The town of Steyning in West Sussex dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and along with the surrounding area, is rich in both history and legends. About 10 km north of the coast, it’s hard to believe that in Saxon times, Steyning was a thriving port but although the river eventually silted up to effectively prevent trade, nowadays, it’s a bustling community and a beautiful place to visit.
Things to do in Steyning
For a small town, there’s a surprising number of things to do in Steyning.
Steyning Museum
A great place to begin any visit to Steyning is the wonderful little Steyning Museum. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday and is free to visit, and the friendly and knowledgeable volunteers are incredibly helpful. Inside, you’ll find a fascinating collection of exhibits that bring Steyning’s history to life, from its Saxon beginnings through medieval and Tudor times, the Victorian era and right up to the present day. There are some wonderful snippets of local history, intriguing anecdotes and plenty of surprises along the way.
The museum also hosts changing exhibitions. At the time of our visit, there was a fascinating exhibition exploring the history of the River Adur and its importance to the town. It’s also here that you can pick up details of the Steyning Heritage Trail, which is a brilliant way to discover more of the town’s stories, buildings and hidden corners.
Follow the Steyning Heritage Trail
Allow around an hour and a half to explore the Steyning Heritage Trail, a fascinating walk through the town’s historic streets, discovering some of its oldest buildings and the stories behind them. The official trail begins at the Steyning Centre car park, and you can download a copy online. However, if you’re already at the museum, pick up a paper copy and consider starting at the magnificent parish church just across the way.
There are some real architectural treasures to discover. Look out for the mid-15th-century Brotherhood Hall, which served as a school from 1584 until 2020, and the remarkable Wealden houses in Church Street, believed to date from between 1380 and 1450. Keep an eye out for Dog Lane, which may have acquired its name from the Royal Mail post dogs kenneled here during the 19th century. At the junction with Sheep Pen Lane, you’ll find Newham House, a well-hidden timber-framed medieval manor house.
Along the High Street, there are centuries of history hiding behind the shopfronts. Number 51 dates back to Tudor times and has been home to a butcher’s shop for several hundred years. Look up to admire the striking town clock above the Old Market House, made sometime between 1740 and 1780, and see if you can spot the thatched roof of Chantry Cottage. Another building to look out for is Saxon Cottage, now owned by the National Trust. Despite its name, it dates from the 16th century.
And, of course, don’t miss the magnificent Norman church of St Andrew and St Cuthman and the sculpture of St Cuthman, whose extraordinary story is woven into the town’s history. The church is probably on the site of the original church.
Explore Steyning’s independent shops
For a relatively small town, Steyning has a fabulous selection of independent shops, and browsing them is all part of the fun. Make sure you pop into Cobblestone Walk, a quirky little shopping arcade with an eclectic assortment of independent stores. Around the back, you’ll find a series of little huts housing small businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs, as well as a lovely tea and coffee shop where you can stop for a breather.
Then take your time wandering up and down the High Street, where you’ll find everything from antiques, Indian fabrics and candles to independent fashion boutiques, vinyl records, vintage 1960s clothing and all sorts of unexpected treasures. There’s a doll’s house shop, a wine merchant, a traditional butcher’s, an old-fashioned sweet shop, a gorgeous bookshop and plenty more besides.
The South Downs
The South Downs stand proud on the edge of the town and offer up miles of walking, hiking and cycling trails including the South Downs Way. Not far from Steyning, you’ll find Chanctonbury Ring where legend has it you can raise the devil by running around the clump of trees seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. Excavations here have round relics that date from 300 BC and the remains of several Roman buildings have also been found. Steyning Bowl is another notable nearby landmark and is a hillside that overlooks the town. You may find paragliders there if you fancy giving that a try.
Explore St Botolph’s Church
Just outside the town, this remote Saxon church has ancient engravings and wall paintings and even a Royal Coats of Arms.
Bramber
Bramber is just a three-minute drive away (or a 20-minute walk) and here you’ll find the ruins of a Norman Castle (built by William de Braose –who had been granted lands by William the Conqueror).
You’ll also find the beautiful and historic St Mary’s House and Gardens just down the road, which has seen such visitors as the Knights Templar, Medieval monks, Queen Elizabeth I, Charles II, Oscar Wilde, and even Sherlock Holmes! The gardens are as gorgeous as the house and just dripping in evocative atmosphere.
Wiston Estate
Six miles in the other direction from Steyning and you’ll find the Wiston Winery and their newish restaurant, Chalk. Wiston produces some award-winning wines and offers a number of vineyard experiences. These include tours and tastings, an off-road bike tour with lunch, and landscape and nature tours. Chalk promises local produce and gets great reviews and they open for breakfast if you’re planning a hike on the Downs from Chalk to Steyning.
Steyning Food and Drink and Festival
The Food and Drink Festival is a month-long event usually held in September showcasing local products and producers. You can expect foodie walks, brewery open days, workshops at The Artisan Bakehouse, product tasting at The Sussex Grocer, events at nearby Wiston Vineyard and lots more. Definitely one for the foodie.
Baking masterclasses
Three miles from Steyning and tucked down a quiet, private lane, you’ll find The Artisan Bakehouse where they offer a whole selection of baking and chocolate-making masterclasses. They also have accommodation so it’s a great place to make base camp while you explore.
Steyning market
On the first Saturday of the month, Steyning holds an award-winning farmers market where you’ll find lots of local produce including vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, bread and cakes, jams, fruit juices and dairy products.
Art trails and events
Steyning certainly knows how to put on a good event, with a lively calendar of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Every year, the Steyning Art Trail brings together more than 50 artists exhibiting their work across around 20 different venues in and around the town. Usually taking place in May or early June, it’s a wonderful opportunity to discover local artists, explore different venues and perhaps even take home a piece of original artwork.
Another highlight is Steyning Revival Day, usually held in early May, when the High Street closes to traffic and more than 140 vintage and classic cars roll into town. There are steam engines, a miniature railway offering rides for children and a wonderful sense of nostalgia.
And if you’re looking for a little festive magic, Steyning’s Christmas shopping evening takes place on 2 December 2026, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Expect a tractor run through the town, a German steam organ, choirs, children’s rides, coconut shies and plenty of festive cheer. The independent shops will also be staying open late, making it a lovely opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping while soaking up the atmosphere.
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