Sussex

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Sandwich in some fun for yourself this summer and when the weather permits (the sun is making sporadic appearances in Sussex), head to one of Muddy’s recommended spots to settle down in and eat al fresco British style.



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Before you set your dining destination into the satnav, you’ll need to pick up supplies and when you’re in West Sussex there’s nowhere better than <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-hungry-guest-petworth/">The Hungry Guest</a>, Petworth &#8211; a locally-driven, artisanal food shop with every gourmet goodie you could dream of.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/4-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="picnic spots" class="wp-image-69669" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/4-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/4-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/4-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/4-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



New for this summer <a href="https://thehungryguest.com/">The Hungry Guest</a> deli has created customised grazing boxes which cater to your every need, but you can select from freshly made sandwiches, nibbles, cheeses, meats and all the crisps, dips and olives you demand. Don’t panic, they’ve not forgotten the sweet treats, you can have their award-winning pecan pie and brownie bites, as well as cakes and fresh fruit. They’re entirely curated for each customer so you can alter to your preferences and of course, party size from 2-200. As things are entirely fresh and homemade, the deli will need three days notice but you can order in the shop or email <a href="mailto:petworth@thehungryguest.com">petworth@thehungryguest.com</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-1000x667.jpg" alt="picnic spots" class="wp-image-69670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Now onto the beautiful views and scenery you can see as you enjoy your picnic.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petworth-deer-park"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth/visiting-petworth-house-and-park-with-family">Petworth Deer Park</a></h3>



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An obvious choice when in Petworth but for good, no, excellent, reason is the parkland &#8211; all 700 acres of it that dominates the village in a delightful way. Picnic to the picturesque backdrop of the 17th century stately home and head towards the lake for top tier photos. To help run off the sugar you can explore the woodlands of great ancient beech, oak and sweet chestnut trees &#8211; ideal for hide and seek. There’s parking and all the facilities you need at the National Trust entrance.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ebernoe-common-nature-reserve"><a href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/ebernoe-common">Ebernoe Common Nature Reserve</a></h3>



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Just five miles outside of Petworth is this flat walk &#8211; ideal if you’ve a sturdy pushchair or little ones, if you’re in for a serious hike you may want to pass on this. Although what it lacks in athletic challenge it certainly makes up for in prettiness. Wellies or walking boots are advisable as it can get muddy, but if you’re not afraid of being rustic, you can find some logs to sit on to tuck into your picnic. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest meaning you can spot plenty of wildlife once you’ve stopped scoffing. Park at Ebernoe Church and follow the footpath.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-west-dean-gardens"><a href="https://www.historichouses.org/house/west-dean-gardens/visit/">West Dean Gardens</a></h3>



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If you want something more manicured and civilised, in nearby Chichester you’ll find West Dean Gardens. Picnics are welcome and you’ll find benches, shelter and all the amenities you desire. Nestled at the foot of the South Downs it should come as no surprise that there are great views and spots to explore from the 300 foot long Edwardian pergola, Victorian glasshouses, Walled Kitchen Gardens, Sunken Garden and orchards as well as the arboretum, Spring Garden and parkland. You’ll need a second serving of picnic after all of that, just saying.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blackdown-nbsp"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/black-down">Blackdown&nbsp;</a></h3>



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Across the border in Surrey, this is just a 20 minute drive from Petworth and is actually the highest point in the South Downs we’ll have you know. But what you really what to know is what are its picnic spot credentials. You can eat surrounded by purple heather (full bloom in summer) and you can spot dragonfly darting around as well as woodlarks above. You’ll be overwhelmed with the choice of where to lay down your blanket, but wherever you choose, you’ll have great views.&nbsp;



<a href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/graffham-common">Graffham Common Nature Reserve</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="picnic spots" class="wp-image-69678" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/08/5-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Sitting pretty between Petworth and Midhurst, this common (looked after lovingly by the Sussex Wildlife Trust) has a pine plantation on ancient wet and dry heaths all ripe for the exploring. Be mindful that it can be wet all year round and the tracks aren’t surfaced so tread carefully. There’s not an official car park so you’ll have to find a safe spot in the occasional lay-bys along the Selham to Graffham roadside or opposite Fitzlea Wood, but once sorted you can admire the glades with some rare wet heath plant as you tuck into your sarnies. There are picnic tables in selected spots too, just bring your wellies.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swanbourne-lake-arundel"><a href="https://www.visitarundel.co.uk/listing/swanbourne-lake/">Swanbourne Lake, Arundel</a></h3>



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In neighbouring Arundel you can soak up the vibes on a bench overlooking the lake where happy ducks, swans and birds bring tranquility. All together now: reeeeelax. You can admire Arundel Castle as you walk down towards the lake and pitch up. You can hire row boats too and feed the ducks. To burn off any excess calories there’s a walking route around the entire lake with longer options into Arundel Park or along the river.&nbsp;



<a href="https://thehungryguest.com/artisan-food-shop/">The Hungry Guest</a>, Middle Street, Petworth, GU28 0BE



READ MORE: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/15-stunning-circular-walks-sussex/">Stunning circular walks</a>



READ MORE: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/sip-and-strut-best-walks-in-mid-sussex-for-a-stroll-wine-pitstop-and-all-accessible-by-train/">Best walks with wine pitstops in Sussex</a>



READ MORE: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/guide-what-to-do-petworth-west-sussex/">Muddy insider guide to Petworth</a>

Berry excited! Picnic spots near Petworth, West Sussex

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