Out and about in West Sussex

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Visiting West Sussex next week with 2 kids and a dog, and the weather looks lovely but quite warm!

We’ve already got RSPB Pulborough Brooks, National Trust Slindon and Amberley Museum on our list. (We'll be based near Amberley). Could any locals recommend other places to visit that might be nice for a wander and have a bit of shade? Country parks, woods, nature trails, sculpture trails type of thing. Thanks!

Kingley Vale is lovely for a walk. Ancient yew forest and lovely view across Chichester etc. Quite a steep walk up to the top. You can park at a little car park at West Stoke.

Thank you, I'll check it out!

https://www.wealddown.co.uk/

The Weald and Downland Museum is supposed to be good, though I confess I’ve never been. I think it has a sculpture trail.

Petworth Park is worth a visit, especially if you are National Trust members. If you’re not, it’s best to park at the north car park rather than the main one. You will be able to access the whole park (but not the house) for the cost of a parking ticket. There are lots of deer in the park, so you would need to watch your dog.

There’s also a nice walk up to Halnaker Windmill. It’s open countryside at the top, but you walk up through a lovely shady tree tunnel.

Petworth park is a firm favourite for us with our dogs, beautiful deer and so much space, it’s fabulous. Kingley Vale as someone else has said is also lovely…Goodwood walking from West Dean up over the Trundle, lovely views on a nice day. RSPB Pagham Harbour, and the boat trip around Chichester harbour to see the seal colony…west wittering beach/ East Head…so many options!

Lots of ideas here .
https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/listing/centurion-way-cycle-route-%26-easy-access-trail/207489101/

There’s a fabulous beach at West Wittering. I really love walking by Chichester Harbour. It’s a big area and very popular with various water sports. It’s extremely pretty.

Just to add, re West Wittering beach, you have to pre-book parking the day before. The roads around the area get very busy on sunny days!

Shoreham has great houseboats and an art deco airport where you can have coffee and watch little planes. Both great for kids. You can walk to both from central Shoreham (across the bridge) if you are feeling keen.

I also second (third?) the Living Museum. It is fabulous. So interesting.

Fabulous, thank you all. We are planning to stop at the Weald & Downland Museum on our way as we have been there before and really enjoyed it. I don't think we did the trail last time though so that sounds good. Going to check out all the other suggestions 🙂

Not quite what you asked for but I'd recommend going to Bignor Roman Villa if you're in West Sussex. It is in an amazing spot.

It sounds like you might like Knepp OP. Lovely place with an interesting story (rewilding project). There are lovely walks and Storks!!! Last time I was there they were nesting which is a strange and brilliant sight.

Fishbourne Roman Palace is near Chichester, might be worth a visit.