Poets and writers such as Rudyard Kipling and Hilaire Belloc and artists like Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant (Bloomsbury Artists) made Sussex their home, captivated and inspired by the green hills and the gentle beauty of the South Downs and the Sussex Weald.

Stretching from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton in the east to the cathedral city of Chichester in the west, West Sussex offers a wide variety of landscape and coastal scenery, from the wooded hills at Black Down north of Petworth on the Surrey border, through the flatter farmland of the Weald, culminating in the magnificent chalk downland of the South Downs and the watery landscape of Chichester Harbour beyond, where peaceful pleasures of yachting, fishing, bird-watching and bathing are pursued.

The South Downs Way represents some of the finest walking in southern England. It runs like a thread along the ridge of the South Downs, offering exhilarating walking, and illustrates the true character of these windswept chalk uplands. There is no better way to discover this delightful region than to follow the waymarked route across the swathe of downland on foot, by bike or on horseback - the views across the Weald and out to sea are spectacular. Harting Down, The Trundle at Goodwood and Devil's Dyke are three favourite start points.

The long marshy arms of Chichester Harbour are haven to a wealth of wildlife (birds and seals) and best seen on a boat tour from the quay at Itchenor. Explore shoreline footpaths from the pretty waterside villages of Bosham, Birdham and Chidham for peaceful, far-reaching views, and a stroll through Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve (RSPB) is a must for bird-lovers.

Amble the historic streets in Chichester - seek out the glorious Norman Cathedral and the notable Pallant House Gallery - or follow the Antiques Trail through pretty Petworth. For history buffs, there are Roman villas at Fishbourne and Bignor plus a magnificent castle at Arundel. Stately National Trust piles include Petworth House (Turner paintings) and Uppark, a fine Queen Anne mansion overlooking the South Downs. Foodies will find local artisan goodies in fabulous farm shops (Cowdray Park; Home Farm at Goodwood) and some of the best English fizz following a tour and tasting (wine and food) at one of the high-tech wineries - Tinwood, Wiston, Bolney - to name but a few.