Top Things to do in Horsham District
The 8 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Horsham District, England
Discover the best top things to do in Horsham District, United Kingdom including Downs Link, Pulborough Brooks RSPB, Sumners Ponds, Warnham Local Nature Reserve, Chanctonbury Ring, Chesworth Farm, Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods, Sandgate Park.
Restaurants in Horsham District
1. Downs Link
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By C5060EKmatthewp - Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom
I regularly cycle along various parts of this fantastic old railway line and yesterday I travelled the entire length which was amazing. Mostly flat with a steep and confusing stretch between Rudgwick and Cranleigh and from this point forth going North it became apparent that the signage, which had been excellent throughout the Sussex stretch, was now very poor and where existent was largely unmaintained. This made it a little more difficult to ensure I was on the right track and the directions around Cranleigh were almost non existent. This aside the route takes one through some amazing English countryside on what is an easy and pleasant bridle-path. Normally there's loads of places to stop for snacks etc but due to lock-down these were largely all closed down. Only exception is the Old Railway pub (formerly the Cat & Canary) in Henfield that has set up an outdoor takeaway facility in their large beer garden which is open 7 days a week. Excellent service in a lovely spot.
2. Pulborough Brooks RSPB
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By workhousekids
Worth going to several times in one year, different species and different weather makes visits varied and interesting. Good for all ages although there is a little bit of walking. Take time to have a trip on the little boat which is included in the price. Take a picnic as the cafe is rather over priced - the only negative point that I can think of.
3. Sumners Ponds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 809 reviews
Reviewed By 517heidemarieb
We stayed at Sumners Ponds in-between lockdowns .Everything was very efficiently organized with clear instructions for everyone's safety and the highest of cleanliness standards.We have stayed on several occasions previously and have always found the staff extremely helpful and friendly.They provided information about the locality and restaurants as well as the site itself.The on site cafe is super with plenty of outside space. The campsite is lovely - spacious,quiet and clean.There is always plenty to see in and around the lakes and the pub and village shop are a short walk away.We keep on returning!!
4. Warnham Local Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
The Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve is a registered charity (No. 1171924). Our aim is to ensure the conservation, protection, and improvement of Warnham Local Nature Reserve for the benefit of both the public and the wildlife. Working in close partnership with Horsham District Council who own and manage the Reserve, we: * Promote the Reserve through displays and road shows * Meet & greet visitors to the Reserve and collect permit charges * Manage the Heron’s Rest café, selling drinks and light refreshments * Raise funds for specific projects * Organize and run programmes of events at the Reserve both for the public and for our members * Host regular evening visits by groups from local youth organisations * Assist with wildlife surveys All income raised is used for the benefit of the Reserve.
Reviewed By BabyYodasAdventures - Horsham District, United Kingdom
Warnham Local Nature Reserve is a great place for a walk and to teach the little one's a bit more about the local nature. It is informative and interesting. It is mostly accessible and they have set up a one way system so that social distancing can be maintained. There are picnic areas to sit and enjoy a spot of lunch or a bite to eat. They are building a new discovery centre and I can't wait to go and explore this when it is complete.
5. Chanctonbury Ring
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By TCinci2015 - Egham, United Kingdom
Visited in July and was astounded at how beautiful this Orr of the South Downs way is, you have a clear view of the North Downs and the Sea. The rings are a nice place to sit relax and fly a kite. Well worth a walk up the hill from the free parking. Be aware when you walk do not go right at farm and cottage go straight up the path In Front of you, not wheel chair or accessible for people who cannot go up a fairly steep hill, they will struggle a mile up a slope
6. Chesworth Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Within a stone’s throw of the town centre you can find Horsham’s secret paradise. You can walk or ride through 90 acres of beautiful countryside any day of the year. Chesworth Farm dates back to before 1086 and has been listed as one of the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019 Hidden Gems, as many people aren’t aware it is here to explore ! The River Arun forms a picturesque meadow in addition to the gorgeous grasslands (which sometimes host grazing livestock) and the ancient hedgerows that act as a haven for wildlife. It boasts the opportunity to see animals , such as skylarks in the daytime and barn owls flying past at dusk. You can walk through clouds of butterflies, encounter cows and sometimes see rare sheep and their llama companions in a beautiful countryside setting. The farm is suitable for anyone: a place to walk the dog, ride a horse, jog for miles or have a family cycle ride, well away from any main roads .
Reviewed By AllenJ273 - Croydon, United Kingdom
This was a working farm and still is in some respects. The large, named fields are mainly grass and wild flowers with clear paths through them. Look for Jenny Barelegs, for instance. Great for dog-walkers and for tiring out exuberant young children - and grandparents, as we discovered. Take a picnic (there is no café) but please take ALL your rubbish home to dispose of properly. Look at the river Arun. Half way across the board walk you will be able to sit and see the waterfall. A bit dry this month but usually a delight. Also, carefully peek at the lovely garden of the old manor house, next door. At one time, it was an early home of Catherine Howard. She married King Henry 8th but was executed aged about 19 as he found she was more attracted to men of her own age. He was 49.
7. Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Leechpool and Owlbeech woods have been announced as one of the best travel discoveries of 2O17, as chosen by Guardian writers. The woods have been included alongside some of the most prestigious areas of the world, including Shell Beach in Wstern Australia, Lake Gaube in the French Pyrenees and The Hooghly river above Kolkata, India. Leechpool Woods were once part of St. Leonard's Forest, a former hunting ground in medieval times. The 53 acre site is said to evoke feelings of traveling through time when weaving between the ancient Oak, Ash, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Blackthorn, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pines. Owlbeech boasts of 55 acres of remnant heathland which is being encouraged back to its former glory after the Great Storm that caused wide-spread destruction of the forest in 187. The area supports a rare selection of flora and fauna such as Nightjars and Brilliant Emerald Dragonflies. Both sites are open all year round and are free to enter.
Reviewed By Clarky1959
Just a quick word to say how much I have enjoyed Owlbeech woods this year, and especially the middle heath enclosure through the winter months with my new rescued Brittany dog. - a wonderfully safe place for training. Having read the comments about overflowing dog bins, might I suggest that this is an all too regular problem which would could be solved easily? The number of dog owners who use the woods has increased over the last few years and the council would do well to provide larger red bins to prevent the unsightly build up of waste bags.
8. Sandgate Park
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 15 reviews
There is no parking available at Sandgate Park. Sandgate Park is an attractive site on the edge of Storrington covering 30 acres (12 hectares) which consists mainly of woodland, plus some important areas of rare heathland, grassland and ponds. The site is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) because of its important habitats and wildlife.
