Slinfold offers several distinct reasons to visit: historic houses, St Peter’s Church, a section of the Downs Link and the Slinfold Club golf course. You can choose your focus—local history, a walking route or golf—instead of treating every visit as one single itinerary. Details about building history, opening hours and distance will help you weigh up these options for your stay.
Historic houses and St Peter’s Church
Two houses stand out when it comes to their building history. The Red Lyon is housed in the former Nibletts farmhouse, dates from around 1400 and is the oldest surviving building in the parish. The Old Bakery/Old Post Office building contains a hall house dating from around 1450. The approximate dates are close, but the historical reference points differ: the Red Lyon’s former use as a farmhouse is part of the building’s history, while at the Old Bakery/Old Post Office it is the type of house within the building. This gives you more than a list of names to look out for in Slinfold: a former farmhouse and a hall house are two distinct examples of the local built heritage.
St Peter’s Church adds a particular historical detail to these buildings. Inside the church is a worn female effigy from the late 13th century, with an elaborately worked drapery. This places it earlier than the approximate dates of the two houses. The church is normally open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, and until 5 pm during British Summer Time; check opening hours before your visit. There is also a children’s trail with pictures and questions for younger visitors. Confirm its availability before travelling.
The Downs Link through Slinfold
If you are including the Downs Link in your travel plans, bear in mind the length of the full stage: the section runs from Rudgwick through Slinfold and Christ’s Hospital to Southwater, and measures 12 km (7.5 miles). This distance applies to the full sequence of places listed, not just the part in Slinfold. To access the village on the Downs Link section, the route directions lead left into Spring Lane, 400 metres beyond the A29 bridge. This describes the turn using a specific landmark. Check local path conditions before setting out.
Golf course and landscape
The Slinfold Club golf course is another distinct focus for a visit. Visitors and non-members are welcome. From the white tees, the course measures 6,424 yards; this figure specifically refers to that tee colour. The course covers 165 acres of woodland and mature parkland. The distance and the description of the grounds offer two different points of reference: one gives a specific measure for playing, while the other describes the course’s landscape. This makes golf a standalone option alongside the historic village and the Downs Link stage.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Henfield, Littlehampton, Plaistow, Rustington, Walberton, Merston, Billingshurst, Steyning.
For the wider travel overview: West Sussex.
