The sunniest county in Britain, West Sussex is an understandably popular holiday destination, with epic beaches and plenty of history. The coastline is home to near continuous seaside towns, while the interior is mostly rural.

West Wittering is one of the best known beaches, an epic stretch of sand with views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and plenty of wind for windsurfers and kite surfers.

On a sunny summer day is it extremely popular!

It is backed by attractive beach huts.

And further along houses partly hidden behind the dunes. Locals include Kate Winslet and Keith Richards.

The beach extends to East Wittering which is shingle rather than sand, and similarly photogenic.

If nearly as busy at times…

Stansted Park is an 1,800 acre park home to an Edwardian country house that is occasionally open, the early 19th century Chapel of St Paul, a miniature railway, maze, cafe, and some pleasant gardens.

At Weald & Downland Living Museum over 50 historic buildings dating from 950 to the 19th century have been saved and preserved.

There is a working watermill from the 17th century which took 7 years to move from Petworth House.

The TV show Repair Shop is filmed onsite in an old barn.

The 17th century Market Hall and surrounding buildings were some of my favourites.

There are plenty of thatched buildings.

And many barns, a school, and a church.

The interiors have been preserved as well.

Flint is a popular local exterior decoration for buildings.

The 40 acre grounds are pleasant.

The Gridshell is one of the newest buildings on the site, built in 2000-2002, an innovation self supporting wooden shell.

Petworth is a small historic town close to Chichester.

Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Petworth dates from the 13th and 14th century but restorations in the 19th and early 20th century have hidden much of the old structure.

Petworth House is a grade I listed 17th century country house famous for its extensive art collection. The exterior is relatively plain but inside is filled with artwork.

The North Gallery is particularly impressive.

As was this gallery with intricate carvings.

But almost every room had something of interest.

The kitchens were sizeable!

To finish with the latest artwork at Petworth House, colourful elephants…