Imagine stepping back in time to a little town where there are no chain stores, just quaint little shops dotted along cobbled streets selling all kinds of unusual treasures and trinkets. This historic little gem is known as the “antiques centre of the south” according to the Antiques Trade Gazette. It boasts a high concentration of antique and art dealers, with over 30 shops within a mile radius. In fact, bar a hardware store and a chemist every shop in this thriving pretty town is independently run.
Each shop has its own unique style and specialisations, making the town’s lively and welcoming antique scene a major draw for visitors. There are no boarded-up shops here. Aside from the many antique shops dotted around its main streets, the town’s Antiques Market hosts over 35 experienced antiques and decorative dealers with an abundance of antique talent all under one roof, displayed over 275 square metres. The market offers a unique collection of Antiques, Vintage and Decorative furniture, clothing, Jewellery and much more. From fine tableware and decorative furniture to vintage and retro finds, there is a plethora of unique treasures to discover. We are talking about Petworth in West Sussex, the tiny town with more than 35 antique dealers dotted along its pretty streets.
One dealer commented: “What you will find when you come to shop in this town is a huge variety of incredible antique shops including the Antiques Market situated on East Street which hosts an array of sellers offering something for every taste and budget.
“All you need to know and be assured when you shop in Petworth you will find some incredible antiques steeping in history and taste. Petworth Antiques Market, in particular, aims to be accessible on many levels with a variety of price points and a friendly, informal atmosphere.”
The historic buildings and streets of Petworth in West Sussex, nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park. contribute to the unique atmosphere making it a wonderful place to browse and potter whether you are in the market to buy or not.
David Manning from Mannings Antiques said: “Places like Petworth Antiques Market are ideal. It’s a low pressure and easy to browse environment. Staff are there for support and personally I think you need to get the ‘feel’ of an item and its condition. At the market the item and seller are there so you won’t be scared. Online buying has its place, but pictures only give you an idea of it.”
Petworth was recently been voted Best Antiques Town and has links to the famous artist JMW Turner, a frequent visitor to Petworth House, a stately manor house, which is another must see place to visit, open to the public and run by the National Trust.
Close by is Petworth House, a 17th century stately manor house owned and run by the National Trust and open to the public. The house itself was designed by Capability Brown and has a fine collection of paintings and objects, made by George Wyndham, 3rd Earl of Egremont(1751-1837), and containing many works by his friend Turner.
The Petworth Antique & Decorative Arts Association was founded in the early 1980s to promote the town and its antiques trade. An annual fair is also held nearby on the grounds of Petworth House.
The town also has several galleries showcasing contemporary and classic art, fashion boutiques and bookshops. The Petworth Cottage Museum is a preserved estate worker’s cottage that depicts life in the early 20th century.
The Petworth Festival is an annual festival celebrating arts, music, and literature and will be held this year from July 17 to August 2, 2025. The town’s Literary Festival will take place from October 29 to November 9.
Visitors to the thriving little town on TripAdvisor suggest going mid week if you want to avoid the crowds in the summer. Many praise the varied window displays in the antique shops and the number of vendors.
Londoners can reach Petworth in less than hour with a train from Croydon to nearby Pulborough. From there it’s just a 10-minute taxi ride to Petworth.