A Day Exploring Petworth House, West Sussex, England

On our final day in Amberley, after a leisurely breakfast, I was content with simply returning to London until my companion mentioned a destination I knew I must see.

This place was Petworth House, which we had noticed on our journey to Arundel and Amberley from London, and it quickly became clear that this would be an ideal stop before heading back.

Notably, Petworth House is anything but modest in size. This impressive estate, with its expansive grounds, was too grand for the family that originally inhabited it and was subsequently entrusted to the National Trust (the family continues to occupy a portion of it).

Indeed, the property is so vast that it includes a deer park where the deer roam freely, typically avoiding visitors.

Moreover, Petworth House is a repository for an extraordinary collection of art, particularly portraits that date back centuries.

As I wandered through the galleries, I felt as though every prominent figure in British history was represented in the portraits adorning the walls, creating a captivating atmosphere.

As someone who enjoys delving into the narratives behind each piece in a museum, I found myself captivated by the stories of both the subjects and the artists behind these portraits.

Subsequently, this turned out to be a remarkable place for me to spend a few hours, leading to an enhanced understanding of various aspects of British history.

Ultimately, we exited the main house and encountered the servants’ quarters, which offered insights into the lives and workings of those who served in historical households (a quick interesting detail is that some pots and pans there are centuries old and surprisingly heavy).

Finally, we departed Petworth House in search of a delightful pub lunch. With enthusiasm, my companion led us through the charming cobbled streets of Petworth, where we discovered a cozy spot at The Star.

For starters, we opted for prawn tempuras which were served hot and finished quickly. Subsequently, I savored a traditional fish and chips, while my companion enjoyed a burger.

We finished off our meal with dessert: I relished apple crumble, while my companion savored a generous slice of Victoria sponge accompanied by tea.

This delightful combination of exploration at Amberley Castle and Arundel, culminating in a satisfying meal, was the perfect conclusion to my day.

My exploration of England continues, and I look forward to uncovering even more of its rich history and culture!

Read more: Best day trips in England