Campsites in West Sussex

Spanning a wonderful slice of the South Coast, from the border with Hampshire in the west to Brighton’s borders in east, this area is one to watch.

It stretches through charming market towns, vintage seaside resorts like Bognor Regis, cute villages with cosy pubs and Victorian piers that tell the story of days gone by.

If you do like to be beside the seaside you’ll find more than 20 beaches, with colourful beach huts, old timey arcades and soft silky sand all on the menu.

But why stay in your deck chair all day, however, when there’s also a whopping slice of the South Downs to explore, with traffic free bike trails and close to 160km of the South Downs Way.

Our favourite things to do in West Sussex

• Arundel Castle
• Fishbourne Roman Palace
• Ashdown Forest
• Goodwood House and the Festival of Speed

Breathtaking national park

West Sussex is a playground for adult outdoor fans – and also has plenty of active spots for little tinkers of any age.  Up on the South Downs National Park, green rolling hills meet the skyline and the whole national park is dotted with well known landmarks.

It meets its highest point at tranquil Black Down – where the trees seem to brush the horizon – and from there you’ll want to discover Queen Elizabeth Country Park and perhaps sizzle up a few sausages on the BBQ for dinner.

Next on the list should be Petworth Park, a picture postcard pretty spot which surrounds a historic English estate and hosts a herd of shy deer.

Pack a picnic and nest in front of the white cliffside for your lunch – watching the birds wheel and dance in the sky as you fill those hungry bellies.

Charming country towns

It’s not hard to believe that Arundel dates back over a thousand years, as you stroll arounds its fairytale castle (built in Norman times, no less), saunter by its canalside and explore Sussex’s pleasant countryside.

Don’t forget to pick up local chutneys, fresh baked goods and home grown produce at the monthly farmers market and then burn off those extra calories with a brisk jaunt around Arundel Park, waving to boaters on the lake.

The Downs are dotted with other sleepy villages and there are elegant towns brimming with character like Petworth, Midhurst and Haywards Heath.

Between all of these, families can get a few lungfuls of fresh air from the Channel with walks through ancient woodland, meandering bridleways and scenic walking trails.

Impressive history

The Romans came, saw, conquered and left an unmistakeable mark on Chichester. First known as Noviomagnus Reginorum it’s now a buzzing cathedral city with a selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Look back through the mists of time at The Noviam in Chichester where you’ll find 500,000 artefacts over three floors.

Keep one eye on the past with a trip to nearby Fishbourne Roman Palace, where the whole family will come face to face with intricate mosaics, formal gardens and the architectural finds that bring the ancient civilisation to life.

A little more modern (but only in comparison to the Romans!) splendid Petworth House dates back over 900 years and has lavish gardens to dawdle through. Make time for Parham House too which was standing while Elizabeth I was on the throne.

If all that hasn’t got you revved up, the Goodwood Estate is sure to do the trick with its fine old mansion, quirky vintage racing events and the largest motoring garden party you'll find anywhere on the globe.

Digging deeper, get to know the world of yesterday in Sussex at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum which spans over 40 acres (bring Fido, he’s welcome to explore with you) and features to chance to cook in a Tudor kitchen. Next up is Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre to see steam trains chug by, vintage motors in their heyday and a woodland trail which is carpeted with bluebells in the spring.

Activities for young and old

It’s not just Winnie the Pooh fans that flock to Ashdown Forest, but there’s no doubt the little ones will want to play a round of Pooh sticks in the forest’s gentle river. If you need more of a challenge, put your best foot forward on the High Weald Landscape Trail or tick off a section of the beautifully maintained South Downs Way.

The mysteries of the past are yours to discover at Cissbury Ring, 5000 years old, and Chanctonbury Ring is its close rival, an Iron Age wonder.

With such a stretch of beachy waves, who could say no to making a bit of a splash. Sailing, swimming, wind and kite surfing, and sea kayaking are all on the cards.

A deckchair and a parasol on the pebble beach at Worthing or Shoreham is a fine way to spend a day, but West Wittering’s stretch of sand is also a huge hit with beachgoers. It’s safe to swim, windsurf and boat in these waters.

And if your little tigers are in the mood for adventure, bring them to Harbour Park in Littlehampton for a whirl on the tea cups and a whizz on the log flumes.