In a world obsessed with speed and screens, there is nothing better than a getaway to a peaceful place. A place where things just feel a tiny bit slower, longer and relaxing. A place where time stops for a while. Tucked away in the rolling countryside of West Sussex lies a town so perfectly preserved it feels like a journey back through the centuries. With cobbled streets, golden-stone buildings and a vast 700-acre parkland once roamed by artists and aristocrats, Petworth is one of England’s most quietly magical places.

The pristine historic town of Petworth is characterised by Georgian architecture, with a distinctive art and antiques scene. The charming lanes are brimming with antique shops and independent boutiques, along with cafes, delis, and cosy pubs. At the heart of the town sits Petworth House and Park, a sweeping estate managed by the National Trust that dominates the landscape. Designed in part by famed landscape architect Capability Brown, it has an expansive 700-acre park nestled among the grand 17th-century Petworth House. Within its walls, guests can wander through the historic stately home and find an extraordinary collection of internationally renowned art and sculpture.

It has even enjoyed its moment in the cinematic spotlight, appearing on the big screen in films such as Napoleon, Rebecca and Maleficent, as well as in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton. Visitors can also watch hundreds of deer roaming freely across the vast grounds of Petworth Park or take in sweeping views over the South Downs, with the estate offering one of the finest vantage points in the region.

One TripAdvisor user said: “Another National Trust gem! Had a wonderful day there. So much to see and wonderful walks in the grounds and deer park. The art collection is outstanding, and as usual, the volunteers in the house were great. Had an interesting talk in the square dining room about the history of the family. Found the kitchens fascinating! Great cafe too. Highly recommend.”

Another penned: “We had such a wonderful visit! The house is extremely interesting to explore, and the grounds are gorgeous. Petworth town is really lovely too. We were lucky to see the Turner exhibition at Petworth House when we were there, which was absolutely great! Andrew, Nicola and Kathy were all such wonderful guides/staff. They were really lovely and kind, and they answered all of our questions, which made our visit even more special. Thank you!”

There is plenty to explore in Petworth, which is conveniently situated just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and around 50 minutes from Portsmouth. With its charming shops, inviting eateries and unspoilt countryside, it makes for an idyllic day out – and its appeal has not gone unnoticed, having been named by Condé Nast Traveller last year as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns.