Top Things to do in Horsham District
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Horsham District, England
Discover the best top things to do in Horsham District, United Kingdom including South Downs Way National Trail, St. Mary's House & Gardens, Huxley's Birds of Prey Centre and Gardens, Downs Link, Parham House & Gardens, Pulborough Brooks RSPB, Sumners Ponds, Alderwood Pond, Warnham Local Nature Reserve, Horsham Park.
Restaurants in Horsham District
1. South Downs Way National Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By alan2303 - Shoreham-by-Sea, United Kingdom
Although I do plan to walk the entire length of the path I have walked along many sections at various times. Most recently I walked circular routes from Harting, Fulking, Pyecombe, Upper Beeding in West Sussex as well as from Wilmington, Alciston and Firle in East Sussex. All sections have provided climbs up to spectacular views both South towards the sea and North across the Weald. Whichever section you choose you will experience some taxing climbs from sea level in the river valleys and some great viewpoints. It can be a cheap day out if you find a sensible place to leave your car and avoid some of the busy official car parks. Public transport to various jump off points is possible but a little limited in some sections.
2. St. Mary's House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
A restored pilgrim Inn dating from 1470, this half-timbered house has a wealth of interest and some unique painted and decorated rooms dating from Tudor times. It sits in 5 acres of gardens and has been lovingly restored by the present owners. Open May-Sept, Sundays, Thursdays, Bank Holiday Mondays, plus Wednesdays in August
Reviewed By Nelliekay - Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom
Went here after a recommendation from a friend and very please I did. Friendly greeting. Covid measures in place, paths clearly sign posted. But plenty of room so more or less free to wander where we wanted. All visitors respectful of social distancing. Chairs dotted around the gardens, so tranquil to sit listening to the trees rustling etc, Staff were friendly and informative. Warm enough to sit in the gardens with tea and delicious cakes. Was told June is the best month to visit so shall be back next year when hopefully Covid free!
3. Huxley's Birds of Prey Centre and Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By emmawA6537DV - Horsham, United Kingdom
I cannot praise Huxlelys enough! Lived in Horsham over 25 years and had never been?! We got there in time for the first meet an owl session, had a wander round to see the birds, went for lunch in the garden centre, then back for the second meet an owl and the flying display. The team are wonderful, welcoming and very humorous! We so lucky to be able to take part in the display and fly some of the birds. For a relatively inexpensive day out compared to many days out for 7 of us it was an experience we won’t forget!
4. 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.
5. Parham House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
One of the top twenty in Simon Jenkins's book 'England's Thousand Best Houses'. Idyllically set in the heart of an ancient deer park, below the South Downs, the Elizabethan house contains an important collection of needlework, paintings and furniture. The spectacular Long Gallery is the third longest in England. The gardens include a four-acre Walled Garden with stunning herbaceous borders, plus Pleasure Grounds. Parham has always been a well-loved family home, and only three families have lived here since its foundation stone was laid in 1577. Its tranquillity and timeless beauty have changed little over the years. Now owned by a charitable trust, the house is lived in by Lady Emma Barnard, her husband James and their family. Open from Easter Sunday until the end of October. Please see the website for days and times.
Reviewed By therealdeadbird - London, United Kingdom
Parham is essentially an old house with a welcoming heart to visitors in surroundings that include a practical walled garden and best of all endless trees in a deer park . The restaurant is not run at the pace of a Burger King or Macdonalds nor does the shop contain everything in Amazon Houses of Elizabethan era are few and far between ,a bit like Chastleton in North Oxford but more refined Parham is unique ,unfussy
6. 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.
7. 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!!
8. Alderwood Pond
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By H1174YCchrisg
Brought my young son for a weekends fishing on the island lake. The fishing was excellent with lots of carp on a ledger and lots of silver fish on the float. Me and my son had a great time and will be returning.the lakes are beautiful. the toilet and shower is very clean and well looked after and the food from the caff was very nice. Cant wait to get back. Chris g.
9. 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.
10. Horsham Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Horsham Park is a haven of green space with a lake, trees, wildlife and colourful flowerbeds. Within the Park is Park House Garden, a tranquil landscaped sensory garden designed with the disabled and visually impaired in mind. For those wishing to be more active, there are tennis courts, two outdoor gym locations, a permanent Orienteering Course, a very popular bowls green and a skate park. In 2011 a permanent table tennis table was added to the Park as well as a delightful Human Nature Garden, which offers an attractive educational garden illustrating the link between plants and people in their everyday lives. The Garden was created by Horsham in Bloom and funded by the Big Lottery. A wide range of refreshments are provided at The Conservatory Café; an ideal spot to stop for a break and to listen to concerts on the nearby podium.
Reviewed By HenryJones050978 - West Sussex, United Kingdom
Went out on a walk to the park with my dog and children and it felt very therapeutic walking through the park with a nice warm breeze towards you and is very well looked after.
