Petworth, West Sussex
Beat the London traffic and make this historic market town your first stop. Skip the chain cafes and grab an excellent flat white and a pastry at The Hungry Guest before browsing the town's legendary concentration of antique shops.
The Ram Inn, Firle
Nestled in an unspoiled estate village, this is the archetypal Sussex country pub done right. Sit in the brick-walled garden or by the roaring fire and order the local South Downs venison or a pint of Harvey's.
Charleston, Firle
The modernist countryside retreat of the Bloomsbury Group is a masterclass in domestic art. Every surface, from the fireplaces to the bed frames, was painted by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, offering endless interior design inspiration.
Birling Gap, Eastbourne
End your drive where the chalk cliffs meet the English Channel. Take a brisk, wind-whipped walk along the clifftops for some of the most dramatic coastal views in the country before setting the GPS back to London.
