Places to Visit

PO18 0EU – 01243 811363. Fascinating collection of historic buildings dismantled from their original locations and reassembled in 40 acres of Sussex countryside, includes woodland walks, picnic areas and farm animals. Open January – 23rd December, 10.30am – 6pm during summer and 10.30am – 4pm during winter, see website for details of seasonal events.

West Dean Gardens West Dean, near Chichester PO18 0QZ –01243 818210. Highlights include a 300-foot-long Edwardian pergola, newly restored Sunken Garden, walled kitchen garden, Victorian glasshouses and a beautiful parkland walk with views over the South Downs. Open May – September on Sundays and bank holidays only, 2.30pm – 5pm.

Museums and Galleries

Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre nr Arundel BN18 9LT – 01798 831370. Home to a collection of listed buildings and monuments linked to the area’s industrial past , many of which have been relocated from around Sussex. There are also vintage vehicles, rural crafts and woodland walks, plus many events planned throughout the year. Open February – October, Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm, November – January, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm, see website for opening dates and times of events.

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton BN1 1EE – 03000 290900. History of Brighton; pottery, fashion and style, performance and more. Open Tuesday – Sunday, plus bank holiday Mondays, 10am – 5pm, free entry for local residents with proof of address.

Christ’s Hospital Museum Horsham RH13 0YP – 01403 247444. Christ’s Hospital Museum represents and celebrates the remarkable 465 year history of one of the oldest boarding schools in England. Open on Tuesday and Thursday, 10am – 4pm and during term time, call before visiting.

Crawley Museum 103 High Street, Crawley RH10 1DD – 01293 539088. Permanent displays of Crawley’s history, from the Stone Age to the development of the new town, plus changing exhibitions. Open Thursday – Saturday, 10.30am – 4pm, admission free.

East Grinstead Museum Old Market Yard, Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead RH19 3BJ – 01342 302233. Telling the story of East Grinstead and the surrounding area from its early beginnings to the present day. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm, admission is free, donations very welcome.

Henfield Museum Henfield Hall, Coopers Way, High Street, Henfield BN5 9EQ – 01273 492507. The collection ranges from prehistoric flint artefacts telling of the earliest human activity in the area to objects from the 20th century. Temporary, themed exhibitions are staged three or four times a year. Open Monday –Saturday, see website for times.

Horsham Museum and Art Gallery 9 Causeway, Horsham RH12 1HE – 01403 254959. Horsham Museum & Art Gallery has been collecting objects relating to Horsham and the wider District since 1893. Open Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm, admission free.

Marlipins Museum High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5DA –01273 462994. The story of Shoreham’s maritime and local history in the oldest secular (non-religious) building in Sussex. Open May – October, Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm, admission is free.

The Novium Museum Tower Street, Chichester PO19 1QH –01243 775888. Built over the remains of a Roman bath house and with three floors of fantastic exhibitions. The Novium Museum tells the fascinating story of Chichester District and its rich heritage. It looks after 500,000 artefacts, both on display and in storage. Located close to Chichester Cathedral and opposite Chichester Library. Open Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 4.30pm and Saturday, 10am – 5pm, admission free.

Steyning Museum Church Street, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3YB – 01903 813333. The Museum tells the story of the local area from pre-history to the present day, with permanent and temporary displays. Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm, admission is free.

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum nr Chichester PO20 2ES –01243 790090. Home to an impressive display of historic aircraft and a unique collection of aviation memorabilia stretching from the First World War through to the Cold War. Among the many attractions are numerous interactive displays and several aircraft simulators for visitors to experience, plus the Cockpit Cafe. Open daily March to October, 10am – 5pm and February and November 10am – 4pm.

Upside Down House Seafront, Brighton BN1 2LN – 07761 802281. An amazing museum of illusions including a variety of designed rooms in a luxurious beach house based on the Brighton Seafront in between the i360 and Brighton Beach Club. Don’t forget to take lots of photos. Open Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturdays and bank holidays, 10am – 9pm and Sundays 10am –8pm.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum Singleton, Chichester PO18 0EU – 01243 811363. Fascinating collection of historic buildings dismantled from their original locations and reassembled in 40 acres of Sussex countryside, includes woodland walks, picnic areas and farm animals. Open January – 23rd December, 10.30am – 6pm during summer and 10.30am –4pm during winter, see website for details of seasonal events.