Your Period Drama Escape: Stately Homes and Historic Elegance in Sussex
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the world of Downton Abbey or Bridgerton, Sussex offers a quietly magnificent alternative to the well-trodden filming locations. With its rolling countryside, grand estates and romantic gardens, this corner of England is rich in history and atmosphere.
Whether you're drawn to the aristocratic drama of the House of Guinness on Netflix or the opulent ballrooms of the Regency era, Sussex has its own cast of stately homes that invite you to experience the elegance of another age.
Petworth House: Grandeur in the Heart of the Park
Set within a vast deer park landscaped by Capability Brown, Petworth House is a vision of English magnificence. The house itself is a treasure trove of art, with works by Turner and Van Dyck adorning its walls, but it’s the scale and serenity of the grounds that truly evoke the grandeur of a period drama. Wander through the park at dusk and you might half expect a carriage to appear on the horizon and head towards the grand house.
Parham House: Lived-In Elegance and Noble Lineage
Still a family home, Parham House is steeped in warmth and heritage. Owned by Lady Emma Barnard (the current Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex) a direct descendant of the Guinness family (whose story is told in Netflix’s House of Guinness) the house offers a rare glimpse into a life that balances tradition with quiet refinement. The interiors are beautifully preserved, with tapestries, portraits and antique furniture that whisper of centuries past. The gardens, too, are a delight: romantic, intimate and full of seasonal colour.
Bailiffscourt Hotel: Medieval Romance by the Sea
Though not a stately home in the traditional sense, Bailiffscourt Hotel is a unique blend of medieval architecture and modern luxury. Built in the 1920s to resemble a medieval manor, it offers a deeply atmospheric stay just moments from the Sussex coast. Think candlelit dinners, roaring fires and a spa nestled among ancient trees, perfect for those seeking a Bridgerton-style escape with a touch of indulgence. And indulgence will definitely be on the menu if you book a treatment at the Spa!
Goodwood House: Regency Refinement
©Jon Nicholson 2019
If you're seeking the kind of setting where Lady Whistledown might pen her next scandalous column, Goodwood House offers a scene straight from the pages of a Regency romance. Still home to the Dukes of Richmond, its classical interiors, portrait-lined rooms and sweeping parkland evoke the elegance of a Bridgerton-style setting. Afternoon tea here is a highlight, served in surroundings that feel both grand and intimate. During the summer, the Goodwood Revival brings vintage fashion and theatrical flair to the estate, offering visitors a chance to dress up and immerse themselves in a world of tradition, style and spectacle.
Bluebell Railway: Nostalgia on the rails
The Bluebell Railway offers a truly immersive experience for fans of period dramas and vintage cinema. As one of the first preserved heritage railways in the UK, its beautifully restored steam locomotives and historic stations like Horsted Keynes and Sheffield Park have made it a popular filming location for productions seeking authentic mid-20th-century settings. You can step aboard carriages that have featured in films such as The Woman in Black, Downton Abbey, and The Railway Children Return, and feel as though you've entered a bygone era. Whether you're riding the rails or exploring the stations, the Bluebell Railway brings the magic of the screen to life in a way that’s both nostalgic and cinematic.
Experiences to Complete the Fantasy
To truly immerse yourself in the spirit of a period drama, consider timing your visit with one of Sussex’s seasonal highlights. Spring brings carpets of bluebells and garden openings, while summer offers concerts, outdoor theatre and heritage tours. Autumn is perfect for long walks through golden landscapes, and winter sees many estates dressed for Christmas, with roaring fires and festive teas.
Many of these homes offer guided tours, and some host special events where you can dress in period costume or enjoy a candlelit supper. Even a simple stroll through the grounds can feel like stepping into a scene from Downton Abbey, minus the drama, of course.
