the Wildfowl and Westlands Trust near Arundel, the Ashdown Forest Llama Park, and Pagham Harbour with its bird population. There's also horse racing at Goodwood and Fontwell, plus polo at Cowdray Park.

Attend showjumping events at Hickstead and stroll around the many country shows at the South of England Agricultural Society's grounds at Ardingly, which is just up the road from Ardingly Reservoir. The latter offers a superb opportunity to get out of the car and stretch your legs as you walk around and watch enthusiasts windsurf or canoe on the water.

You can also step back in time outdoors at the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum which offers a fine insight into industrial history.

There are many beautiful gardens, such as Leonardslee, Nymans, High Beeches, Borde Hill and Wakehurst Place, so visit and enjoy a leisurely stroll collecting ideas for your own garden.
Sussex has plenty of walks to offer, with a fine network of footpaths and bridle-paths for riders. Riding schools abound, and if you'd prefer to see Sussex from the air, you can take a ride in a hot air balloon with the British School of Ballooning who are based in Petworth.

There are a good many country villages and hamlets to discover, too, such as Bignor with its excavated Roman villa, and you'll never be short of eating places along the way, for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. West Sussex also boasts a fine range of hotels and bed and breakfasts, with something to suit every budget.

Start planning your visit! For more info, visit http://www.visitsussex.org/

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