A Luxury Getaway at The Gogs

This is a place to unwind and notice the little things: the cosiness of an open fire, the romance of outdoor suppers, and the views that seem to stretch for miles. And, from here, you can branch out – taking in the local sights and venturing somewhere new.

But what are the best things to take in while you’re with us? Every dream stay is different, so rather than offering a “must-do” list, here’s our could-do guide to a break at The Gogs.

Weekend breaks are best dedicated to long, leisurely days and a deliberately slower pace. They’re a chance to embrace the luxury of lie-ins while still carving out time to wander and explore. 

Positioned just outside Petworth, The Gogs place you at the heart of the countryside. So, if you’re here for a weekend, you’ll find fresh air and a delightful change of scenery. 

• Take a stroll to nearby Petworth House, cared for by the National Trust. Here, you can amble through the 18th century pleasure garden, view artworks by Turner and Gainsborough, and seek out a Greek-inspired Doric Temple.
• Head into the town of Petworth, where you can spend a happy hour or two hunting treasures at its antiques market. From Monday to Saturday, it’s open 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays, from 11am to 4pm (but do double-check times in advance).  
• Enjoy a locally-sourced Sunday lunch at the nearby Welldiggers Arms. As a joyous celebration of the Great British roast, you can look forward to treats like cider-roasted pork, grass-fed beef, and “proper” homemade sauces.
• Stretch your legs with a weekend walk in the South Downs. This wildlife-rich National Park has many routes to choose from; from easy-access trails to half-day hikes. 

Short stays are a superb way to press pause on the everyday and take flight for a while. And even if you can’t stay long, you’d be surprised how much (or if you prefer, how little) you can fit in. 

A midweek escape holds unique charm – as country life goes on around you, there’s plenty to discover. From The Gogs, you’re within easy reach of sprawling estates, pretty towns, and local culture. 

• Soak in the sights at Newlands House Gallery: a go-to destination for modern and contemporary art. If you’re peckish, you could also stop off at the HG Café, set in the gallery’s walled garden.
• Take a tour around the Knepp rewilding project. Spanning 3,500 acres of West Sussex countryside, it’s home to wildlife like nightingales and purple emperor butterflies – as well as cattle, ponies and deer.
• Climb to the top of Black Down: the highest point in the South Downs. From here, you can look out over views that once inspired Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
• When night falls, set off for an evening’s stargazing in the South Downs National Park. Or, if you’d rather stay closer to home, take a picnic blanket just outside – you’ll find lots of potential spots here in the grounds. 

When a longer break beckons, you’ll find the whole of West Sussex at your fingertips. With more days in which to explore, you can go further, do more – and still spare time to unwind. 

The Gogs’ central location means you’re never far from local destinations. West Sussex’s coast, countryside and cityscape are all conveniently nearby. 

• Spend a day in Chichester, West Sussex’s cathedral city. We recommend dedicating a few hours to Pallant House Gallery, which tells the story of British art from 1900 to the present day, across multiple galleries.
• While you’re in the city, seek out The Barn. Tucked away in a courtyard in the historic centre, it's a restaurant, retail space and bar rolled into one, with an ethos firmly rooted in seasonal, local food. It’s a lovely spot for browsing, lunching, or picking up something special to bring back.
• Visit the 16,000-acre Cowdray Estate, home to the world-famous Cowdray Park Polo Club. Professional matches are played here from April to September, and spectators are welcome throughout. The estate's Farm Shop and Café is the ideal spot to round off the day with something locally made.
• Head to the coast for a breath of sea air at Littlehampton’s West Beach. Part of a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, it’s a peaceful haven of sand dunes – and a world away from the busier East Beach across the river.
• If you’d like to get on the water, The Beach Watersports offers lessons and gear hire for everything from paddle boarding to kitesurfing, windsurfing and winging – suitable for first-timers as well as seasoned enthusiasts.
• Make a day of it at Arundel Castle, one of the most complete medieval fortresses in England. Inside, more than thirty lavishly decorated rooms take you from its Norman origins through 850 years of history. The grounds, gardens and keep are equally worth the time, so we’d recommend a full day to enjoy it all.

One of the pleasures of a longer stay is having time to simply be at The Gogs – and we’re happy to help make that time feel even more special. Through our partner network, you can even arrange for a mobile spa therapist to come to you, leaving you free to enjoy a professional treatment without going far. Whether it’s a massage, facial, or a little of both, it’s the kind of indulgence a luxury escape was made for.

Or, if you prefer, you can leave your whole holiday in our hands. Through our tailor-made concierge service, we can work with you to plan and book activities and experiences on your behalf – crafting a stay you’ll remember for years to come.