Countryside Activities
From the dramatic landscapes of the South Downs National Park in the South to the gently rolling High Weald in the North there is much to see and explore in the Horsham District with a significant part of the District designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Woodlands are a particular landscape feature, with the extensive St. Leonard's Forest to the east of Horsham reputedly home to an ancient dragon.
Two main rivers divide the District, the Arun passing through Horsham, Pulborough and Amberley to the west and the Adur meandering past Henfield and through Bramber to the east. There are footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths alongside both rivers, as well as superb walks around lakes and ponds of the area. For details of the hundreds of walking, cycling and horse-riding routes available to explore across Sussex visit Rural Ways.
Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding
These activities are very popular in the Horsham District due to the extensive network of footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways. The well known long distance walking routes of the "South Downs Way", the High Weald Landscape Trail and the "Down's Link" cycle path and bridleway, a former railway route, give easy rights of way to the unspoiled countryside, whilst a new West Sussex Literary Trail from Horsham to Chichester has recently been created covering 55 miles of some of the most beautiful countryside and villages of the South East.
Horsham District Council produces a booklet of over 200 free guided walks across the District which is available at low cost from Horsham District Council offices or Horsham Visitor Information Centre or can be downloaded online. We can also offer an excellent range of 44 selected cycling routes around the Horsham District suitable for all ages and abilities.
West Sussex County Council publish a range of walking and cycling opportunities online. Additional cycle books, routes and maps can also be purchased from Horsham Visitor Information Centre.
Ample access points and car parks nearby make walks easy for whatever time you have available. There are also good train links for walkers, with monthly walks planned specifically to meet train times.
Useful Links
Rural Ways - An online gateway to the countryside: www.ruralways.org.uk
South Downs National Park: www.southdownsonline.org
South Down Way National Trail: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southdowns
High Weald Landscape Trail: www.ldwa.org.uk
Downs Link Footpath and Cycle Route: www.westsussex.gov.uk
Walking, Cycling, Horse Riding in West Sussex
Horsham District Free Guided Walks: www.horshamhealthwalks.co.uk
Horsham District Cycling Routes.
Horsham District Countryside Attractions
The District has some particularly valuable and interesting sites for wildlife. Of special mention is Warnham Nature Reserve which offers a peaceful haven for exploration including a millpond, meadows, woodland and marshes as well as Southwater Country Park, a 55 acre park which offers watersports facilities on its lake, a visitor centre and adventure style play area. The "Downs Link" bridleway passes through the park along with several other foothpaths. Owlbeech and Leechpool Woods are located on the outskirts of Horsham. This woodland site covers 85 acres and you pass through areas of Scots pine to Oak woods and Beech trees.
All these and other sites are owned and managed by Horsham District Council Leisure Services. For further information about each site visit our Parks and Countryside pages or email: leisure@horsham.gov.uk.Tel: (01403) 256890 / 731218.
Other wildlife areas include: Woods Mill, home of the Sussex Wildlife Trust near Henfield (tel. 01403 492630), the R.S.P.B's extensive Reserve at Pulborough Brooks (tel. 01798 875851), and a rare example of Sussex Heathland at Sullington Warren owned by the National Trust with free access. All provide a haven for wildlife while allowing visitors a chance to get close to nature and to enjoy the scenic splendours of the area.
Animal attractions are always popular with families, including Holmbush Farm World, which offers a real hands-on experience and fun rides on trailers and Fishers Farm Park in Wisborough Green, winner of Best Customer Service in 2010. Another popular attraction is Huxleys' Bird of Prey Centre near Horsham where you can see magnificent birds of prey.
For details of these and other local visitor attractions please visit our Places to Visit page.
Canal Boats
The Wey and Arun Canal was originally intended to provide a safe inland route for military supplies to the Fleet at Portsmouth. Opened in 1816, it 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.