Explore vineyards, castles, stunning gardens and fabulous foodie experiences against the backdrop of a diverse landscape with our 48 hours in Horsham District itinerary.
On the edge of both the Weald and the South Downs, whilst still in sight of the North Downs, Horsham District is home to the winding rivers of Arun and Adur, vineyards, Medieval ruins, grand country houses and historic market towns.
The towns of Horsham, Steyning and Pulborough all have long histories dating back to Anglo Saxon and Medieval times and you’ll find 11th and 12th century bridges and churches, as well the impressive façade of Amberley Castle.
Dig a little deeper and you’ll find a connection with literary greats such as Hillaire Belloc and Shelley, alongside windmills, Elizabethan country houses and long forgotten river ports. The people of this part of Sussex are immensely creative and passionate about their landscape and you’ll also find a host of local producers and creatives whether you’re looking for artisan bread, award winning sparkling wine or charming Sussex cheese. In short, 48 hours in Horsham District makes the perfect mini break.
Friday afternoon arrival
If you can arrive early, start your weekend with a visit to Leonardslee Gardens, where you’ll find the Walk of Life sculpture exhibition, an incredible miniature dolls house and village and the Surrey Sculpture Society sculpture trail. Last entry is at 5 pm during the summer. They also have their own vineyard so perhaps book yourself onto a vineyard tour, tasting or experience.
There are Michelin star restaurants at Leonardslee and South Lodge (opposite) but why not head back to East Street in Horsham for dinner where you’ll find a great choice of different restaurants.
Saturday morning
Saturday morning is for exploring Horsham. Start in the Carfax (the central square) and Piries Place. There is a weekly Saturday market, where you’ll find lots of local producers and stalls. There is also often live music being performed in the Victorian bandstand.
Next make your way to the tree-lined Causeway, looking out for the twittens (which is a Sussex name for a narrow passage) and the impressive former town hall. In the Causeway, you’ll find the free Horsham Museum and Art Gallery. It’s a great way to find more about the town and includes all sorts of exhibitions from sport and crime, to dragons and peculiar curiosities! You can also find details of various heritage trails.
If you’ve still got time, head slightly out of town to the Knepp Estate where they offer wildlife safaris and wellness retreats, as well as lots of walking and the ancient ruins of a Norman castle. They also have a large courtyard which includes a farm shop and a café for lunch.
Saturday afternoon
Leaving Horsham behind you, head to Parham House and Gardens near Storrington. This gorgeous Elizabethan house is still a family home with links to the Cowdray Estate in Midhurst. The house dates to 1577 and houses a stunning collection of furniture, paintings and books. The Great Hall and Long Gallery are real showstoppers although do leave time to explore the grounds and the tiny private church with views of the South Downs.
If you fancy something less formal than Parham, Sussex Prairie Gardens (only open in August 2025) are just outside Henfield and apart from the beautiful naturalistic planting, you’ll find sculpture by local artists and an artist in residence.
Saturday evening
For your Saturday evening, check out what’s on at Tottington Manor, just near Henfield because they have a number of summer events. Or head to Kinsbrook Vineyard for Kinsbrook wines, cocktails and Kinsbrook lager on tap! They also host a Sunday music sessions if you don’t want to leave.
Sunday morning
Bramber has the ruins of a Norman castle and the incredible St Mary’s House and Gardens. St Mary’s was a pilgrim inn and dates to about 1450, and is home to a unique Elizabethan trompe l’oeil room. It also has links to the Knights Templar, tales of a king, and intriguing literary connections with Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, and the Sherlock Holmes story The Musgrave Ritual.
Then head into nearby historic Steyning, town of Saint Cuthman (c750AD), for a mooch around and a bite to eat. Amazingly, in the 11th century , Steyning had a busy port and a great way to understand the history of the town is to follow the Steyning Heritage Trail (you can get details from Horsham museum or online).
You can’t really visit this part of the world without a walk on the South Downs, and from Steyning you can walk up to the famous Chanctonbury Ring which has views across the county and tales of the Devil. But be warned, it’s a steep climb! Once there, if you’re feeling energetic, you could walk from Chanctonbury Ring to the Wiston Estate!
Sunday afternoon
Not far from Steyning, Wiston is a local estate and vineyard with their own restaurant, Chalk. They also run off-road bike rides, and wine tours and tasting. But after all your exploring, you might just want to try their sundowner safari tour, tasting and dinner before you head home!
Places to stay
Tottington Manor – a historic manor right at the foot of the South Downs with its own Terra restaurant.
The Pump Barn – a delightfully restored building with a touch of luxury just outside Horsham.
Getting there
Horsham is just over an hour from London by train and about 20 minutes from Gatwick. There are buses from Horsham to Steyning, Bramber, Henfield and Storrington but car hire is recommended to get the best out of this 48 hours in Horsham District itinerary.
Fun facts
- Horsham is known for its dragons. You’ll find them in the park, in the museum and if you’re very lucky, in St Leonard’s Forest.
- If you look down when you walk along East Street in the town centre, you will see a series of stones inscribed with interesting facts about the town.
- Steyning has its own saint, St Cuthman, and you’ll find a statue of him opposite the church. Ask him about his mother and her wheelbarrow!
Check spring / summer opening times before travel.
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