Discover Hunston: Canal Paths, History and Unique Experiences

Hunston is a destination for anyone who wants to combine nature, paths and local history. The Chichester Canal shapes the character of the parish, while several routes offer different ways to explore the area. There are also historical traces around St Leodegar's Church, Hunston Manor and the former Selsey Tramway. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to focus on walks by the water, a longer pilgrimage route, historical discoveries or a playful activity during your stay.

Chichester Canal and Paths through the Countryside

The Chichester Canal, which runs along the parish of Hunston, is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance, or SNCI for short. The north-western part of the parish lies alongside the canal. From Chichester Basin to Donnington Road (B2201), the Chichester Canal is navigable through Hunston. These features give the village a clearly recognisable connection with the water, without requiring you to limit your stay to just one way of exploring the area.

One specific walking idea is the towpath along the Chichester Canal. It passes Hunston Bridge and offers a gentle, four-mile walk between Chichester Basin and Chichester Marina. The route can therefore easily be included as a stand-alone part of a day plan. If you would rather choose a path through woodland, the FLOW Trail provides a permitted footpath through Hunston Copse. Hunston Copse is considered to be an area of ancient woodland, creating a different atmosphere from the open route along the canal.

Pilgrimage Route and Historical Traces

The Chichester950 pilgrimage route is nine miles long. It passes through the historic Hunston Manor and by St Leodegar's Church, then follows the canal towards Chichester. For your travel planning, the stated length is a useful point of reference. You can view this route as a longer walking idea or use the individual historical points of interest as an opportunity to get to know Hunston from a historical perspective.

The present building of St Leodegar's Church dates from 1885. Its unusual dedication may be connected with Lessay Abbey in Normandy, which acquired the church in 1105. Transport history is also part of the local character: the Selsey Tramway crossed the Chichester Canal at Hunston. An architectural detail is also provided by Flagstones, with its rendered exterior, modillion cornice and hipped roof covered with tiles.

Another Idea for Your Stay

Chichester Golf Club in Hunston has an 18-hole Adventure Golf course. This can be a playful addition to walks and historical interests. Important for planning: Adventure Golf bookings must be made and paid for online before arrival. You should take this specific requirement into account when planning the activity as part of your stay.

When choosing your accommodation, you can make your preferred daily rhythm a deciding factor. Those who most enjoy being by the water can focus on the towpath and the Chichester Canal. For a longer walking idea, the nine-mile Chichester950 pilgrimage route is a good option. If you would like to combine different themes, you can include the canal, the church, historical references and Adventure Golf in your personal travel plans. This keeps Hunston interesting without requiring you to commit to just one style of holiday.

Compare More Destinations

If you would like to compare further destinations with Hunston, you can also include Faygate, Henfield, Horsham, West Chiltington, Stedham, Trotton, Lancing and Findon in your search.

For the higher-level travel overview: West Sussex.