Anna’s guidebook
The Arun Valley
The villages of Amberley, Houghton and Bury, clustered on the banks of the river Arun, are the heart of walking country. The South Downs Way runs through Houghton and Amberley offering wonderful walks right on your doorstep. Follow the trail west to Bury/Bignor Hill or follow it east up to Amberley Mount for breathtaking vantage points along the South Downs Way.
Open from April to November, set high on a hill in West Sussex, Arundel Castle commands the landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun. This towering stately home and fortified castle has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors since 1067.
We love visiting even just to enjoy the tranquil gardens. From mid-April to early May, Arundel Castle is the place for tulip enthusiasts! During this period over 60,000 tulips will be blooming in the Castle’s stunning gardens providing one of the most impressive tulip displays in the country.
451 locals recommend
Arundel Castle
Open from April to November, set high on a hill in West Sussex, Arundel Castle commands the landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun. This towering stately home and fortified castle has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors since 1067.
We love visiting even just to enjoy the tranquil gardens. From mid-April to early May, Arundel Castle is the place for tulip enthusiasts! During this period over 60,000 tulips will be blooming in the Castle’s stunning gardens providing one of the most impressive tulip displays in the country.
Food scene
The Black Horse, Amberley has recently undergone a major refurbishment and re-opened in December 2018. Beautiful décor, fantastic garden room and garden terrace offering wonderful rooftop views towards Amberley Mount.
21 locals recommend
Amberley Black Horse
High StreetThe Black Horse, Amberley has recently undergone a major refurbishment and re-opened in December 2018. Beautiful décor, fantastic garden room and garden terrace offering wonderful rooftop views towards Amberley Mount.
Our fave and a short stroll along the river from the Hideaway, a traditional English country pub serving lunch and dinner with a great beer garden and live music on the first and third Sunday every month. We particularly like this pub for the warm and friendly welcome from Natasha, Dave and the team. A wonderful atmosphere all year round!
13 locals recommend
The Bridge Inn
Houghton BridgeOur fave and a short stroll along the river from the Hideaway, a traditional English country pub serving lunch and dinner with a great beer garden and live music on the first and third Sunday every month. We particularly like this pub for the warm and friendly welcome from Natasha, Dave and the team. A wonderful atmosphere all year round!
A cafe for the discerning! The A. P. Cafe really is the perfect little place for a coffee or light bite providing a "taste of Sussex" with delicious locally sourced produce.
Set within the nursery you will find yourself relaxing at a table surrounded by well, the architectural plants! There is also a gorgeous little shop with carefully selected wares for the home and garden.
Everything about this place is spot on; well worth a visit! 👌
Architectural Plants Ltd
Stane StreetA cafe for the discerning! The A. P. Cafe really is the perfect little place for a coffee or light bite providing a "taste of Sussex" with delicious locally sourced produce.
Set within the nursery you will find yourself relaxing at a table surrounded by well, the architectural plants! There is also a gorgeous little shop with carefully selected wares for the home and garden.
Everything about this place is spot on; well worth a visit! 👌
This gorgeous little pub is located in the beautiful village of Burpham and is our absolute favourite! It has a real cosy and calming vibe. In the warmer months you can grab a drink and enjoy it on the adjacent cricket green with far reaching views of Arundel castle. Approximately 4 miles from the Hideaway and a lovely route to walk or cycle. Also great for gluten free options.
29 locals recommend
The George at Burpham
Main StreetThis gorgeous little pub is located in the beautiful village of Burpham and is our absolute favourite! It has a real cosy and calming vibe. In the warmer months you can grab a drink and enjoy it on the adjacent cricket green with far reaching views of Arundel castle. Approximately 4 miles from the Hideaway and a lovely route to walk or cycle. Also great for gluten free options.
George & Dragon, Houghton
Houghton BridgeButlers
25 Tarrant StFabulous interior and garden terrace with a wonderful menu.
Thai time @ Arundel
61 High StreetIf Carlsberg did Thai food…!
The food at this lovely little restaurant is out of this world, you will not be disappointed. The restaurant is a beautiful, intimate space.
16 locals recommend
Thirteen Church Street Thai restaurant | take away | gin & wine bar
13 Church StIf Carlsberg did Thai food…!
The food at this lovely little restaurant is out of this world, you will not be disappointed. The restaurant is a beautiful, intimate space.
The Pig - in the South Downs
Horse Guards Inn
The Boathouse Amberley
Local Attractions
Set in 36 acres, Amberley museum is dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage of the South East.
