Home to Dame Maggie Smith who was often spotted shopping in Waitrose, a literary festival that attracts the likes of Dame Judi Dench, and the sumptuous location for scenes in the racy period drama Bridgerton as well as historic blockbuster Napoleon, it’s no wonder visiting Petworth – the quintessentially English town – is like stepping onto a movie set.
Stroll down the cobbled streets, lined with wisteria-draped chocolate box cottages, and you could mistake it for the ‘The Ton’ even though it’s surrounded by the glorious South Downs. And its star attraction, Petworth House, which sits within 700-acres of parkland, complete with roaming fallow deer, and landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown, will seem incredibly familiar, having been the setting for a plethora of films and TV series.
Long before the Netflix smash hit was filmed here, the Grade 1-listed National Trust-managed stately home, which houses works of art by JMW Turner, Van Dyck, Titian, Reynolds and Gainsborough, featured in films including Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Mr Turner – about the celebrated British artist who was a frequent visitor to Petworth House – and Maleficent starring Angelina Jolie.
So while this ancient town has attracted Hollywood royalty, and has been named everything from one of the best – and most expensive – places to live by The Sunday Times and a host of other media, it’s exciting to hear that Petworth is now officially one of Europe’s hidden gems, earning itself a place on Conde Nast Traveller’s list of underrated towns. The West Sussex enclave, which boasts just 3,000 residents, joins the likes of Trondheim in Norway and Narbonne in France as under-the-radar spots.
Described as ‘classy and effortlessly upmarket’ one of the judges of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2021remarked: ‘Nowhere does posh better than this old-fashioned Sussex market town.’
Now its historic allure and charm is reaching a wider audience who will no doubt be glad to hear that the Petworth Literary Festival 2024 (23 October – 3 November), which always has a stellar line-up of stars celebrating the written word, is now welcoming some of the biggest names in fiction, politics and current affairs. Dame Judi Dench will be joined by John Suchet, Helen Lederer, David Baddiel, Kate Mosse, Pam Ayres, the Duke of Norfolk and Clare Balding. Box office opens 25 September
Petworth is the town that really does have it all – a vibrant art scene, rich culture, delicious food and unique shopping experiences. Petworth Places, which is dedicated to tourism in the town, has lovingly restored and transformed myriad historical homes and local businesses in the town to make sure there’s plenty for us all to enjoy now and for years to come. Now who’s calling that underrated?
Food and drink
Along with its historic charm, Petworth has a reputation as a foodie destination. Boasting cafes, restaurants and shops that offer local Sussex ingredients, visitors can indulge in some delicious dishes and tipples while admiring the stunning views.
The Hungry Guest delicatessen is an award-winning Petworth ‘institution’ with its own cheese room – a glass box in which to try new cheeses as part of their ‘taste first’ policy. Chocolate lovers won’t be disappointed as the bakery is renowned for its brownies while its muesli, baked bread and homemade jam are also worth an early morning visit.
For a taste of some of the best local produce, step inside The Angel Inn with its atmospheric inglenooks and medieval floorboards. The menu is a contemporary affair with meat from the local Goodwood Estate, wines from Nyetimber and tomatoes from Nutbourne Nursery. This charming coaching inn was named the best pub in Sussex in 2022 and so it’s best to book a table in advance as it’s so popular. Guests can relax in the stone-walled garden during summer and cosy up in front of a roaring fire during autumn and winter. You can even stay over in one of the rooms above the pub which has been hosting travellers since the 1700s.
For even more history with your lunch or dinner, drop into E. Street Bar & Grill, situated in a restored 17th century heritage building, which is recommended in the Michelin Guide. Using produce from surrounding farms, the kitchen here transforms free range, grass-fed livestock and ingredients ranging from tomatoes, honey and grapes into unpretentious yet exceptionally tasty food. With dishes such as lamb rump, served with potato and sorrel pressing, anchovy lemon Hispi and caramel mint vinegar Jus for £27 the menu is mouth-watering.
Just outside Petworth is The White Horse, at Graffham, whose menu also celebrates the unique flavours of British seasonal fare, crafted with the finest ingredients from Sussex farms and fisheries. Embracing the farm-to-table philosophy, the kitchen is dedicated to sustainability and supports local gamekeepers, family-run suppliers, and cheese makers. The pub also has six elegant rooms in which to stay in the peaceful setting of the South Downs National Park.
Famous Faces
Dame Maggie Smith – the multi-award-winning actress who played Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey – lived in a 15th-century red-bricked house in Petworth and while she always wanted to keep her county life low key, she was often spotted shopping in Waitrose in nearby Storrington. Her neighbours included Roxy Music singer Brian Ferry and swimmer Duncan Goodhew.
Comedian Alex Horne, the creator of BAFTA award-winning Taskmaster, was born here but it’s JW Turner –a frequent guest who painted some of his most iconic landscapes at Petworth House – that is the most famous name attached to the town.
