West Sussex Literary Trail
About the West Sussex Literary Trail
The West Sussex Literary Trail was opened in 2007 and is waymarked along the 55-mile long route (88km), connecting Horsham to Chichester Cathedral. The walk links places with various literary associations, including connections to William Blake, John Keats and John Galsworthy.
What is the trail route?
The walk begins in Horsham before heading South-West across footpaths and tracks to finish in Chichester, by Chichester Cathedral. There are a number of picturesque villages along the route such as Slinfold, Nutbourne, Amberley, Bury, Sutton, Singleton, and East Lavant.
Also along the route are museums including the Amberley Museum and Weald and Downland Open Air Museum and the route passes by Parham House, a beautiful Elizabethan house dating back to 1577.
The route is waymarked in both directions by a white circular disc, outlined in gold that shows an image of a writing book and pen.
How long will the trail take to walk?
The trail is typically walked in between 3-6 days but the walk has been known to be completed in less time than this, or it can be completed over a longer period of time if you wish to take longer to stop and enjoy the views!
Order a Trail Guide
Keith McKenna and Peter Anderson have put together a 110-page West Sussex Literary Trail guide book, which costs £12 including postage. See the West Sussex Literary Trail website for details on how to order a guide.
Cafes and pubs on the West Sussex Literary Trail
Sumners Pond, Barns Green – Summers Pond is a fishery and campsite which is also home to ‘Café by the Lake’, which serves hot and cold drinks, hot food, snacks and cakes. Please note this café is card only. Open Sunday – Thursday, 9am – 4pm and Friday & Saturday 9am – 4pm / 5pm – 9pm.
The Rising Sun, Nutbourne – The Rising Sun is a 16th century country pub, which serves hearty pub food and excellent beers. Open Monday – Thursday 11am – 3pm / 6pm – 11pm, Friday & Saturday 11am – 3pm / 6pm – 11.30pm and Sundays 12pm – 4pm.
The Crown Inn, Cootham – The Crown Inn is a family run pub, which serves traditional pub food, alongside a good selection of cask ales, lager and cider. Open Tuesday – Thursday 12pm – 3pm / 5.30pm – 10pm, Friday 12pm – 3pm / 5.30pm – 11pm, Saturday 12pm – 11pm and Sunday 12pm – 7pm.
The Sportsman Inn, Amberley – The Sportsman Inn in Amberley is a country pub, which is very welcoming to walkers. They serve home cooked food to enjoy with local and Cornish real ales. You can sit in their conservatory and relax with beautiful views across the Amberley Brooks. Open Tuesday – Thursday 12pm – 3pm / 5pm – 10pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm – 11pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm.
The Black Horse, Amberley – The Black Horse is a Grade II listed Inn, which has recently been refurbished. It serves a range of dishes using local produce where possible. Open everyday 9am – 10pm.
The Amberley Tea Rooms – The Amberley Tea Rooms are quintessential tea rooms, renowned for their loose leaf tea served in Amberley Pottery mugs and very generous slices of homemade cake. Open Thursday – Tuesday, 10.30am – 4pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
The Bridge Inn, Amberley – The Bridge Inn is a traditional country pub serving home cooked food and real ales. Open Wednesday – Thursday 12pm – 3pm / 5.30pm – 9.30pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm – 9.30pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm. Closed on Monday & Tuesday.
Riverside Tea Rooms, Amberley – The Riverside Tea Rooms are located next to the River Adur, with seating offering beautiful views over the river and South Downs. Here you can enjoy a range of lunches, homemade cakes and cream teas, washed down with a cup of coffee or tea. Open everday 9am – 5pm.
The Fox Goes Free, Charlton – The Fox Goes Free is a 400-year-old country pub, serving home cooked food using locally sourced produce alongside a good selection of real ales. Open Monday – Saturday 11am – 11pm and Sunday 12pm – 10.30pm.
If you have tackled some or all of the West Sussex Literary Trail, we would love to hear your experiences! Please send us a message on our contact form or send us a message on Instagram!
