List of museums in West Sussex facts for kids
West Sussex is a beautiful county in England, and it's full of amazing museums! These places are like treasure chests, keeping important objects safe from the past. They help us learn about history, art, science, and how people used to live. Whether you're interested in old houses, Roman times, or cool machines, there's a museum for you in West Sussex.
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Exploring West Sussex Museums
West Sussex has many different types of museums. Some focus on local history, showing what life was like in a specific town. Others are about special topics like old buildings, art, or even planes!
Historic Houses and Castles
Many museums in West Sussex are grand old houses or castles. They let you step back in time and see how people lived centuries ago.
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Located in Arundel, this amazing medieval castle has been restored. You can explore rooms filled with old paintings, beautiful furniture, tapestries, and even suits of armor! It's like walking into a storybook.
In Midhurst, you can tour the ruins of this large 16th-century Tudor house. A fire in 1793 partly destroyed it, but its remains still tell a fascinating story.
Near Goodwood, this Jacobean country house is full of history. It has grand state rooms and an impressive art collection to explore.
Found in Cootham, this is a beautiful Elizabethan house with lovely gardens. It's a great place to imagine life in the 1500s.
In Petworth, this large 17th-century mansion is run by the National Trust. It has a huge collection of paintings and sculptures. The house is surrounded by a massive park designed by Capability Brown, a famous landscape architect.
Near South Harting, this restored 18th-century Georgian house is also run by the National Trust. You can see period paintings, furniture, and ceramics. Don't miss the Victorian servant's quarters, which show how the staff lived and worked.
Located in East Grinstead, Standen is a late 19th-century Arts and Crafts house. It's known for its beautiful design and gardens, also managed by the National Trust.
In Stoughton, this is an Edwardian country house with a large park. It offers a glimpse into early 20th-century life.
Local and Community Museums
These museums focus on the history and culture of their specific towns. They often have items from everyday life, showing how communities grew over time.
This museum in Arundel tells the story of the town's local and maritime history.
- Bognor Regis Museum
Located in Bognor Regis, this museum covers local history. It has interesting displays like old shop fronts, including a toy shop, and historic radio equipment.
In Horsham, this museum covers a wide range of topics. You can learn about local history, see old costumes and toys, and even explore reconstructed blacksmith and wheelwright's shops.
This museum in Chichester explores the local history, geology, and archaeology of the area. It's built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse!
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In Shoreham-by-Sea, this museum focuses on the local and maritime history of the town.
Located in Worthing, this museum has a mix of local history, art, and fascinating collections. You can see costumes, textiles, dolls, and archaeological finds.
Specialized Museums
Some museums focus on very specific topics, from ancient Romans to old airplanes.
This huge outdoor museum in Amberley covers 36 acres. It's all about industry, communications, and transport. You can see old buses, trains, and learn about different crafts and trades.
Near Bignor, these are the remains of a large Roman home and farm. You can see amazing mosaic floors that are thousands of years old!
In Fishbourne, this is an excavated Roman palace. It has incredible mosaic floors and a reconstructed Roman garden. It's one of the largest Roman homes discovered in Britain.
- Coultershaw Beam Pump
Near Petworth, this museum features an 18th-century waterwheel-driven pump. It's a great example of old technology and how water power was used.
Located in Tangmere, this museum tells the story of the former RAF Tangmere airfield. You can see historic military aircraft and learn about its role in the Battle of Britain.
- Shoreham Airport Visitor Centre
At Shoreham-by-Sea, this center explores the history of aviation in the area. You can see memorabilia and even take airport tours.
- Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
In Singleton, this open-air museum has nearly 50 historic buildings. They date from the 13th to 19th centuries and have been moved here from across the region. You can explore old houses, farms, and see farm animals.
Near Clayton, these are 19th-century post and tower windmills. They show how wind power was used to grind grain.
This 18th-century post windmill is located in High Salvington. It's a historic landmark and a reminder of old milling techniques.
In Keymer, this is another 18th-century post windmill, showing the history of wind power.
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This 19th-century watermill is located in Crawley. It shows how water was used to power machinery.
Art Galleries
West Sussex also has places dedicated to art, from sculptures to paintings.
Near Goodwood, this is an outdoor sculpture park. It's a great place to see large and impressive artworks in a natural setting.
In Chichester, this gallery focuses on modern British art. It has a fantastic collection of paintings and sculptures from famous artists.
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Located in West Dean, this college often has exhibits of fine art, crafts, and weavings.
