BILLINGSHURST

Billingshurst and District Visitor Information

The village of Billingshurst is situated in the heart of the Sussex Weald, in beautiful countryside. With its history dating back to Roman times - the main north to south road (A29) being Stane Street, an old Roman road - the village has a conservation area at its centre and many beautiful period buildings.

With a recently refurbished High Street making shopping a pleasure, the village has a thriving community. The local Countryside is ideal for walking having four long distance walks and many bridleways and footpaths. Excellent local produce can be sampled in the cafes, restaurants, and pubs which attract many visitors from across the district. There is also a Farmers Market once a month.

THE WEY AND ARUN CANAL
Wey & Arun Canal Trust, The Granary, Flitchfold Farm, Loxwood, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 ORH.
Tel: 01403 752403.

Originally opened in 1816, the canal declined with the advent of railways and closed in 1871. It is now under active restoration by the Wey and Arun Canal Trust. Parts of the route run through the Horsham District from Loxwood to Pulborough and are open for narrow boat cruises as well as attractive tow path walks.

SOUTHWATER COUNTRY PARK
Southwater. RH13 7UN Tel: 01403 731218

This attractive 90 acre (36 ha) country park has level surfaced paths which provide an easy-going lakeside walk. Includes a beautiful wildlife area, an adventurestyle play area, orienteering course and tuition in canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. The adjacent Downs Link Bridleway passes through the Park. The Visitor Centre and Cafe is open most days during the school holidays, with limited opening times during the winter months.

HUXLEY'S BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE
Adjoining Hillier's Garden Centre, Brighton Road, Horsham RH13 6QA
Tel: 01403 273458

A sanctuary for almost 70 Birds of Prey including hawks, eagles, and vultures. Daily bird handling sessions between 12pm and 2pm and flying displays at 2.30pm (weather permitting). After the display relax in the beautiful garden with its tropical plants and ferns. OPEN: March to October Wed - Sunday 11am to 5pm (4.30pm on Sundays). Open on Bank Holidays. Winter: Sundays only, 11am – 4.00pm

SOUTH DOWNS LIGHT RAILWAY
Stopham Road Station, Pulborough Garden Centre, Stopham Road, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1DS.
Tel: 07518 753784

Has one of the largest fleets of standard & narrow 10.25" gauge locomotives in the UK ready for you to visit. Members also welcome. Events throughout the year. OPEN: March - September: Weekends and Bank Holidays, plus Wednesdays in August.

FISHERS ADVENTURE FARM PARK (Winner Best Customer Service 2010)
Fishers Adventure Farm Park, Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0EG
Tel: 01403 700063.

An action-packed day for all the family to enjoy at the award-winning Fishers. Ideally suited for 2-12 yr olds. Huge indoor soft-playzones, an enormous selection of outdoor adventure activities. Daily events include Tractor, Pony and Barrel Bug rides, Ghost Tunnel, Meet the Animals theatre show, Skating Rink, Climbing Wall, Bumper Boats, Toboggan Run,  Bouncy Pillows, Adventure Golf. Saddle Rooms restaurant serving fresh home-cooked food daily. Open: Daily (closed Xmas Day & Boxing Day) 10am - 5pm.

HORSHAM MUSEUM
9 The Causeway RH12 1HE Tel: 01403 254959

Housed in a medieval timber-framed building in one of the most picturesque streets in Sussex, Horsham Museum offers a treasure trove of local history objects, arts, crafts and photography displayed in twenty-six galleries. OPEN: All year Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

THE CAPITOL
The Capitol is the Horsham District's key arts venue offering unrivalled facilities including a 423 seat theatre, 2 cinemas, studio (seating up to 100), gallery space, meeting room and stylish café and bar.  The Capitol, North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RG.
Tel: (01403) 750220.
 

WARNHAM NATURE RESERVE
Nr Horsham. RH12 2RA Tel: 01403 256890

This 92 acre Local Nature Reserve offers a peaceful haven for over 200 species of wild plants and trees and over 150 species of birds. Take time to explore the 17 acre millpond, reedbeds, and woodlands. Visitor Centre and café. The reserve and birdhides are easily accessible with boardwalks around wet areas of the site. Sorry, no dogs or picnics out in the Reserve.

OPEN: Reserve, Visitor Centre & Café - all year, every day 10am to 6pm /dusk.

AMBERLEY MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE
Amberley. BN18 9LT Tel: 01798 831370

Amberley's 36-acre site displays industrial history through historic buildings, working exhibits and demonstrations of craft skills. OPEN: Mid Feb - October, Tues - Sun, 10am to 5.30pm. Open bank holidays 10am - 5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm)

PARHAM HOUSE & GARDENS
Storrington, nr Pulborough RH20 4HS.
Tel: 01903 744888

Parham House is a beautiful Elizabethan Manor set in 11 acres of award winning gardens, including a deer park. Simon Jenkins' book "England's Thousand Best Houses" lists Parham House in the top 20, alongside Windsor Castle, Chatsworth and Kensington Palace.

