Historic town with cobbled streets and antiques feels like stepping back in time

The pristine English town of Petworth in Sussex offers a journey into yesteryear, boasting charming cobbled streets adorned with antique establishments. Independent retailers nestle amongst the thoroughfares, alongside cafés, delicatessens and inviting public houses that create a perfect day's excursion. Petworth Antiques Market itself houses over 40 dealers, where visitors can uncover everything from exquisite furniture to ornaments and diverse household accessories.

When hunger strikes, visit The Hungry Guest delicatessen on Middle Street before heading out to discover the expansive 700-acre Petworth Park, which stretches beneath the splendid 17th-century Petworth House.

Within, guests can tour the 17th-century stately residence and reveal a treasure trove containing an internationally important collection of art and sculpture. You might even recognise it from productions including Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, plus its feature in Netflix's Bridgerton.

One Tripadvisor reviewer commented: "Pretty Petsworth. Petsworth House is a beautiful period home with an amazing Mural up the staircase. The artist who painted the mural can be found hiding behind one of the pillars in the painted mural. A favourite of Turner - the famous artist who used to stay here and paint. The grounds and lake are really pretty.

"The Town nearby has some beautiful medieval houses, which are antique shops, as well as a great antique market. A great place to walk around and have afternoon tea. One of my favourite historical towns."

Another shared: "Our first visit to Petworth and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the house isn't particularly impressive from the outside, the artwork within certainly is worth viewing. We did a guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, which was greatly enjoyable and informative.

"I'm not even a great art fan, but he brought everything to life. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe and a lovely walk around the estate in the sunshine. I would say it is more suited to adults than children, but we really enjoyed our visit."

Petworth lies just over 30 minutes by car from Chichester and roughly 50 minutes from Portsmouth. Wildlife enthusiasts should watch for the hundreds of deer roaming freely throughout the grounds.

The parkland represents one of Britain's finest surviving examples of landscape design by the celebrated Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. From this vantage point, visitors can admire breathtaking South Downs panoramas, with the estate providing an ideal viewing location.

It's also an excellent destination for those seeking respite from daily life whilst enjoying an invigorating stroll. Furthermore, Petworth received such acclaim that Condé Nast Traveller named it amongst Britain's most beautiful towns earlier this year.

Therefore, if you're considering a day out in the UK, Petworth makes for a charming and peaceful excursion this winter.