British Travel Journal | Summer 2019

Petworth Park – for free. Simply pass through
the long tunnel and some rather grand iron
gates to explore the 700-acre park at your
leisure.
WHERE WE STAYED
Ryde House, on Angel Street, a newly
refurbished three-bedroom Georgian villa
tucked away almost secretly (by just a simple
gate in the wall) from the quiet town - the
shops, pubs, restaurants, butchers', bakery,
and other yet-to-be discovered attractions,
just a short stroll away from our front door.
The property is grand and beautifully
furnished, in fact it could nearly be mistaken
for another of Augustus Brandt’s luxurious
showrooms. Elegant and understated, an
early 19th Century Grade II listed building -
full of charm and character.
There's a pretty walled courtyard garden
to welcome you before you reach the front
door. Inside the interiors are just as grand,
there’s a large sitting room, a dining room,
light and spacious Shaker style kitchen, three
cosy bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. There
is plenty of room here to entertain, and to feel
completely at home amid the antique rugs,
woven tapestry, cosy cushions and fireplaces.
Thought has been given to the details,
with luxury touches, such as a delightful (yes
you’ve guessed it Hungry Guest!) hamper of
foodie treats waiting for you in the kitchen,
fresh flowers in the dining room, to the
selection of games, movies, books and music
inviting you to start the wood burner, light
the candles, and rejoice in the sitting room.
High-ceilings, grand staircase and long
passageways give the property a feeling
of space and elegance, while the mix of
antique furniture with modern styling, neutral
colours, and homely furnishings, is both
relaxing and energising.
Under the same ownership as Ryde
House is the wonderfully stylish Angel Inn
(practically next door) with origins as old as
Petworth House, and where modern luxury
comes as standard; this is another great
option for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
You can also stay here - there are seven
beautifully designed guest rooms, medieval
origins, reflected in original beams, fireplaces
and quirky passageways.
Aside from the architecture, food and
luxury accommodation, Petworth is a
destination of art, culture and music.
To experience the town’s full zenith
of community spirit, with proud locals
displaying their ‘home-grown’ talent, then
the Petworth Summer Festival, (16 July-3
August) is a must. See the town come alive
with classical concerts, jazz, cabaret, theatre,
comedy and visual arts.
There are events all through the year,
to include the pertinent Petworth Park
Antiques and Fine Art Fair (10–12 May),
Petfringe (12 April) comedy, the nearby
Goodwood Revival (13-15 September) and
Festival of Speed (4-7 July), and later in
the year the Literary Festival returns (26
October-3 November).
With all this just over an hour’s drive
from London and only 30 minutes from
the south coast, I’m surprised more people
aren’t packing up their bags and heading to
Petworth. Cultural treasures, locally farmed
fare, stylish shops, beautiful countryside - It
certainly ticked all the right boxes for me. u
P L A C E S T O V I S I T
PETWORTH HOUSE
Inspired by the Baroque palaces of Europe,
a stately mansion nestled housing the finest art
collection in the care of the National Trust.
nationaltrust.org.uk
SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK
From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the
South Downs National Park's landscapes cover
1,600km2 of breathtaking views and hidden rural
gems. A rich tapestry of wildlife, tranquility and
visitor attractions.
southdowns.gov.uk
COWDRAY PARK
The home of polo in the South of England. Enjoy
a relaxed picnic lunch lawn side watching some of
polo's highest rated players, or enjoy 18 holes on
Cowdray's revered golf course.
cowdray.co.uk
GOODWOOD ESTATE
The Goodwood Estate in the heart of West Sussex
is not only home to world famous events, Festival
of Speed, Goodwood Revival and the Qatar
Goodwood Festival, there is also The Goodwood
Hotel, Waterbeach Spa, two golf courses, and
sustainable restaurant, Farmer, Butcher, Chef.
Plus there are a number of driving and flying
experiences for an unforgettable day out.
goodwood.com
WEST DEAN GARDENS
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, West
Dean Gardens is one of the country's greatest
restored gardens. Visitors can explore a wide
range of historic features on a gentle walk around
the grounds.
westdean.org.uk/gardens
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