Pulborough is a village in West Sussex, south west of Horsham and east of Petworth. It’s on the old Roman road of Stane Street and it straddles the river Arun. It has a long history (people have lived here since the Saxon and Roman periods at least), fabulous views and interesting architecture from different periods. Because of the way the village has grown over the centuries, it’s one of those places that is all too easy to pass through. But actually, there is a lot going on in this village, and with that in mind, here is our list of things to do in Pulborough.
South Downs Light Railway
The South Downs Light Railway is a miniature railway run by volunteers. You’ll find it at the garden centre on the road heading out to the west of the town. Trains run from March to September and are usually hauled by a real coal burning steam locomotive. They have a station and ticket office, an engine shed. At £2.50 per adult, £1.50 for children and under 2s going free, it’s a really fun thing to do.
Artisan at the Barn
While you’re at the garden centre, pop into Artisan at the Barn where you’ll find a collection of art, ceramics, jewellery and textiles made by local artisans.
Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve
Head east of Pulborough and you’ll come to Pulborough Brooks, a fantastic local nature reserve. They have so much going on here. They have seasonal events like their birdsong masterclasses, reptile safaris and different guided walks. They also have a shop and café with a gorgeous outdoor terrace that overlooks the nature reserve and a children’s play area.
Pulborough trails and walking
From Pulborough Brooks, you have a choice of four trails. There is the Woodland Trail which is a 2 km circular walk through heath and woodland, and which goes via a Bronze Age barrow. Then there is the Wetland Trail which is 3.5 km and has various hides along the way.
Then there is the Wild Art Trail. This is a 4 km trail from the nature reserve to the station via the village centre. If you walk back, that makes it 8 km or you can catch a bus. Finally, there is also the Brooks Walk, which is a 5 km circular walk to the village. We’ll be sharing more details of these walks next week.
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
Understandably, Pulborough is a popular place for leisurely water activities and you can hire canoes, paddleboards and kayaks from Pulborough Paddles. You’ll find them near Stopham Bridge.
Stopham Bridge
Stopham Bridge, just to the west of the village, is worth a visit in its own right. It’s Grade I listed although the precise age of the bridge is unclear. It’s been dated as early as 1309 although Historic England estimates it to have been built between 1422/3. Whatever the exact date it was built, it is an impressive example of a Medieval bridge.
Vineyard trail or tours and tasting
Pulborough is blessed with a number of vineyards in the area, most of which offer tours and tasting. Nutbourne (which is also home to a windmill) and Nyetimber are to the north, while Stopham vineyard is to the west. Head east, and you’ll come to Kinsbrook Vineyard near West Chiltington.
Hepworth Brewery
If you head north of Pulborough, you’ll find Hepworth Brewery and taproom. One of the leading Sussex breweries, they are also a sustainable business and part of the Sussex Six campaign. Again, they offer tours and tastings.
The Architectural Plant Centre
Opposite Hepworth is this specialist horticultural nursery. They have an extraordinary collection of exotic and tropical plants and if this is your thing, you can arrange a private visit. Occasionally, the Secret Super Club holds events here in amongst the greenhouses.
Frescoes
Just south of the village, you will find St Botolph’s Church at Hardham. It is a small, Grade I listed, 11th century church with a nearly complete series of 12th century frescoes that were uncovered in 1866. After your visit, head to St Mary’s Church in West Chiltington, a 12th century church with one of the oldest church porches in Sussex and 12th century woodwork. There are also a series of 12th century frescoes here which were uncovered in 1882.
Amberley Museum
South of Pulborough is Amberley where you’ll find Amberley Museum. This is an open-air industrial heritage museum which has even featured in a James Bond film (A View to a Kill). It’s in an old chalk quarry and has all manner of exhibitions. They also hold lots of different events throughout the year.
Amberley Castle
Just up the road from the museum is Amberley Castle, an impressive 12th century manor house which was fortified in the 14th century. It’s now a private hotel but it’s a wonderful spot for a luxurious afternoon tea.
Bignor Roman Villa
South west of Pulborough, and overlooking the South Downs and local vineyards is Bignor Roman Villa. The site was discovered by George Tupper in 1811 when he was ploughing. There are a number of fantastic mosaic floors and lots of artefacts on display here.
Wey and Arun Canal
The Wey and Arun canal route runs from the Godalming Navigation of the River Wey at Shalford, near Guildford in Surrey, to the River Arun at Pallingham, near Pulborough in West Sussex. Once a year, in June, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust hold a boat rally from Pulborough to Pallingham which is free to take part in.
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