The pleasures of Petworth

New contributor Jacina Coyne on how to spend a day in Petworth, West Sussex

 

Petworth is well known for its synonymous stately home and its grounds by ‘England’s greatest gardener’, Capability Brown. This is a charming gem of a town in the English countryside and is easily accessible from London. I reached it in an hour with no traffic.

 

Overflowing with character, Petworth boasts over forty antiques shops and they are well known for the treasures within them. While this town is easy going, it also boasts sophisticated tastes.

 

I would suggest this to be the ideal place to take a visiting friend who wishes to see a bit of the English countryside; you will be hard pressed, in fact, to find anywhere better for a better day trip.

 

My five must visits are:

 

1. The Leconfield

A two rosette stared restaurant with a glorious outdoor dining area. The food is exquisite and the menu thoughtful; the atmosphere is relaxed but the service is five star.

 

2. Petworth House and Park

700 acres of sheer beauty managed by the National Trust.

 

3. Augustus Brandt

A wonderful Georgian house brimming with everything from objets d’art to personalised monogrammed bags by the stylish yet practical Italian brand My Style Bags. Here, also, you’ll find the only concession of Linley outside London.

 

4. The Hungry Guest Café

Fresh breads, a cheese larder and butcher – bursting with wonderful edibles such as walnut pesto and brownies.

 

5. The Hungry Guest

The best ready meals on the market according to The Telegraph’s Xanthe Clay. For me, though, it was their pecan pie that topped the bill. Be sure to take home a feast from this foodie’s paradise.

 

 

Follow Jacina Coyne on Instagram @jacina077.

 

 

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