Westbourne combines a distinctive local history with a setting on the River Ems and connections to the South Downs National Park. Its features range from a building dated to 1631 and the parish church of St John the Baptist to a 4.7 km walking route from Emsworth. You can therefore tailor your stay to your interest in architectural history, landscape or a particular walking route.
River Ems, streams and views of the South Downs
Westbourne lies on the River Ems, a small river that flows into Chichester Harbour at Emsworth. Since April 2011, the north-eastern and eastern edges of Westbourne have formed boundaries with the South Downs National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The river and the boundaries with the national park are distinct geographical features of the area.
The streams provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The Common covers four acres of open space with views of the hills of the South Downs National Park. Waterways, wildlife and views of the hills offer different highlights for anyone wishing to explore Westbourne for its landscape.
Local history with traces of different periods
Numbers 1, 2 and 3 The Square together form a single building dated to 1631, with timber framing and flint infill. Westbourne Mill dates from the 18th century and is listed as a Grade II listed building. The parish church of St John the Baptist is listed as a Grade I listed building.
The parish church is thought to date back to Norman times. It is also probably the second old ecclesiastical foundation recorded in the Domesday Survey of 1086 under the Manor of Warblington, which was then associated with the Manor of Westbourne. The dating therefore takes different forms: an exact year for The Square, a century for the mill and a cautiously worded historical account of the church.
Walking route and leisure facilities
A 4.7 km walking route leads from Emsworth to Westbourne via Mill Lane. The route length gives you a concrete basis for planning; as conditions on the route can change, check them before setting out.
The recreation ground on Mill Road offers a different kind of visitor attraction: it has a children’s play area, a skate park, a football and basketball court, outdoor fitness equipment, benches, picnic tables and a car park. Its facilities therefore include areas for sports and play as well as places to sit and picnic.
Our Back Garden's Alpaca Café is located at Mill Meadows Farm, Mill Lane, Westbourne, near Emsworth, West Sussex, PO10 8RT. Opening details may change; check the latest visitor information before you go.
For the wider travel overview: West Sussex.
More destinations
More places in the same destination:
