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West Sussex

A guide to West Sussex

Found in the south of England and bordering Hampshire and Surrey, West Sussex brings together a dynamic and complementary balance of green, village life and calm modern development.

Frequently cited as the sunniest county in the UK, West Sussex makes exploring the miles of protected countryside even more of a pleasure. With beautiful national trails, charming villages, historic castles and action-packed outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that West Sussex is a popular place to live, not just for families but young professionals as well due to its strong connections to urban centres and London.

Local schools

If you’re considering a move to West Sussex, you will find no shortage of great schools in the area. The county is home to 401 schools, including 75 independent schools – boys’, girls’ and co-ed – and some fantastic state schools. No matter the age of your children, West Sussex is renowned for it’s access to high-quality education for all ages.

Who calls West Sussex home?

West Sussex has a range of residents of different backgrounds, ages and walks of life. Whilst families choose the region for its great schools and outdoor areas, professionals relocate to West Sussex for a balance between countryside living and easy access to London. The area is particularly popular with those relocating from London in search of more space, beautiful surroundings and a strong connection with nature.

Lifestyle

Shopping

West Sussex has a great mix of shopping opportunities for residents, from independent boutiques and artisan producers to larger retail centres, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. There are also regular markets, farm shops and local producers that all play an important part in West Sussex community life while bigger shopping destinations in Horsham and Crawley are within easy reach for high street names.

Eating and drinking

From rustic comfort-dining after exploring South Downs National Park, to some of the best fish and chips you’ll taste in this part of the country, hungry diners are spoilt for choice in West Sussex and are lucky to taste some of the freshest local produce around.

The county is also fiercely proud of its local beer; brilliant breweries Dark Star, Hepworth, Langham and Arundel all supply to the area and there are also regular beer festivals held throughout the county.


Things to do

There’s no shortage of things to do in West Sussex. Residents can enjoy walking, cycling and horse riding through the South Downs National Park to explore picturesque villages and miles of coastline. There’s also a range of historic attractions including Arundel Castle, Petworth House and Chichester Cathedral. As well as opportunities for sailing, golf and motorsports.

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Travel

Trains

There is a wealth of rail options available to commuters who are travelling both across the county and into the capital. The Arun Valley train regularly runs from the southern seaside town of Littlehampton to London Victoria, Crawley is another popular destination for London-bound commuters, with trains running every 15 minutes and taking just 47 minutes to reach London Victoria.

Roads and other transport

There are several major roads which run through West Sussex, making the county easily accessible from north, east and westerly directions. For Gatwick airport and Crawley the M23 connects the north-east of the county, whilst the A24 provides a direct link from the coastal town of Worthing right through the county via Horsham in the north. For those travelling from the east or west of West Sussex, the A272 cuts vertically across the county, providing easy access from the nearby Hampshire and East Sussex. The A272 connects to A3(M) providing access south to Portsmouth and A27(M) South Coast trunk road, and north to M25 and London.

London Gatwick Airport is located within West Sussex and provides one of the UK's busiest international gateways, offering a wide range of domestic and overseas destinations. Local bus services also connect towns, villages and rural communities across West Sussex making getting around a breeze.

Strutt & Parker in West Sussex

Chichester

31 North StreetChichester, PO19 1LY

Opening hours

Mon to Thu: 8.30am to 6.00pm

Friday: 8.30am to 5pm

Sat: 9.00am to 4.00pm

Properties for sale in West Sussex

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Discover the value of your West Sussex home

Our local experts are ready to arrange a confidential, no-obligation valuation of your West Sussex home, taking into account local market trends, recent comparable sales, and your property's unique features.