Discover Hurstpierpoint: Churches, Festivals and Walking Routes

Hurstpierpoint combines notable churches, long-standing events and walking routes through a varied landscape. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house for your trip, you can choose the location according to whether culture, theatre, village festivals or walks should be the main focus. It is precisely these different options that make Hurstpierpoint an interesting base for a trip with several interests.

Churches and Local History

Holy Trinity Church is one of Hurstpierpoint’s defining historic buildings. The Grade II* listed parish church was built between 1843 and 1845 under the architect Sir Charles Barry. It replaced a medieval church that had previously stood on the same site. This means that a single building illustrates how the history of the village spans several eras.

The Church of St George has a history of its own. The Grade II listed Anglican church, which is almost completely intact, was built in 1852 as a nonconformist private chapel. It followed a disagreement with the parish priest. For visitors interested in culture, the two churches offer different points of interest: one is the parish church shaped by Sir Charles Barry, while the other has the unusual origins of a former private chapel.

Festivals, Theatre and Shared Experiences

One of the village’s special traditions is the St Lawrence Fair. It has taken place every year since the royal charter granted by King Edward II, except during the First and Second World Wars. The programme includes a fairground, a carnival procession, a run through the village, competitions for children and a teddy bear picnic. Anyone wishing to plan their stay around a lively local tradition will find a festival here with a very varied programme.

The Hurst Festival also offers a varied programme of events, for which tickets can be booked. The historic theatre of the Hurst Players is at the eastern end of the High Street, opposite South Avenue. Bus routes 33 and 273 stop directly outside the theatre, making it easy to travel to this venue. Hassocks railway station is approximately 1.5 miles away. This information can help when planning accommodation and deciding which means of transport to consider for your stay.

Hurst Meadows and Walking Routes in the Surrounding Area

In addition to its buildings and events, Hurstpierpoint also has green retreats. St George’s Millennium Garden was protected from development in order to preserve it as a wildlife refuge. The Hurst Heritage Trail passes through the landscape in Hurst Meadows. Gates in the meadows also offer a view of the chapel of Hurstpierpoint College.

Danny Park is available for longer excursions. The park is easily accessible from Hurstpierpoint and is crossed by numerous well-maintained, signposted footpaths. From the north, the most impressive approach to Wolstonbury Hill passes through the park. Depending on the day of your trip, you can therefore choose between historical themes in the village, events and walks in the countryside without reducing the character of Hurstpierpoint to a single attraction.

Choosing the Right Base

When looking for a holiday rental in Hurstpierpoint, it is worth deciding on your priorities in advance. Visitors interested in culture can use the two churches as a reference point, while the location of the Hurst Players Theatre and the bus routes stopping there are relevant for theatre and event visits. Those mainly seeking scenery and outdoor activity can include Hurst Meadows, the Heritage Trail or Danny Park in their travel plans.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Hurstpierpoint, here is a compact selection: Plaistow, Horsham, Lindfield, Worthing, Funtington, Stedham, East Grinstead and Faygate.

To the overarching travel overview: West Sussex.