COUNTRYSIDE ACTIVITIES
You can appreciate the joys of rural England in the marvellous countryside of Horsham District, whatever means of transport you prefer. Much of the district is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the chalk escarpments of the Sussex Downs in the South, and the gently rolling High Weald in the North. 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.
Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding
These activities are very popular in the district due to the extensive network of footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways. The well known long distance walking route of the "South Downs Way" 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. 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.
Horsham District Council produces a free booklet of guided walks across the Disrict and there are also several organisations that offer guided walks both within and beyond the Horsham District. There is an excellent free cycle routes pack called 'On Your Bike'offering 44 routes around the Horsham District which are suitable for all ages and abilities. Pick up a copy of both the walking and cycling route booklets from Horsham Library, local cycle shops in Horsham Southwater and Storrington, or from Horsham Tourist Information Centre. Additional cycle books, routes and maps can also be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre.
For further details of walking, cycling and riding in the area visit our Paths and Bridleways page.
Horsham District Countryside Attractions
The District has some particularly valuable and interesting sites for wildlife. Warnham Nature Reserve offers a variety of habitat including a millpond, meadows, woodland and marshes. Southwater Country Park, a former brick works is now 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 three sites are owned and managed by Horsham District Council Leisure Services. For further information contact (01403) 256890 / 731218 or email leisure@horsham.gov.uk. Details can also be found under the Countryside Services pages.
Other Wildlife areas include: Woods Mill, home of the Sussex Wildlife Trust near Henfield (tel. 01403 492630) , the R.S.P.B's extensive new 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 splendour of the area. Animal attractions are always popular with families. Holmbush Farm World and Wattlehurst Farm bothoffer a real hands-on experience and fun rides on trailers. Alternatively see the magnificent birds of prey at Huxleys' Bird of Prey Centre. For details of these and other local attractions please visit our "Places to Visit" page and download the summary document at the bottom of the 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. Details of this - "London's lost route to the sea" - are available online.