Art lovers rejoice! The extraordinary 17th-century Petworth House is stuffed full of incredible paintings, sculptures, and wood carvings, including major works by artists such as Van Dyck, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough in imposing grand state rooms.

Explore too the Historic Kitchens in the Servants’ Quarters that offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who worked here. The building has changed very little since the Victorian times, including the vast kitchen, comparable in scale to that of a major hotel, which produced on average 100 meals a day.   

Outside is equally impressive with a 700-acre Deer Park that’s the perfect place to stretch your legs – there are downloadable trails to choose from. Plan a short stroll with the family or take in the views that inspired J.M.W. Turner to paint the landscapes you’ll see inside the house. There are over 700 beautiful fallow deer to look out for too, along with a number of incredibly ancient trees, some almost 1,000 years old.   

2022 is special for Petworth as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of being in the care of the National Trust, so there are special events throughout the summer including a free Open Day on 12 June, for up to date listings see their website.

All that walking and culture is hungry work, so refuel at The Audit Room Café which is open daily for hot and cold meals, sweet treats and refreshments, plus you can browse the gift shop.