[5] West Tarring is noted for its 13th-century parish church of St Andrew, 13th-century Archbishop's Palace, numerous old houses including the 15th-century timber-framed Parsonage Row, and two pubs: The Vine and the George and Dragon.

Despite Tarring High Street being relatively short and very narrow, it was once home to five pubs and was also a route for double-decker buses.

A lamp case bearing the legend Castle Inn is still present outside one of the former public houses.

West Tarring had an ancient fig garden dating from 1745 or earlier; it existed at least until 1950.

For elections to West Sussex County Council most of the area is represented by the Tarring electoral division.