External sites of interest

The Bluebell Railway is a working steam train line along the East-West Sussex border. It is a fantastic day out for all the family. All the trains are run by volunteers and the line celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2007. They are now looking to extend the line even further than it currently runs.

Held at Ardingly Showground, this is the greatest family day out in the South East. Features include entertainment and displays, prize winning British livestock, world class showjumping and equestrian events, foods and farming, flower displays, crafts and much more.

The Capitol in Horsham is an arts and entertainment centre with a theatre, cinema and studio. There is also a cafe and a bar.

This annual walk across the South Downs is supported rather than guided and usually takes place over 9 days. Daily distances are planned between 9 and 14 miles and walkers enjoy the walk at their own pace so they can enjoy the peace of the countryside on their own terms. You can of course enjoy walking on the South Downs at any time of year as well. 

Fishers Farm Park is an award-winning family visitor attraction located in Wisborough Green on the edge of the South Downs National Park. There are many different activties for children of all ages, making it a fantastic family day out. 

There are a large number of food festivals and open air events that take place during the year across West Sussex. By clicking our link 'West Sussex Festivals' you will be able to see a list of all the events and access further information on each one.

Parham has always been a well-loved family home, and only three families have ever lived there since 1577. The house and gardens were opened to visitors in 1948 and Parham's tranquillity and timeless beauty have changed little over the centuries. Parham House and Gardens are now owned by a Charitable Trust.

The Festival of Speed can justifiably claim to be the world's biggest and most diverse celebration of the history of motorsport and car culture. It is the only occasion where you will find the greatest competition cars and star drivers from all eras in action from the 19th century steam cars to current Formula 1.

The world's most popular historic motor race meeting - this is the only event of its kind to be staged in the romantic time capsule of the '50s and '60s at a classic circuit untouched by the modern world. The Revival relives the glory days of Goodwood Motor Circuit which ranked alongside Silverstone as Britain's leading venue during its active years between 1948 and 1966.

Goodwood is internationally acclaimed as being one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world. Renowned for its unique elegance and style Goodwood continues to set standards of style and quality for its racegoers. Set on top of the South Downs it is a breathtaking backdrop for some of the very finest flat racing.

Considered a "jewel in West Sussex" Fontwell Park is one of the most intimate and friendly racecourses in the country and its unique figure of eight track adds to the excitement of jump racing. There are race meetings throughout the year including midweek, weekend and evening fixtures.

Arundel's annual festival is positively full of creative talent with a multitude of writers, actors, musicians, resident artists and many galleries set against the backdrop of magnificent Arundel Castle.

An arts festival in the historic West Sussex market town that has evolved in to a two to three week summer festival of arts and music. The Festival presents very high quality chamber concerts, instrumental recitals, song, jazz and world music. There is also visual arts, theatre, talks and walks in and around Petworth.

Positioned in the beautiful surroundings of Oaklands Park, Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the United Kingdom's flagship theatres with a dazzling international reputation for producing a wide range of theatrical productions from musicals and comedies to classic drama and innovative new writing.

Opera has been held annually at Glyndebourne since 1934. It is most famous for its productions of Mozart's operas, many of those productions are considered the finest ever done of those operas. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has been long associated with Glyndebourne Festival Opera enjoying a rewarding partnership that dates back over 40 years.

Cowdray Park is the home of British Polo. It hosts tournaments and fixtures generally from April through to September. It is most famous for hosting the Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup in July each year.

There are a number of National Trust sites in Sussex, including Nymans, Petwork Park and House and the stunning Sheffield Park.

Our link takes you to the National Trust website where you can find local places of interest to visit.

World famous for showjumping, Hickstead is host to the British Grand Prix and the only Nations Cup competition in the British Isles. The British Derby meeting held here remains one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar.