10 Best Things To Do In Horsham: From Knepp To Capitol Theatre

Horsham is one of the hidden gems of West Sussex. This small market town is set in beautiful parkland and countryside and offers a welcoming environment. Whether you’re planning a day out with your friends or looking for activities to enjoy with the kids, there are so many fun things to do in Horsham.

Horsham offers plenty of attractions spread across different areas of the town. From captivating museums and art galleries to modern cinemas and quiet parks, there’s something here for everyone. So hire a car and get ready to explore this delightful destination as we dive into the 10 best activities to enjoy in Horsham.

Table Of Contents

1 10 Best Things To Do In Horsham
2 Frequently Asked Questions
3 Conclusion

10 Best Things To Do In Horsham

Horsham, West Sussex, lies in the upper reaches of the River Arun, 31 miles (50 km) southwest of London. The town offers a captivating experience, and it makes a great gateway to the South Downs, Arundel and other areas of West Sussex. There’s so much to do here for everyone, but we’ll go over the top 10 fun places to visit across the local area.

1. Explore Warnham Local Nature Reserve

Warnham Nature Reserve is only a 30-minute walk from Horsham town centre. This reserve is a safe home for wildlife, as it is home to more than 3,000 species of plants and animals.

The nature reserve spans over 92 acres and features a millpond, marshes, hedges and woodland. The millpond, which covers 17 acres, is Warnham’s biggest attraction, offering a peaceful setting to observe wildlife. There’s a discovery hub where you can stay and look out over the lake on a rainy day.

Warnham Nature Reserve is only a short distance from Mannings Winterpit Lane, in Mannings Heath, where you can learn horse riding.

2. Chill Out In Horsham Park

Horsham Park is also located in the town centre, a short distance from the train station. This park contains about 2500 trees, including native and exotic species. It also has wooded areas with bushes that serve as habitat for various wildlife.

Within the park, you’ll find Park House Garden, a sensory garden that ensures inclusivity for the disabled and visually impaired. Another beautiful nature garden within the park offers fun lessons about the links between humans and plants.

Southwater Country Park is a great alternative to Horsham Park, with many fun activities for kids.

Horsham Park also houses numerous other facilities that complement its attractions. You can stop by Kaya in The Park Cafe to enjoy its delicious dishes and snacks, or just relax under the Pavilions in the park’s leisure centre as your little ones run around in the children’s play area.

3. Watch A Show Or Movie At The Capitol Theatre

The Capitol Theatre is our next stop in the beautiful town of Horsham. This multi-purpose arts venue has been one of Horsham’s premium attractions since it was reopened almost two decades ago.

The Capitol offers everything for an amazing experience with various facilities, including a 410-seat theatre, two cinema screens, a gallery space and a studio theatre.

The theatre, cinema and studio are equipped with infrared transmission systems for the hearing impaired. The Capitol also welcomes the visually impaired with assistance dogs and provides wheelchair spaces in all venues.

4. Play Tennis At Horsham Park Tennis

While the theatre experience is nice, you may be looking to get a bit more active. In that case, we recommend a visit to Horsham Park Tennis. This tennis park, managed by Horsham District Council, is made up of four tennis courts.

Horsham Park offers professional coaching for adults and kids, allowing you to improve your game while having fun.

Grab your racquet and book a session with your friend. The park is open seven days a week, but it’s best to book in advance to secure a game because it welcomes a lot of visitors on some days.

5. Visit Horsham Museum

Make your way to the historic tree-lined Causeway and prepare to be wowed as we visit Horsham Museum and Art Gallery. This museum lies in a nicely preserved 16th-century merchant’s house. It houses various exhibits that tell the story of the town’s history, including rural crafts and art.

Horsham Museum also has an extensive library resource that allows you to borrow local history books at your leisure.

The museum also houses a large collection that depicts the works and tells the story of Percy Bysshe Shelley, a poet from the 18th century born in Horsham. Don’t leave without exploring the world-famous dinosaur bones of the Rudgwick ‘Polacanthus’, which roamed the earth over 100 million years ago.

6. Enjoy The Nature Within Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is one of the UK’s finest woodland gardens and also one of the oldest. The garden has been around since 1801, surviving thanks to a series of restorations.

The Grade I Listed garden spans over 240 acres and features lovely scenery all year. However, you get to enjoy the best views in the spring or autumn, when the flowers bloom at their finest.

7. Shop At Horsham Market

Horsham Market runs every Thursday and Saturday in the central Carfax. Between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, you can visit the market to shop its local produce, street food and arts and crafts items.

The market also has shops selling all types of drinks, including gin, beer and rum. For premium wine and spirits, visit the Horsham Cellar, an independent cellar with a stall in central Carfax.

Horsham has plenty of great places to eat, with diners all around on East Street, Piries Place and the Carfax.

8. Check Out Huxley’s Birds Of Prey Centre & Gardens

There’s no better place to visit than Huxley’s Birds Of Prey Centre if you’re a bird lover. This zoo, situated in the back of the Hillier Garden Centre on Brighton Road, is home to a wide range of birds, including falcons, owls, eagles, vultures and kites.

If you visit between 12 pm and 2 pm, you’ll get to meet a special team of owls who take turns greeting guests. There are also tropical plants and a Japanese water feature in the garden.

9. Play Major Mindgames

Major Mindgames promises an immersive game experience. Located in Swan Walk, Horsham, West Sussex, it features three exciting escape room challenges.

You can join the team of spies whose goal is to foil a dastardly crime syndicate or travel back in time as detectives to solve a murder mystery in the 1920s. The third escape room involves you hunting monsters with your team.

See here for fun things to do in Haywards Heath or here if you’re looking for attractions in Bognor Regis.

10. Walk Around The Knepp Estate

The Knepp Estate is another great place to visit when you need to get close to nature. This estate, located near Horsham, is one of Europe’s largest rewilding habitats. It is home to numerous interesting animals, including deer, wild ponies, storks and pigs.

Tip: Horsham hosts a full calendar of events throughout the year, so be sure to include some in your schedule.

You can spend more than a day in this location, as the estate offers accommodation in the form of traditional shepherd’s huts, tree houses and luxurious bell tents.

Bonus: More Nature At St Leonard’s Forest And Chesworth Farm

As a bonus, we’ll add an extra something for nature lovers. St Leonard’s Forest and Chesworth Farm are superb locations with lovely landscapes and scenery.

Located in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, St Leonard’s Forest spans 722 acres, featuring a mix of ancient woodland and wide paths. It is a great place for a family walk or cycling.

Chesworth Farm has 90 acres of beautiful meadows and hedgerows waiting to be explored. It is only a short walk from Horsham town centre and is a great place to traverse with your dog or on your bicycle.

Hire a 12-seater minibus for your large group and explore Horsham’s attractions in comfort. SDVH also offers a 7-seater option for much smaller groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s Horsham Famous For?

Horsham is famous for its markets. This town has a long history of hosting market days, and it has continued to do so until now. During these market days, you’ll find the freshest local produce, craft and antiques on sale. Horsham also hosts various fun festivals and themed events throughout the year that attract visitors from around the country.

What To Do In Horsham?

You can visit Horsham Park or Horsham Museum. Horsham Park is a beautiful green space located close to the town centre. It is perfect for picnics, and it has a range of facilities for entertainment. Horsham Museum and Art Gallery houses permanent exhibitions that provide an insight into the history of the town.

Which Part Of Horsham Is Nice To Live In?

The town centre and North Horsham are nice parts of Horsham to live in. The centre of the town has a vibrant atmosphere and good transport links. You’ll also have easy access to various amenities. North Horsham has a range of family-friendly neighbourhoods with shops and amenities. There are also various housing options to suit your budget.

What Are Some Interesting Facts About Horsham?

Some interesting facts about Horsham are that it holds the UK record for the heaviest hailstone and that it is home to Christ’s Hospital, one of the oldest schools in the country. Additionally, Horsham is ranked the fourth best place to live in Britain, only behind East Hertfordshire, Fareham, and Hart.

Is Horsham Urban Or Rural?

Horsham is urban, although it has some rural elements. The town is well-developed and it has a range of amenities, ranging from restaurants and shops to entertainment venues. There are, however, several areas with more tranquil and rural settings. The town also has a mix of modern and ancient architecture.

Conclusion

There you have it – a list of the most exciting things to do in Horsham. Horsham is a terrific town with tons of amazing places to visit. So once you have hired a car and packed your things, use this article as a guide and be ready for the time of your life in this amazing town.

10 Best Things To Do In Horsham