Angmering can be explored through three areas of interest: early settlement, historic buildings and trails through the countryside. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether to focus more on archaeological layers, local history or outdoor activities. Each theme offers a different perspective and does not amount to a fixed sightseeing itinerary.
Archaeological traces from several periods
At the northernmost edge of Angmering lies Harrow Hill, where there is evidence of Neolithic flint mining. This mining continued during the Bronze Age, the Iron Age and beyond. Harrow Hill therefore offers a specific point of reference for a history of use spanning several prehistoric periods. Another archaeological site lies 500 metres west-southwest of New Barn in the parish of Angmering: a Romano-British villa and traces of Iron Age settlement there are protected as a Scheduled Monument. In comparison, Harrow Hill is notable for the continued extraction of flint, while the site near New Barn brings together settlement traces and a villa.
Church, houses and local history
The late-Romanesque church in West Angmering dates from the late 12th century and survives today as St Margaret’s. Its tower dates from 1507; these dates mark two different centuries in the church’s history. After services, St Margaret’s invites visitors to stay for refreshments.
Several surviving houses of medieval and Tudor origin in Angmering’s Conservation Area are listed. Longback Cottages on Arundel Road were originally built in the early 18th century as almshouses for elderly and infirm people. These examples lead from protected medieval and Tudor houses to a building with an explicitly social purpose in the early 18th century.
Markets and employment fairs are also part of the area’s history. Angmering received a market charter from King Richard II in 1384. Until about 1830, an annual regional hiring fair was held to match workers and shepherds with employers. The charter and the historic fair offer a different perspective from church and architectural history: they turn attention to market rights and employment.
Circular trails and countryside
In the Angmering Park Estate, the focus shifts from local history to the countryside. The estate lies in the South Downs National Park and is characterised by lush, deer-populated woodland and wide views across the Downs. Numerous public footpaths and bridleways cross the estate and can be used for walking, cycling and horse riding.
The Copse Walk is one of three waymarked circular trails in Angmering; Parkland Walk and Woodland Walk are the other two. When planning, you can weigh up the named circular trails against the activities available in the estate. If you are mainly looking for a waymarked circular trail, there are three to choose from. If you want to include different kinds of outdoor activity, the paths through the estate offer opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Discover more destinations: Horsham, Lindfield, Boxgrove, Bognor Regis, Lyminster, Trotton, Petworth, Birdham.
For the overview of the wider region: West Sussex.
