The  South Downs offer a unique blend of unspoilt coast and tranquil countryside, which can be enjoyed in many different ways from walking and picnicing, to mountain biking or hang gliding.   The historic county town of  Chichester is dominated by its cathedral, and is home to the world famous  Festival Theatre .

Another of  Chichester's claims to fame are its city walls originally built by the  Romans , and you can learn more about the Roman lifestyle by visiting the  Fishbourne Roman Palace , with its beautiful mosaics.

The city's  Pallant House Gallery houses one of the finest collections of modern art, whilst the  Cass Sculpture Foundation displays over 70 monumental sculptures set in 20 acres of grounds. 

Nearby is the  Weald and Downland Open Air Museum featuring a collection of over 45  historic buildings, some dating back to medieval times, all of which have been rescued from their original sites and painstakingly re-built in a parkland setting.   

There is racing at  Fontwell , show jumping at  Hickstead , and polo at  Cowdray Park near  Midhurst . The last week of July is when the famous horse racing festival  'Glorious Goodwood' is held.  

In recent years,  Goodwood has also become synonymous with a very different type of horsepower. Its annual "Festival of Speed" is one of the biggest motorsport events in the world. The "Goodwood Revival Meeting" celebrates the golden era of motorsport with cars from the 1950's and 1960's; spectators are encouraged to dress in period outfits.

The historic town of  Arundel is dominated by its magnificent castle. Parts of the building date back to the Norman invasion, and a must for many visitors is a climb to the top of the  Norman Keep to overlook the beautiful downland scenery. If you are keen on shopping for antiques, Arundel has a range of antique shops, as does Petworth. 

Another of the county's great outdoor attractions, is the  Amberley Working Museum , dedicated to the industrial heritage of the south-east. Here you can watch craftsmen at work, and ride around the site on an open top vintage bus or on the narrow gauge railway.

West Sussex boasts a wealth of historic houses, for example,  Parham House near  Pulborough is a restored  Elizabethan manor house awarded five stars in ' England's Thousand Best Houses' . The  National Trust runs several properties in the county, including  Uppark House at  South Harting with its fine Georgian interiors and regency garden.  Petworth House features superb state rooms together with fascinating servant's quarters. 

The county offers a wide range of coastal activities.  Bognor Regis offers beaches and watersports,  Littlehampton has its  Harbour Park with rides and funfair attractions, and no visit to  Worthing would be complete without a stroll along its impressive pier.  Chichester harbour is a yachtsman's paradise,  East Head's sand dunes offer wild and windswept beauty and the  Witterings provide surfing chic.

So for a city break, a rural retreat, sightseeing or a spot of shopping,   West Sussex offers it all.