OPEN: Early April - end of Sept on Wed, Thurs, Sun & Bank Holiday Mon (plus Tues & Fri in August) 2pm - 5pm. Gardens: Wed Thurs, Sun and Bank Holiday Mon plus Tues & Fri between May and August, 12noon - 5pm

ST MARY'S HOUSE & GARDENS, BRAMBER
Bramber, Nr Steyning. BN44 3WE.
Tel: 01903 816205. Email:

Magnificent medieval house, classified as the best example of late 15th century timber framing in Sussex. Fine panelled rooms including the unique Elizabethan 'Painted Room'. Rare 17th century painted wall leather. Charming gardens. Concerts and garden events. Teas. OPEN: May to end of September: Sun, Thurs & Bank Holiday Mon, 2pm to 6pm. Group bookings by appointment.

RSPB PULBOROUGH BROOKS NATURE RESERVE
Wiggonholt, Pulborough RH20 2EL Tel: 01798 875851

Discover birds and wildlife amid scenic countryside in this superb nature reserve and trail with birdwatching hides and viewpoints, a visitor area with gift shop and tearoom, a play area and year round special events. OPEN: Daily: Centre - 9.30am to 5pm. Tea room closes 4.30pm. Closed 25/26 Dec. Disabled access with strong helper. Free electric buggy to hire.

BILLINGSHURST LEISURE CENTRE
Station Rd, Billingshurst RH14 9RY. Includes a 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, sports facilities, adult and junior activities.
Tel: 01403 787500.

ROOKWOOD GOLF COURSE
Robin Hood Lane, Warnham, Horsham RH12 3RR.
Tel: 01403 252123.

A public Pay & Play 18-hole course plus 9-hole Pitch & Putt course in a picturesque setting adjacent to Warnham Nature Reserve. Shop, golf centre with bar/refreshments. Large free car park. Restored Sussex Barn available for function hire. OPEN: Every day except Christmas Day, subject to weather conditions.

CHANCTONBURY RING & THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY
Off A283 near Steyning. The Ring is one of the highest points in the district, with superb views to the coast and inland to the North Downs. The South Downs Way covers about 80 miles of ancient trackways along the summit of the Downs and has now been incorporated into the newly designated South Down National Park. Car parks sited on or close to the South Downs Way can be found at Washington, Storrington and Wiston.

THE DOWNS LINK
A long distance footpath and bridleway linking North and South Downs running between Rudgwick in the North and Bramber in the South. Car parks near to the access points can be found at Rudgwick, Slinfold, Southwater, Partridge Green, Henfield and Bramber.

EXPLORING THE SOUTH DOWNS
The South Downs National Park is the most recent area in Britain to be designated a National Park. Covering over 1600 square kilometres of glorious landscapes and un-spoilt coastline, visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the South Downs. Whether you are looking for paragliding highs and mountain biking thrills or simply want to savor the sense of space and freedom that the beautiful South Downs offer, a visit to this new National Park is a must.

SOUTH DOWN GLIDING CLUB
Formed in 1930, South Down Gliding Club is one of the oldest in Britain and is also one of the largest and best equipped voluntary clubs in Britain, closely affiliated to the British Gliding Association. Tel: 01903 742137 (weekday mornings).

GUIDED WALKS
There are over free 200 guided walks every year across the District including Billingshurst. For a full programme visit www.horsham.gov.uk/leisure/2103.aspx
Local walk details available from the Library and Village Hall.

There is a superb range of visitor accommodation in the Horsham District, from modern and heritage country house hotels to excellent bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages, campsites and caravan parks. For further information about accommodation in the District contact Horsham Visitor Information Centre for a dedicated holiday accommodation booking service or ask for your free "Enjoy Sussex Visitor and Accommodation Guide"
Tel: 01403 211661.
Email: visitor.information@horsham.gov.uk

Alternatively it can be downloaded from theEnjoy Sussex website

A wide range of public events take place across the Horsham District throughout the year. For details of these events and activities - from village fetes to multi-day festivals to classical concerts - please visit www.horsham.gov.uk

The Horsham District is centrally located within the spectacular Sussex Downland in the South (now designated the South Downs National Park) and the beautiful Weald landscape in the North. It is just one hour by train from London and 40 minutes by car to the coast. There is also a comprehensive network of public footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways for discovering the countryside at a more leisurely pace.

Offering tranquil beauty and glorious countryside there is a wealth of attractions to discover from historic medieval churches and picturesque village greens to thriving towns, beautiful historic houses and gardens, award-winning local foods and wines, and a host of local entertainment and special events. The district also offers a fine range of leisure and sporting facilities, museums and visitor attractions. This, along with its accessibility, architectural heritage and a rich history, make the Horsham District a perfect destination to explore and enjoy.

Communications are excellent: By road - the A24 London to Worthing and the south coast, with the M23 nearby and the M25 a few miles to the north; the A281 south east to Brighton and north west to Guildford; the A29 and A272 to the south and west. By train - frequent services to London and Littlehampton, Bognor and Chichester. By air - from nearby Gatwick International Airport.

Produced by Horsham District Council.
Tel: 01403 215153