A picturesque, market town in the South Downs of West Sussex, Petworth is an easy weekend escape if you're London based. There’s the opportunity for country strolls or serious hikes, as well as admiring the town’s Tudor era architecture and historic church, browsing its antique shops, galleries and boutiques, and eating well in Petworth’s charming pubs and impressive restaurants. Petworth is like a postcard from Ye Olde England, and the best places to stay in Petworth match perfectly. We have uncovered the most charming of Petworth’s inns and pubs-with-rooms, as well as a collection of Pullman carriages turned quirky B&B.

As well as its obvious architectural charms the town is renowned for its antique shops, in addition to which it holds regular antique fairs. These are held on Saturdays throughout the year, with an especially big event around the 20th of November. This is a fantastic time to visit, but do book your accommodation in advance.

The town of is linked in perpetuity to the Petworth Estate, a fabulous, 17th century stately home. It has featured in many period TV and film productions and boasts an extraordinary art collection, which includes works by Turner, van Dyck and Gainsborough, and also has a 700 acre deer park and gardens designed by Capability Brown. Cowdray and Goodwood are both within easy reach too, so the best places to stay in Petworth make a great base if you're heading to either the races or a polo match.

The Best Places to Stay in Petworth

For a Countryside Escape

• The Halfway Bridge is a cosy inn with comfortable six rooms, and a bar and restaurant below serving great ales and superior pub food. The location, halfway between Midhurst and Petworth, is ideal for exploring the area, or for walkers. Expect warm service, plenty of space, wonderfully traditional architectural details, and generous portions.

For Families

• The Angel Inn is a picturesque Georgian era inn in the centre of town. The seven charming rooms are decorated to complement their traditional features, which include exposed beams and elegant original fireplaces. Some of the rooms are ideally laid out for families. The restaurant is very good, and serves an excellent seasonal menu. Pets are welcome too.

Great Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Welldiggers Arms is a country pub a couple of miles outside Petworth with 14 very comfortabe rooms and suites. Great value, with a very good restaurant, and plenty of privacy, this is an excellent choice for a quite country escape, as a base for walking of cycling, or as a place to lay your head before or after attending Goodwood or the polo at Cowdray. And you can bring your pooch for a nominal extra.
• The Horse Guards Inn got its name from being a popular stop off point for the household cavalry, as they escorted gold bullion from London to the navy in Portsmouth. It's an atmospheric pub and inn, close to the picturesque village of Tillington. Today the pub still has an historic and homely air, with mismatched furniture and chalkboard menus offering seasonal homegrown, foraged or locally sourced ingredients. The three rooms upstairs are just as charming, and there’s a wonderful garden behind.

For a Special Occasion

• The Old Railway Station is a rather magical collection for Pullman carriages, arranged along a decommissioned Sussex railway station, providing ten guest rooms and suites. The old station and waiting room is now a cosy breakfast room and tea rooms. There’s no restaurant, but there are a number of local options. Children ten are over welcome.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Petworth is just over an hour's drive from London, or, if you’re travelling by rail, you can get to Petworth by train from London Victoria, via Pulborough, after which there’s a 15 minute bus or taxi ride. Heathrow Airport, and Gatwick, are the closest international airports.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Petworth, and the whole of the South Downs region, are probably at their busiest during the spring and summer months, between Easter and September. This is the nicest time for walking the South Downs, and exploring the Surrey Hills. Petworth is an easy base for attending events at Goodwood, or the polo at Cowdray, so the accommodation is busy during events as well. Petworth does make a great country escape in any season though, with a cosy atmosphere in the cooler months, and great opportunities to pick up some good value accommodation.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in West Sussex?
• or consider Petworth’s neighbours? cathedral city Chichester? or the pretty market town of Midhurst?
• You could refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in West Sussex or the most romantic hotels in West Sussex
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.