10 interesting places to discover in the Horsham district

The Visitor Information Centre based in Horsham Museum, Causeway, Horsham, has selected 10 places of interest to help residents and visitors to explore the District.

1. Chanctonbury Ring

Explore the Iron Age hill fort in the heart of the South Downs National Park with its breath taking views over our district, including 16th Century Wiston House. Nearby Wiston Granary offers a traditional afternoon tea and an opportunity to see a number of rescue animals cared for by the Granary staff.

2. Bramber Castle

Visit the ruins of one of the District’s Norman castles at Bramber. The original motte-and –bailey castle was constructed by William De Braose during the late 11th century. Nearby is one of the oldest churches in Sussex, St. Nicholas. Open during daylight hours, admission is free. You can also visit St Mary’s Priest House, a historic 15th century timber framed house and a lovely garden in the village.

3. Downs Link – Walk, Cycle or Ride.

This 37 mile route follows a disused railway line through some the beautiful and ancient wooded countryside of West Sussex and Surrey. The link can be accessed at various points along the way, including Steyning, Southwater Country Park and the old West Grinstead railway station which has a free carpark. There is also access behind the Bax Castle pub at Two Mile Ash.

4. Steyning, a major town during the Saxon era, has many historic houses including the old Market House and the Grammar School in Church Street. Steyning’s modern museum explains the town’s rich history. The place is also noted for its Farmers’ market which is held in the High Street car park on the first Saturday of every month.

5. Knepp Castle Ruin

The castle itself is closed to the public except for occasional tours by Historical Societies, as it is a private family home. However the estate is criss-crossed with many public rights of way which allow views of the castle ruin. For more information about available routes please see www.knepp.co.uk.

6. The river bridge at Pulborough, built in 1787, is a smaller replica of the medieval bridge at nearby Stopham. Within a short drive, there are other attractions such as RSPB Pulborough Brooks, the Elizabethan house of Parham House near Storrington and Bignor Roman Villa. Admission charges apply.

7. Hardham - St Botolph. RH20 1LB - off London Road (A29)

Tucked away in the idyllic hamlet of Hardham lies the ancient Saxon Church of St Botolph (circa 1050). It contains some of the oldest and most complete medieval wall paintings in the country including an image of St George at the Battle of Antioch. There are Roman tiles within the structure and Tudor bricks in a blocked-up doorway. A squint is visible in the external south wall. Open daily 9am to dusk.

8. Nutbourne Vineyard, Gay Street, near Pulborough, RH20 2HH

Protected by the South Downs, with the same fertile green sand soil as Champagne in France, Nutbourne Vineyard was first planted in 1980 and there are now 26 acres of vines in production. Nutbourne windmill dating from 1854 is also nearby. Free admission. 01798 815196

9. The pretty little village of Amberley is well known for its picturesque thatched cottages. Several famous artists and writers such as Arnold Bennett, John Cowper Powys, Arthur Rackham and Edward Stott have lived in or visited the village. In 1932 “The Man from Toronto” was filmed here. Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre is a popular family attraction. The mine there was used a location in the James Bond Film “A View to a Kill”.

10. Take in a cricket match at Henfield Common.

The attractive downland village of Henfield, is an enjoyable place to spend time. The Cricket Ground was formed in 1771 making it one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country.

Horsham District Council runs several attractions worthy of a visit - Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, Horsham Park and Nature Garden, Pavilions at Horsham, Southwater Country Park, Warnham Nature Reserve, Owlbeech and Leechpool woodland walks and Capitol Theatre.

For further information call in, email or phone the visitor informtion centre at 9 Causeway, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1HE, call 01403 211661 or email [email protected]

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