Must See
While you may recognise the North Gallery and some of the other rooms from Bridgerton, there is so much more to see and do at 17th century Petworth House. Marvel at one of the finest National Trust art collections in the country, including works by Van Dyck, Turner and Gainsborough, take in the simply stunning interiors and get a glimpse of life downstairs in the servant’s quarters.
Explore the 700-acre park designed by ‘Capability Brown’ with views of the woods, deer, and South Downs. Visitors can enjoy a Deer Rut Guided Walk or discover the views that inspired England’s greatest landscape painter on a Turner Walk strolling around the lake where the artist fished and captured the vistas in Dewy Morning and Sunset, Fighting Bucks. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth
Must Do
Step back in time at the Petworth Cottage Museum where you can ‘meet’ Mrs Mary Cummings who will put on the kettle for a cuppa at 346 High Street. She’ll talk about 1910 and the lives of the humble estate workers. The Leconfield Estate worker’s cottage is exactly how it would have been when the seamstress lived there and her stories are fascinating. The museum also has a rare collection of Petworth Goss China which was produced by the Falcon Pottery from the 1880s to the late 1930s.
Entry is free, open Tuesday – Saturday, 2-4.30pm until 31 October.
Boutique Shopping
It’s probably fitting that such a historic town is so knee-deep in antique shops – 28 at the last count – and has four art galleries that it’s been named the Antiques Centre in the county. Quite simply if it’s something old and stylish you’re after, Petworth is the place to find it.
First stop has to be the Petworth Antiques Market on East Street where more than 35 seasoned dealers sell everything from bric-a-brac to heirlooms. The home of unique treasures, it’s the ultimate destination to find that unique piece for your home or a one-of-a-kind gift. Next, indulge in a little browsing at Rountree Tyron Gallery on Market Square which has a Royal Warrant and specialises in art from the 18th century to present day.
Stroll down pretty Lombard Street to The Kevis Gallery where works by taxidermist-turned-artist Tabitha McBain can be found, or to Augustus Brandt on Pound Street where there’s an eclectic mix of treasures to be pored over. Whether it’s stunning artwork, vintage pieces or rare antiques you fall in love with here, you’ll discover plenty of gems that will make your home truly unique.
New Street Decorative, in the heart of Petworth, is a must-visit as it has something for all budgets and tastes. From decorative antiques, mid-century furniture, vintage vases, jewellery, art, sconces and gardenalia, there are beautiful, eclectic and unusual object d’arts here.
After such a busy antique hunt, perhaps it’s time for a visit to one of Britain’s finest galleries Newlands House Gallery. Discover cutting-edge contemporary art exhibited within the walls of an 18th century converted townhouse. It focuses on the great artists of the 20th century including Lee Miller, Pablo Picasso and Eve Arnold. Enjoy the current exhibition, Leonora Carrington: Rebel Visionary, which is on until 26 October, 2024, then head to the walled garden for some refreshments in the HG Café. It serves the same coffee you’ll find at The Hungry Guest along with lunch, light bites and wines and beer.
Wellness
Once you’ve satisfied your retail therapy urges and had more than a dose of culture, why not pamper yourself? Ocean Aesthetics offers a range of bespoke, non-surgical treatments for the face and body to make you look and feel your best. From revitalising facials, to gentle micro-needling, anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and contouring you can work with the clinic to achieve the best outcomes. You can even blend a number of treatments for maximum results while also improving the quality of your skin.
For women who want to focus on their health, head to Clinic 51 – so called because 51 is the average age women in the UK reach menopause – for evidence-based holistic advice, guidance and treatment. Here you’ll find a specialised service founded by doctors but run in partnership with holistic health experts to enable women to live healthily and happily through the menopause, and to thrive throughout later life.
Services
For all your individual and business legal requirements the established legal firm Glanvilles Legal Services have offices in Petworth and Chichester in Sussex and in Hampshire.
The company offer a full service including family law, conveyancing, wills & trusts, along with commercial litigation and commercial law.
Looking for a bespoke look for your home? Fineline Joinery is an established, traditional joinery manufacturer who produce a range of especially made to order doors, windows, staircases, kitchens and furniture for a broad range of clients. The firm has recently moved into a purpose-built workshop in Petworth, providing a creative environment for their craftsmen who can help with all your joinery needs.
For those who want to decorate their home and garden with luxury, sustainable furniture that is inspired by nature, head to Garden Gate. This luxury interiors business has an exquisite range of indoor-outdoor tables, chairs, sofas and lounge sets that are crafted from premium materials to transform your living spaces. Whether you’re after a tranquil retreat for quiet contemplation or a vibrant space for hosting loved ones, these carefully crafted and curated pieces will elevate the look and experience of both indoor and outside living.
