Heritage and Culture

Amberley castle

The Horsham District offers a rich collection of historic architecture and cultural heritage, from magnificent churches and Grade 1 beautiful houses and gardens to international literary and historic connections, attractive and historic villages, several fascinating museums and The Capitol theatre and cinema.

The District’s Culture and Heritage plays a valuable role in the District, adding to the high quality of life and bringing communities together. With its exceptional leisure offer and outstanding and varied landscape that include being part of the new South Downs National Park, the District is an area of exceptional interest and charm offering designer shops, stylish restaurants, idyllic country pubs, an active event programme and award winning food and drink..

Details of the eclectic mix of District Museums, many housed in historic buildings, can be found in our dedicated Museums amd Galleries page. 

Churches and Chapels
The District boasts a rich display of fine church buildings covering 1,000 years of ecclesiastical heritage, creating distinctive landmarks in the landscape. Further details are available on this website.

Horsham District Heritage Trail
If you are interested in local landmarks you will be interested in exploring our Horsham District Heritage Trail which features 32 special sites of historic interest around the District which have each been marked on site with a distinctive blue plaque.

Historic Houses
Many of the District's historic houses are open to the public throughout the year. These include:
Parham House and Gardens, between Storrington and Pulborough, is a beautiful Elizabethan Manor House set in 11 acres of award winning gardens, including a deer park, and containing important collections of portraits and furniture. Simon Jenkins' new book "England's Thousand Best Houses", lists Parham House in the top 20, alongside Windsor Castle, Chatsworth and Kensington Palace. It is often used as a film and television set and features a regular events programe throughout the summer. Telephone (01903) 744888.

A new Heritage Trail for Parham Park has recently been produced and can be downloaded from the Rural Ways website.

Bramber Castle is the remains of an important Norman Castle, on a natural mound, affording excellent views of the River Adur Valley. Owned by English Heritage. Contact Customer Services on: (0207) 973 3000. The site has open access, with free admission.

St. Mary's House and Garden at Bramber is a magnificent Medieval house built around 1470 and the best example of late 15th century timber-framing in Sussex. Limited opening hours. Telephone (01903) 816205.

Christ's Hospital, is a world famous public school founded in London by Edward VI in 1553 and relocated to Horsham in 1902. The history of the school is told in the school museum. Although still a working school, tours can be arranged to view the superb Edwardian architecture. Telephone (01403) 252547. The School's Art Centre also hosts a range of theatre, dance and other arts events. Telephone 01403 252709.

Other buildings of historic interest include Amberley Castle Hotel, and South Lodge Hotel at Lower Beeding, now an award winnng restaurant.  You may also be interested in King's Mill, Shipley - a magnificent smock windmill built in 1879 by a firm of Horsham Millwrights. The famous author Hilaire Belloc, who lived next door, previously owned it. The windmill is now closed to the public - all enquiries should be directed by letter to the owner of the windmill: Charles Eustace, Shipley Windmill, Shipley, Horsham RH13 8PL.

For further information about places of interest and attractions in the Horsham District please contact Horsham Visitor Information Centre.