Great British Heritage
Historic West Sussex
From Roman mosaics and medieval cathedral to great aristocratic houses and beautiful gardens, this fascinating tour explores the rich history and heritage of Sussex through some of its most remarkable historic sites. Guided throughout by historians Julian Humphrys and Elizabeth Norton, we journey across nearly two thousand years of history, discovering the people, places and events that have shaped one of England’s most distinctive counties.
Our itinerary includes visits to the magnificent remains of Fishbourne Roman Palace and Novium Museum, offering a vivid glimpse into life in Roman Britain, while the ancient harbourside village of Bosham and the splendid Chichester Cathedral reveal the enduring legacy of Saxon and medieval Sussex. We also explore some of the county’s finest historic houses, from the impressive collections and grand interiors of Petworth House to the medieval splendour of Arundel Castle and the Elizabethan charm of Parham House.
Alongside these architectural treasures, there is time to enjoy the Sussex landscape itself. The outstanding Weald & Downland Living Museum provide a window into the county’s rural traditions, while the rolling scenery of the South Downs forms a fitting backdrop throughout the tour.
what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has worked at historic sites in Britain and abroad. A trustee of the Battlefields Trust and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has written widely on castles, battles and military history.
With infectious enthusiasm, wit and panache, Julian leads more than a dozen Travel Editions tours across the UK and Europe. His extraordinary historical insight brings fortresses, battlefields and medieval landscapes to life, creating tours that are educational, entertaining and consistently popular with travellers.
meet YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Elizabeth Norton
Elizabeth is a British historian specialising in the early modern period. She studied at Cambridge and Oxford and completed her PhD at King’s College London, where she has also taught history. Her published work includes The Lives of Tudor Women and biographies of four of Henry VIII’s wives.
A regular television contributor and historical adviser, Elizabeth brings scholarship and a strong sense of personality to the past. On tour, she connects castles, abbeys and battlefields with the lives of the people who experienced political, religious and social upheaval.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Exact order of itinerary may vary depending on local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.
Day 1: Arrive independently at the hotel
Arrive independently at the hotel from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome drink, private dinner with wine and a talk by your host Julian Humphrys: ‘None but Murray: The Life of Admiral Sir George Murrary, friend of Nelson and first resident of the Harbour/Ship Hotel’.
Day 2: Chichester City Walls and Cathedral, and the Novium Museum
After breakfast, travel to Chichester Cathedral, one of England’s most important medieval churches. Founded shortly after the Norman Conquest, the cathedral combines Norman and Gothic architecture and contains treasures spanning nearly a thousand years of history. During our visit, discover its remarkable medieval carvings, beautiful stained glass and celebrated works of modern art, all set within a building that has been at the heart of Sussex life for centuries.
This afternoon we visit the Novium Museum for a private out of hours opening which tells the story of the city including local archaeological finds, history and local heritage, including the remains of a Roman bathhouse of which the museum was built on and can be seen within the museum
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is at leisure.
Day 3: Arundel Castle and Cathedral, and Bosham
Today begins at Arundel Castle, the historic seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for almost a thousand years. Dominating the town from its hilltop setting, the castle combines Norman fortifications with magnificent Victorian interiors. During our visit, discover richly decorated rooms filled with paintings, furniture, tapestries and historic artefacts, while learning about the castle’s central role in English history.
A short walk brings us to Arundel Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Britain. Designed by Joseph Hansom and completed in the nineteenth century, the cathedral’s soaring interior and intricate detailing reflect the revival of Catholicism in Victorian England.
Later, we visit the picturesque village of Bosham, one of the most historic settlements on the Sussex coast. Overlooking a tranquil harbour, Bosham is closely associated with the Anglo-Saxon period and famously appears in the Bayeux Tapestry. A stroll through the village reveals charming cottages, ancient pathways and the church of Holy Trinity, whose history stretches back over a thousand years.
Return to the hotel for dinner, and a talk from Elizabeth Norton: ‘The House of Howard: Tudor England’s Most Ambitious Dynasty’
Day 4: Parham House and Petworth House
Today we start at Parham House, one of England’s best-preserved Elizabethan manor houses. Built in the sixteenth century and surrounded by beautiful gardens, Parham retains many original features and an outstanding collection of furniture, textiles and paintings. Less formal than many great country houses, it offers a fascinating glimpse into domestic life over several centuries.
This afternoon we visit Petworth House, one of the grandest National Trust properties in England. Home to the Egremont family for centuries, the house contains an outstanding collection of paintings, including works by Turner, Van Dyck, Reynolds and Blake. The richly furnished state rooms reflect the tastes and ambitions of generations of aristocratic owners, while the surrounding Capability Brown parkland adds to the estate’s sense of scale and grandeur.
Evening at leisure in Chichester.
Day 5: Fishbourne Roman Palace, and Weald & Downland Living Museum
After breakfast, visit Fishbourne Roman Palace, the largest known Roman residence north of the Alps. Built in the first century AD, the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman Britain at its most sophisticated. Explore the extensive remains, including the celebrated mosaic floors, elegant gardens and museum displays that reveal the wealth and status of its occupants.
After free time for lunch, continue to Weald & Downland Living Museum, a remarkable open-air museum set within the South Downs National Park. Spanning over 40 acres, the museum is home to an outstanding collection of rescued and reconstructed historic buildings from across South East England, dating from the medieval period to the nineteenth century. As you explore timber-framed houses, farmsteads, workshops and rural cottages, gain a vivid understanding of how ordinary people lived and worked through the centuries. The museum brings the region’s social and architectural history to life, offering a fascinating perspective on the development of the Sussex landscape and its communities.
Return to the hotel for 17.00.
Post-tour nights at the hotel are available at a supplement.
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Harbour Hotel, Chichester
Stay in style at Harbour Hotel Chichester, an elegant boutique hotel set within a Grade II listed historic townhouse in the heart of this historic cathedral city. Located within the old city walls and just a short walk from Chichester Cathedral, the hotel blends period character with contemporary comfort. Guests can enjoy stylish accommodation, a restaurant and bar, and the hotel’s luxury spa. Rooms are individually designed and feature en-suite bathrooms, TV, complimentary WiFi, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Limited on-site parking is available at the hotel on a first-come, first-served basis, at £10 per day. Guests should register their vehicle with reception upon arrival. Additional public parking is available at nearby Chichester city-centre car parks, including St Cyriacs, Little London and Northgate.
The nearest railway station is Chichester, approximately 0.7 miles from the hotel, around a 10 to 15 minute walk or a short taxi ride away.
Harbour Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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