With over 150 years of Sussex history, the site was once a working chalk quarry but now you can enjoy taking a ride on a narrow gauge railway and historic bus service, learn about the history of transport and how science and technology has changed the way we live. Amberley museum has been a family favourite since we moved to the area 10 years ago. Our children have loved visiting for rides on the little steam train or double decker bus. The Milne Electrical Collection is a fantastic showcase of electrics through the ages.
James Bond fans will be in 007 heaven as the museum site was the scene for the climax of A View to a Kill, Roger Moore’s 1985 swansong as 007!
58 locals recommend
Amberley Museum
New Barn RoadSet in 36 acres, Amberley museum is dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage of the South East.
With over 150 years of Sussex history, the site was once a working chalk quarry but now you can enjoy taking a ride on a narrow gauge railway and historic bus service, learn about the history of transport and how science and technology has changed the way we live. Amberley museum has been a family favourite since we moved to the area 10 years ago. Our children have loved visiting for rides on the little steam train or double decker bus. The Milne Electrical Collection is a fantastic showcase of electrics through the ages.
James Bond fans will be in 007 heaven as the museum site was the scene for the climax of A View to a Kill, Roger Moore’s 1985 swansong as 007!
Petworth is one of Britain’s most beautiful market towns, a true hidden gem offering something for everyone. Nestled alongside the famous Petworth Park, with its stunning deer park and woodland walks, Petworth offers a host of unique experiences, from beautiful walks in Petworth Park, to excursions to one of the 45 English sparkling wine vineyards surrounding the town. The Park is particularly good if you are taking a pram/buggy or kids bikes.
Inspired by the Baroque palaces of Europe and nestled in the South Downs, Petworth House displays the finest art collection in the care of the National Trust.
105 locals recommend
Petworth
Petworth is one of Britain’s most beautiful market towns, a true hidden gem offering something for everyone. Nestled alongside the famous Petworth Park, with its stunning deer park and woodland walks, Petworth offers a host of unique experiences, from beautiful walks in Petworth Park, to excursions to one of the 45 English sparkling wine vineyards surrounding the town. The Park is particularly good if you are taking a pram/buggy or kids bikes.
Inspired by the Baroque palaces of Europe and nestled in the South Downs, Petworth House displays the finest art collection in the care of the National Trust.
Boating has taken place from Houghton Bridge for many, many years. ‘Riverside South Downs’ at Houghton Bridge offer outboard motor boats, kayaks, paddle boards and bikes for hire just a short stroll along the river from the Hideaway.
14 locals recommend
Riverside Boat Hire
Houghton BridgeBoating has taken place from Houghton Bridge for many, many years. ‘Riverside South Downs’ at Houghton Bridge offer outboard motor boats, kayaks, paddle boards and bikes for hire just a short stroll along the river from the Hideaway.
Arundel Wetland Centre is a 65-acre reserve in an idyllic setting, nestled at the base of the South Downs National Park.
Get up close to all sorts of exotic ducks and geese from around the World. Experience the boat safari where an expert will point out the plants and wildlife around you.
70 locals recommend
WWT Arundel
Mill RoadArundel Wetland Centre is a 65-acre reserve in an idyllic setting, nestled at the base of the South Downs National Park.
Get up close to all sorts of exotic ducks and geese from around the World. Experience the boat safari where an expert will point out the plants and wildlife around you.
Sightseeing
Pulborough Brooks has beautiful views across to the South Downs and is set in one of the richest areas for nature in the country. The nature reserve has a great variety of habitats and is home to some wonderful wildlife.
46 locals recommend
Pulborough Brooks RSPB
Pulborough Brooks has beautiful views across to the South Downs and is set in one of the richest areas for nature in the country. The nature reserve has a great variety of habitats and is home to some wonderful wildlife.
Near the mouth of Chichester Harbour, the twin villages of East and West Wittering are home to stretches of unspoilt coastline. The golden sandy beach of West Wittering is a summertime hot spot, hugely popular with day trippers and holiday makers keen to enjoy the wide sands and shallow waters (pre-booking car parking here is essential especially during summer months and sunny weekends in Spring and Autumn).
329 locals recommend
West Wittering Beach
Pound RoadNear the mouth of Chichester Harbour, the twin villages of East and West Wittering are home to stretches of unspoilt coastline. The golden sandy beach of West Wittering is a summertime hot spot, hugely popular with day trippers and holiday makers keen to enjoy the wide sands and shallow waters (pre-booking car parking here is essential especially during summer months and sunny weekends in Spring and Autumn).