A little further afield at South Lodge

If you're a fan of birds in their natural habitat, then this is a great addition to your stay in West Sussex. With a chance to see Peregrine falcons, barn owls and lapwings, you can enjoy grabbing a coffee, hiring some binoculars and heading to a hide for a bit of birdie "I spy".

With stunning views of the South Downs from South Lodge, the hills will be calling you for walks, treks, cycling and to explore! There's lots of places you can park to walk up to the South Downs trail, including Ditchling Beacon car park, just 17 miles from the hotel. The views are not to be missed!

Nestled in the country you could be easily lulled into thinking you are far from the coast, but that is not the case! In just half an hour you can be at the coastline enjoying a day at the beach, water sports or why not head to the bright lights, arcades and fun of Brighton for the day.

Fancy a unique way to travel in Sussex? Bluebell Railway offer one of the first preserved heritage railway lines in the country. You can enjoy hopping on and off their beautiful steam trains on their 11 mile track between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, learning all about the historic locomotives on your way. Make sure you take a peek at their wonderful events and dining trains!

Got an interest in Roman British history? Then add this to your staycation list! The remains of this Roman home in the heart of the South Downs show some of the best mosaic work you will see - they even featured on one of Royal Mail's special stamp collections! Don't miss out on their brand new sunflower maze based on the Medusa mosaic  which is open Tuesday 3rd - 30th August. 

Get taken back in time to 1067 at Arundel Castle and Gardens where many of the original castle features still survive today. Their wonderful guides can teach you all about the incredibly preserved interiors, the Gothic house and there's a whole range of incredible historic events that make a great day out for all.

Want to get up close to nature? Head to the Arundel Wetland Centre run by the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, with their discovery boat safari, diving ducks, hide, adventure play and more, it's a fantastic opportunity to see wildlife and have a fun day out with the family.

Surrounded by 875 acres, Parham House is a stunning Elizabethan house which is still a family home today. Much of the house is open to the public to share in the beauty and its history since the first foundation stone was laid in 1577. With many historic paintings, textiles and furniture to absorb you and the beautiful pleasure grounds including a 4-acre walled garden, orchard and 1920's Wendy house, Parham really celebrates one of England's finest historic country houses.

Head to over 250 acres of beautiful parkland maintained by the National Trust. Perfect to pack up a picnic to enjoy after taking a stroll on the many paths leading through the trees and lakes. Keep an eye on their events with lots for the family, including Kwik Cricket every Wednesday throughout the holidays.

A lovely place to stop by with their natural trail to explore (we especially love the bluebell blankets there in spring!), Latchetts ice cream parlour with freshly made gelato to tempt your taste buds and then there's The Doves play barn offering little ones some nature inspired indoor play.

There is many a reason to make a visit to Petworth House. Whether it's the beautiful building itself with one of the National Trust's finest art collections, or the stunning parkland with it's roaming deer and acres of space to enjoy dog walks and strolling with your loved ones. p.s. Petworth the town has lots of lovely small antique shops and boutiques to enjoy too!