A Guide to Exploring Vineyards from Petworth
Best times to visit
Petworth is an all-year kind of place, but the surrounding countryside really shines in spring and autumn. The parkland landscaped by Capability Brown is at its best with either lambs or fiery leaves, depending on the season. Summer brings the Petworth Festival (July - music and arts across the town) and the Antiques & Decorative Arts Fair (May/November, link), both of which attract a well-heeled but relaxed crowd. Vineyards nearby are generally open for tastings year-round, though tours are mostly spring-autumn.
The vineyards near Petworth
You’re spoiled for choice here: within 15 minutes you can be sipping sparkling wine at Upperton, Kinsbrook, or the world-renowned Nyetimber (though tour dates are limited). Extend your radius to half an hour and Roebuck Estates and Wiston Estate join the party. The theme? Mostly sparkling, and mostly excellent - this corner of Sussex is often compared to Champagne for good reason.
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What else is there to do in Petworth?
Aside from the vineyards, Petworth is known for antiques - the high street is packed with shops ranging from high-end dealers to bric-a-brac that might yield a treasure after a glass or two. The town itself is picture-perfect, with cobbled lanes, old coaching inns, and easy access to South Downs walks. Petworth House’s deer park is open to wander for free (though there are parking charges if you’re not a National Trust member), and there’s a quiet charm to just poking about.
Where to eat and drink in Petworth
- Budget: Saddlers in Saddler's Row is a cosy cafe perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.
- Create a splash: The Angel Inn - Michelin-recommended fine dining in a 16th-century coaching inn, with a wine list that includes English bottles.
- Push the boat out: E.Street Bar & Grill - Michelin-recommended dining in buzzy spot serving wood-fired grills, oysters, and cocktails, with a good wine list.
Wine-wise, the area doesn’t yet have a standalone “wine bar” pouring Sussex fizz on tap, but the restaurants above often list bottles from local producers. For picnics or self-catering, The Hungry Guest Food Shop is the local foodie hub, and there’s a small Co-op in town for basics.
Where to stay
In town:
The Angel Inn - boutique inn with rooms above the restaurant, from £165 per night.
East House B&B - stylish guesthouse in a Georgian townhouse, from around £120.
For budget, options are slimmer in Petworth itself, but nearby Pulborough Premier Inn does the job if you’re keeping costs down.
The nearest vineyards with accommodation are about a 30-minute drive from Petworth:
Kinsbrook Vineyard Lodges - wooden cabins set right in the vines, from around £190 per night.
Wiston Estate Cottages - rural-chic cottages on the estate, from £150 per night.
