Why Petworth should be on your staycation radar

Sussex has long played host to an astounding mix of British and international artists and writers. Since the early 20th century, the county has been occupied by modernist communities who forged the way when it came to artistic innovation. Today it is home to several important galleries, museums, houses and public buildings which continue to reflect this spirit of modern creativity. The latest gallery to open its doors in the area is Newlands House in Petworth which, like so many new enterprises, has had a tumultuous first year. The gallery launched in March 2020 just as Covid took hold in the UK. In spite of this, the exhibition calendar is impressive. Currently on show is a display of works by one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated artists, Joan Miro. It is a joyful survey of his lyrical and uncanny paintings, sculptures and works on paper. On July 24 the space will be taken over by Sean Scully and Liliane Tomasko, husband and wife artists who both deal in abstraction in very different ways.

A short walk away from Newlands House is Petworth House, a National Trust property, set within parkland by Capability Brown. Petworth is famous for its staggering collection of art; there are works by Van Dyke, Claude Lorrain, JMW Turner and William Blake, not to mention its extraordinary carved room by Grinling Gibbons and a fabulous 19th century kitchen which has been a source of inspiration for many an interior designer working today.

The town itself is exceptionally pretty with lots of independent shops including plenty of very good places to buy antiques from Augustus Brandt in the Market Square to Petworth Antiques Market and Kiki Design. The Angel Inn with its walled garden is a lovely spot for lunch and has recently expanded to include East House, a three-bedroom apartment set over the top two floors of an 18th century house in the town centre, making it the perfect springboard to explore Petworth and the surrounding South Downs.