About Billingshurst

About Billingshurst

Billingshurst and its surrounding villages are the perfect place for commuters who want the ease of access to London along with the country life. Billingshurst is a stunning village that lies at the intersection of the old London to Chichester road (Stane Street) and the Wealden highway – the A272. Not content with that, Billingshurst also lies on the Wey and Arun Canal, as well as in a narrow strip of land between the River Arun and the River Adur.

With its beautiful views of the South Downs, outstanding schools, mainline access to London, Brighton, Gatwick and Heathrow airports… Billingshurst sounds like a dream location to live in, and without sounding too biased, it really is. Billingshurst itself is a very charming village and also boasts more shops than the usual village of its size.

History of Billingshurt

Billingshurst’s position on the former Roman road Stane Street may have been key to its existence. The village marks the crossroads between the north-south A29 and the east-west running A272. Flint tools have been found in the area. By Saxon times the area had definitely been settled perhaps as a winter forage site. The name is thought to mean a wooded hill of Billa’s people, although Arthur Mee in his 41-book series The King’s England suggests it may have come from a Roman engineer called Belinus who laid out Stane Street. Its oldest building is St Mary’s Parish Church, built on the highest point of the village and dating back to the 1100s. Other old buildings include the 16th-century half-timbered pub The Six Bells and the 18th-century Unitarian Church.

In his West Sussex Village Book, Tony Wales tells of Billingshurst traditions which included cock-throwing on Shrove Tuesday and throwing sticks at tethered cockerels, a practice which died out in the 19th century apparently after complaints by the local vicar. On Bonfire Night a man dressed as a devil used to run to the top of the bonfire as the villagers recited the Bonfire Hymn, before trying to get down again before the flames took hold. The tradition apparently ended when one year the devil wasn’t fast enough and got badly burnt. No surprises there!

Local Attractions Around Billingshurst

FISHERS FARM PARK

Fishers Adventure Farm Park. "Where The Family Comes First", is a much-loved family attraction. The multi-award-winning Fishers is arguably the number one all-inclusive, all-year attraction in the heart of the West Sussex countryside.

Officially announced as one of the ‘Best Farm Attractions in the UK’ and with all rides and activities included in your admission, Fishers is undoubtedly the ultimate day out for any family and promises a great day of excitement, whatever the weather.

A unique mixture of animal adventures and exhilarating indoor and outdoor play, it’s no wonder that Fishers is so popular with the locals and visitors from around London and the South East too.

There is a Barn Theatre that provides many interactive and fascinating displays daily, with the chance to get closer to some of your favourite animals and find out more about them. Magic Shows during the holidays are another free addition and great fun for the kids. Tractor Rides, Ghost Tunnel, Climbing Wall, Toboggan Run, Adventure Golf, Pony Rides, Animal Racing and more than 40 different rides and attractions...Fishers Adventure Farm Park is most definitely the number one choice for a jam-packed fun-filled family day out!

https://fishersfarmpark.co.uk/

THE SPITFIRE EXPERIENCE

Brian Smith, who served with the RAF and later as a pilot with British Airways has constructed a unique Spitfireabout flight experience in a barn at his Wisborough Green home. uniforms hang on the wall, logbooks sit next to ration books and old newspapers, and Vera Lynn records grace the airwaves to create a nostalgic feel to the experience. Brian and his team have built a truly epic cockpit matching that of a Spitfire using realistic controls, displays, and the latest computer technology. The impressive visual experience is displayed over three huge screens spanning the width of the cabin."When people sit in the cockpit and start the engine, they can get lost in the moment. On take-off, the tail lifts at 72mph and at 100mph you pull back gently on the stick and you're in the air. You can really believe you are flying a Spitfire aircraft" - Said a spokesman for The Spitfire Experience.

https://www.thespitfireexperience.com/

BRITISH BALLOON FLIGHTS

British Balloon Flights is a fabulous experience and one to cherish for a lifetime. With a private sunrise or sunset hot air balloon flight over the most picturesque of locations in rural Sussex, you can enjoy the warm hospitality of their friendly team and allow them to make your luxury chartered balloon flight an adventure to remember.You can experience this amazing experience at a number of breathtaking sceneries including, Alexander House Hotel, South Lodge, Amberley Castle and Knepp Castle. Find out more by visiting their site here.

http://www.britishballoonflights.com/

We hope you find these tips helpful. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the sale of your property, local knowledge or home improvement needs.

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