Petworth - An English country getaway

Choices for eating and drinking range from traditional English pubs, cafes and tea rooms, to fine dining restaurants. You can easily find somewhere to suit your taste and budget.

There are several food shops and a wine merchant, where you can buy fresh, local products to bring back home.

Stay calm if you find Downton Abbey star Maggie Smith is in the same shop with you - she lives in the nearby village of Lurgashall. Apparently this area is a celebrity retirement hot spot.

The main church of the town is St. Mary the Virgin. The oldest part of it - St. Thomas' Chapel - was built in the 12th century. Today, it is also a popular place for weddings, and not just for locals. People have even come here from France to get married.

After exploring the town, it is time for a country walk. You may want to ask locals first as there are many routes, from an easy and relaxing walk in Petworth Park, where is home of 500 deer, to hiking across fields on South Downs National Park, the newest national park in the UK.

Do not miss the opportunities to discover the art collection and history of Petworth House, where the Percy family has lived for more than 900 years.

If you are staying in the town, make sure to book accommodation in advance as there are limited places, especially during peak season or events time in nearby Goodwood – home to another impressive country house, a horseracing venue and the hugely popular Festival of Speed motoring event.

Parking spaces are easily accessible and cheap in Petworth. Free for the first hour, just £2 for up to 7 hours, and free on Sundays. To anyone used to London, this is like being in heaven!

The town has events on all year round. Check out http://discoverpetworth.uk for more information. The upcoming event is Petworth Festival, which starts from July 17 to August 4.