Billingshurst in West Sussex is west of Horsham and sits on the old Roman road, Stane Street. The village dates back to about 800AD and the name has Anglo Saxon origins. These days, it’s a large and bustling village with a surprising number of independent shops and cafés, and whilst you could be forgiven for driving around it on the by pass, stop and explore the village and surrounding area and you’ll find all sort of things going on.
Billingshurst Heritage Trail
There is a Billingshurst Heritage Trail and you can download the map and details from the Horsham Museum website. St Mary’s Church in the centre of the village is probably the oldest building and dates from the 12th century. It is the tower that is 12th century whilst the nave and chancel are 13th century and the rather lovely door is probably 16th century.
A little further down the road, the Women’s Hall was gifted to the women of Billingshurst in 1923 by Edith and Ellen Beck. These sisters were part of the suffragette movement and were friends with Emily Pankhurst. On the opposite side of the road, in a little pocket of tranquility, is the Unitarian Chapel built in 1754.
Meanwhile, the Kings Arms is a 16th century coaching inn and Ye Olde Six Bells, is Grade II listed and 16th century. This latter started life as a farmhouse and has a cast iron tombstone behind the fireplace and possibly some underground tunnels.
The surrounding area
Once you’ve explored the village, head out to the surrounding area, to discover more.
Fishers Farm Park
Just outside Billingshurst, Fishers Farm is a well known local family attraction where they have an indoor soft play, farm animals and rides. They are open for 363 days of the year which is good news for anyone with young children to entertain.
Wey and Arun Canal
Keep going from Fishers Farm towards Loxwood and you come to the HQ for the Wey and Arun Canal. The Wey and Arun Canal Trust aims to restore the 23-mile abandoned canal which runs through Surrey and Sussex. There is a long-distance footpath the ‘Wey-South Path’ which runs either next to or near to the canal route. It’s 36 miles and links the North Downs Way south of Guildford to the South Downs Way above Amberley.
There is also a network of other footpaths and cycle routes around the canal. Our take a canal boat trip along the open sections or take to the water by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard between Drungewick Lock and the Southland Lock.
Loxwood Joust
Loxwood Meadow is also just a short distance from Billingshurst, and each year, it is home to a Medieval extravaganza called the Loxwood Joust. This is an immersive Medieval experience which includes jousting, banquets, workshops, villages, music and so much more. The Loxwood Meadow hosts a variety of other events during the year which includes the Floral Fringe Fair, the Wake, drive in movie nights, a brocante and a Jazz Gin & Blues event.
The Blue Idol
The Quakers’ Blue Idol Meeting House is the other side of Billingshurst at Coolham. It was built as a farmhouse in about 1580 and William Penn and others bought the building in 1691, and converted it into a permanent Quaker meeting house. It is Grade II listed and they host open days every Friday morning, 10 am – 1 pm, from March until November. The Blue Idol garden is open every day during daylight hours. There is a small William Penn information trail around the garden and benches to sit on.
Local vineyards
Head a little way out of Billingshurst and you may stumble across a number of vineyards. Coolhurst is the nearest but although they produce great wine, they do not currently host tours. Keep going, however, and Kinsbrook Vineyard offer tours, tastings, live music, a farm shop and a restaurant. Southlands Valley offers visits and tastings at their vineyard in West Chiltington on request.
Shipley windmill
Shipley is an eight-sided smock mill, also sometimes called King’s Mill or Vincent’s Mill, and built in 1879. In 1906, it was bought by the famous Sussex writer Hilaire Belloc. More recently it featured in the BBC programme Jonathan Creek. Sadly, it is currently closed to the public and looking rather forlorn.
Knepp Estate
The ruin of Knepp Castle can be seen from the A24, and dates back to the 12th century. It was built by William de Braose, lord of the Rape of Bramber and was a fortified hunting lodge and retreat. The modern Knepp Castle is very different and has been owned by the Burrell family since 1787. They have embarked on a massive re-wilding project and these days you can visit Knepp to enjoy glamping, walking, wildlife safaris, workshops, the farm shop, cafe and a host of other activities and retreats.
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