Petworth - An English country getaway

Dr Samuel Johnson, compiler of the first English dictionary, famously said "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life".

But for many, a weekend getaway from the big smoke to the beautiful countryside or beach may exactly what they long for - striking a balance between city life and being surrounded by nature.

So if you've already visited most of the places recommended by Lonely Planet and are looking for somewhere more unique, and with fewer tourists, what are your choices?

Petworth can be one. Yes, you may not have heard of it, but that is why this small rural town is the perfect destination for a weekend escape from the crowded metropolis.

Located in the new South Downs National Park in West Sussex, Petworth offers you a typical English country feel: beautiful landscape, fresh air, stone cottages, a mansion house, locally sourced food, and country pubs.

The town is pretty. Wandering along small cobbled streets and lanes, you will see buildings are made of red brick and stones, with flowers in gardens and courtyards everywhere. If you are lucky, visiting on a sunny summer day, you may even have an illusion that you were in South France or Italy.

Do not feel surprised to come across antique shops and market on almost every corner of every street. People call Petworth the "antique center of the South". From copper cookware to Tudor period furniture, basically you can find everything here.

If you like arts, fashion, or home and interiors, you may need to exercise some self-control not to spend too much. Here, dozens of shops offer so many stylish choices to decorate your home, with something that can make life a little bit better.