The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in West Sussex, England

Visit our beautiful vineyards and brand new modern tasting room overlooking the vines open every day of the week. Come and enjoy a glass of bubbles in the sun after we show you around the vineyard.

Private bespoke Bird of Prey experiences in and around Arundel and West Sussex Not open to the public and bookings in advance are recommended on our stunning sites in beautiful Sussex countryside

Visitors to the Roman villa at Bignor will tour the ancient site (circa AD190) that evolved over several centuries, and which houses some of the best preserved mosaics in England.

Come and discover rescued rural buildings set in a beautiful landscape, which tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in them over 1,000 years. Explore our 40-acre site and visit our collection – we have more than 50 historic buildings, from a replica Anglo-Saxon hall house to an Edwardian tin church. Enjoy a regular programme of demonstrations, including milling in our 17th century watermill; cooking in our Tudor kitchen; blacksmithing in our Victorian smithy, baking in our newly opened bakehouse; plus seasonal demonstrations. Take a walk in the woods, bring the dog (we are dog friendly), visit our waterside cafe or enjoy your own picnic. New exhibit buildings include: a dairy and bakehouse, near the watermill, plus a late 18th century barn and early 19th century stable known as May Day Farm. Need a new hobby or a new skill? Try our day courses in traditional rural trades and crafts or historic building conservation.

A Great English Garden of rare plants and stunning landscapes make Borde Hill the perfect day out for horticultural enthusiasts, country lovers and families. Tranquil outdoor ' rooms' include the Azalea Ring and Rhododendron gardens, fragrant Rose Garden and scenic Italian Garden, plus subtropical dells and ruins. Woodland walks, adventure playground and events throughout the season. See website for details.

One of the top twenty in Simon Jenkins's book 'England's Thousand Best Houses'. Idyllically set in the heart of an ancient deer park, below the South Downs, the Elizabethan house contains an important collection of needlework, paintings and furniture. The spectacular Long Gallery is the third longest in England. The gardens include a four-acre Walled Garden with stunning herbaceous borders, plus Pleasure Grounds. Parham has always been a well-loved family home, and only three families have lived here since its foundation stone was laid in 1577. Its tranquillity and timeless beauty have changed little over the years. Now owned by a charitable trust, the house is lived in by Lady Emma Barnard, her husband James and their family. Open from Easter Sunday until the end of October. Please see the website for days and times.

Located in the heart of the South Downs national park, our museum is dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage of the South East. With 36 acres to explore and over 40 exhibits to visit, you can discover the South’s working past. Exhibits include a working print shop, which is the only one of its kind in the South of England. The BT Connected Earth exhibit shows the history of communications, with interactive displays for all ages to enjoy. Our lime kilns are scheduled ancient monuments, which date back to when the site was once a working chalk quarry. The Life of Lime exhibition shows the history of the chalk quarry and its importance in Sussex’s industrial working past. Our Museum is also home to traditional crafts people such as the blacksmith. There is also a pottery on site, where our resident potters will showcase their skills on selected days. We also have our own industrial narrow gauge railway.

The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre in Chichester is a registered educational charity run by a team of dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers.