The perfect preamble to an afternoon in a great pub is a great walk. And being surrounded in the beauty of the South Downs National Park, there’s no better location for this great combination than our corner of Sussex. Whether you’re looking for welcoming pubs and scenic walks in the South Downs or Chichester Harbour, or in and around Chichester, Midhurst, Petworth, Selsey or the surrounding areas, we’ve got you covered.
With some of the best pub grub on offer in the country (we’re proud producers of award-winning, home-grown and locally produced food here in Sussex, if you didn’t already know) as well as world-famous walks, we really are spoiling you for choice. Read on to discover The Great Sussex Way's hand selected pubs with excellent walks nearby in Sussex. Allow a couple of hours for each walk, followed by a couple of hours for each pub visit and your Sunday is sorted!
Best traditional pub: The Star and Garter in East Dean, Chichester
The pub: What better way to kick off our round-up than the Star and Garter in East Dean - nestled in the heart of the famous Goodwood Estate near Chichester.
This gorgeous flint and brick country pub, dating back to the 18th century, offers exactly what you’d expect from a traditional country pub and more. Not only has the Star and Garter won numerous awards and its outstanding menu strives to reduce food miles with a ‘field to fork’ approach, but it’s also listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2023. Pretty impressive we think.
The walk: As if the great location, great food AND great drink isn’t enough to tempt you, there’s a great walk on offer too.
Just a stone throws from the Star and Garter is the beginning of a 6-mile circular walk, taking you from East Dean, up through Charlton Forest and back again. Along the way you’ll take in parts of the Sussex Literary Trail and South Downs Way, pass Bronze Age Barrows and stumble across some of the area’s best views. This moderate to challenging route takes approximately three hours to complete, so head out early to be back in time for lunch.
Dogs Welcome: The White Horse, Chilgrove
The pub: Set amid rolling Sussex countryside, The White Horse is a characterful pub with a welcoming interior. This 18th Century coaching inn stands out from the surrounding countryside, whitewashed and covered by trailing wisteria. Inside the pub combines rustic features with comfort - a place by the fire is undeniably attractive on chilly days. In warmer months, guests can make use of pretty gardens or a patio. Locally sourced, seasonal food is the name of the game here, whether you're calling in for a post-walk drink or Sunday lunch.
The walk: spoilt by the many trails which are accessible from the pub, we like to head across the road for a looping walk into Wildham Woods - beautiful autumn colours are to be found here in late October and November. Find the route here.
Best for blowing the cobwebs away: The Wittering, West Wittering
The Pub: A stone's throw from the beautiful golden sands of West Wittering beach, The Wittering is a fresh, airy yet cosy feeling pub which prides itself on showcasing local flavours, ingredients and suppliers. You'll see this reflected in the changing menu. A perfect pitstop after a breezy walk along the beach.
The Walk: East Head, the sand dunes of West Wittering Beach is under the care of the National Trust who look after this fragile habitat, one of the last surviving pieces of natural coastline in West Sussex. As you navigate around the dunes, you'll encounter the salt marsh, one of the rarest habitats in the south. If you're visiting in train your binoculars to the migrant wildfowl and see if you can catch a glimpse of redshank, godwits or oystercatchers (to name just a few). Download the route and find out more about East Head.
Parking for East Head/West Wittering Beach: If driving here you will need to use the West Wittering Beach car park, which is cheaper if you book ahead here (open 7am - 6pm).
By Bus: Stagecoach route 52 runs from Chichester and stops directly outside The Wittering pub. From here walk up Pound Road to the beach and East Head.
Best unique pub: The Horse and Groom, East Ashling
The pub: A historic blacksmith’s shop come pub, the Horse and Groom located in East Ashling (just four miles west of Chichester) offers a surprise at every turn.
Step inside this eccentric pub to find a striking metre-high bronze horse and jockey sculpture, an 1840 chestnut serving table from Andalusia in Southern Spain, and an apple green baker’s counter bar from the Cognac region of France. The cultural journey continues into the dining room, where wholesome dishes are prepared with locally sourced produce against the backdrop of early 20th century paintings and contemporary art. Intrigued? So are we.
The walk: As if that doesn’t lure you in, you can walk directly to Kingley Vale from the Horse and Groom too.
Holding an eclectic mix of titles to its own name, Kingley Vale is not only a must-visit National Nature Reserve, but is also a biological Site of Special Interest, Special Area of Conservation and a Nature Conservation Review site, Grade I.
You’ll find ancient yew forests (one of the finest in Western Europe in fact), ancient monuments and astonishing views from the top. From the Horse and Groom, it’s a 5.5 mile circular route to the top - which is of course steep in places - and we’d allow two-and-a-half hours to complete it.
Best for authentic Sussex experiences: The Angel Inn in Petworth
The pub: Voted as one of the Best English Country Hotels, The Angel Inn - located in the historic market town of Petworth - offers an authentic West Sussex experience.
Located on the doorstep of one of our greatest walks (which we’ll tell you about in a moment) The Angels Inn’s medieval origins - including original beams, fireplace and quirky passageways - offer a glimpse of life in Petworth from a time gone by. Take a stroll through the large walled garden, which is heaving with magnolia blooms in the summer and horse chestnuts in the autumn, and enjoy a meal crafted from the finest offerings from local farms by the roaring fire. We think you’ll be impressed.
The walk: Like what you read about the Angel Inn? Then you’ll love the walk.
Taking you on a 3.5 mile figure-of-eight loop from the Angel Inn, this walk will take you out across the beautiful Shimmings Valley to reach the tiny village of Byworth, and back again. If you love space and solitude, this is the walk for you. While you’ll see incredible views along the way, you may not see anyone but horses here. But we think that’s just perfect.
The route ends back in the bustling market town of Petworth by which time we’re sure you’ll be ready to face civilization again. We hope so at least, because it’s pub grub time.
Best pub serving local produce: Crab & Lobster, Sidlesham
The pub: Nestling on the banks of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, the 350-year-old Crab & Lobster is one of the South Coasts best foodie destinations.
This award-winning pub, also listed in the Good Hotel Guide, prides itself on its emphasis on local ingredients - from freshly caught seafood and fish from Selsey's fishing fleet to ingredients sourced from dairy farmers close by. You'll find a great wine list offering 17 wines by the glass - including local West Sussex sparkling Tinwood Estate. This combined with a warm welcome makes the Crab & Lobster a perfect food and wine lovers location, and that's before we talk about the beautiful setting and fabulous views.
The walk: Follow a 2-mile coastal walk to one of West Sussex's greatest Nature Reserves, RSPB Pagham Harbour. A wetland of international importance and of interest in all seasons for flowering plants, butterflies, summer breeding birds and the winter visiting seabirds, Pagham Harbour has no barriers, stiles or steps, making it accessible for all. You’ll pass bird hides, follow the track of the old light railway known as the ‘Selsey Tram’ (which is another walk you might like to try), and take in excellent views across the harbour. Perfect for working up an appetite for those delicious dishes that await.
Best value pub: The Anchor Bleu in Bosham
The pub: Looking for a great value option, with no compromise on location? Then look no further.
A traditional, family run harbour-side pub in the historic and picturesque heart of Bosham, the Anchor Bleu ticks every box. Being popular with tourists and locals alike, the Anchor Bleu is steeped in history, much like the coastal village of Bosham itself. Serving great quality food made using the best sourced and local ingredients at affordable prices, the Anchor Bleu is a must-visit on our list - we recommend booking your table!
The walk: As if you’re not tempted enough, we’re sure this 5.5-mile circular walk around Bosham will sway you. An easy route which is suitable for most abilities, this Bosham circular walk is the perfect preamble to your pub lunch. If you know Bosham, you won’t be surprised to hear about the spectacular scenery en route. It is one of the most photographed villages in West Sussex after all! After leaving the harbour you’ll explore quiet lanes, admire beautiful houses and step away from the hustle and bustle of harbour-side life.
One thing to note. Keep an eye on tide times especially with the stretch around the Church. As much as you love it, you may not want to get stuck there too long! This walk should take about two hours to complete.
Best pub for slow-paced walks: The Swan Inn, Midhurst
The pub: Set in the very heart of Midhurst - the picturesque market town sitting at the very centre of the South Downs National Park - find The Swan Inn, a 15th Century Coaching Inn. Aside from a warm welcome, you'll find an abundance of character and charm, with wonky floor boards, low ceilings and rustic beams sitting alongside modern touches and bright bursts of colour.
It's location at the heart of the town makes The Swan a great base from which to explore Midhurst, whether you're looking for bracing hikes or more slowly paced rambles. Parking is on hand at either The Grange (GU29 9HJ) or North Street (GU29 9DZ) Car Parks, or the town is served by the number 1 and number 60 buses from Petworth and Chichester respectively.
The Walk: For an appetite-inducing hike try the 6-mile Midhurst Ancient Tree Walk which follows footpaths and quiet lanes through the Weald, taking in the beautiful Cowdray Estate. You'll great views, admire spectacular ancient trees and stunning colours no matter what time of year you walk, and return to the pub ready for some excellent hospitality. Link to walk. Set a more leisurely pace with a wander to the ruins of St Ann's Hill where you'll find the remains of an Iron Age fort and a Norman castle. You're well placed to explore the town from here, with it's wealth of independent stores.
Best for sunny days: The Fox Goes Free
The Pub: Booking a table is advised at this much-loved pub, particularly on sunny days if you'd like to sit in the garden where you can relax amid glorious views of the Sussex countryside. The pub has a well deserved reputation for great quality homemade food using locally sourced ingredients where possible. You can enjoy a glass or two of Tinwood Sparkling wine at The Fox Goes Free too - you'd be pushed to get much more local with the vineyard located just a few miles away near Chichester.
The Walk: The perfect starting point for one of the most loved walks close to Chichester, The Trundle. This viewpoint offers some of the most expansive views as far as the solent on clear days - your reward for making the climb up St Roche's Hill (The Trundle's official name). Find the walk here.
Best for rural charm: The White Hart, South Harting
The Pub: A proper old village pub, The White Hart serves pub classics and regularly changing specials with a focus on quality and freshness. Well loved by walkers tackling the nearby South Downs Way, the friendly welcome you'll receive will entice you to settle down beneath the beams, beside a roaring fire - or in summer you'll want to grab a picnic table in the pretty garden which offers views of those glorious downs. Dogs are welcome here.
The Walk: nearby Harting Down is crossed by The South Downs Way, the epic national trail spanning the South Downs National Park. We like the 4 mile Wildlife Walk which loops around the down, taking in Beacon Hill, where you'll be treated to panoramic views as a reward for clambering up the steep slope - well worth it! Find the walk here.
Stagecoach bus service 54 from Chichester stops in the village of South Harting, around a mile from the walk starting point.
More great pubs in Sussex
If we’ve got you thinking about great pubs and great pub lunches in Sussex, there are plenty more to choose from - see more pubs in Sussex here
