Horsham is an historic market town in West Sussex, situated right near the river Arun and the ancient greenery of the Weald to the east. It’s recognised for its beautiful public spaces, access to London, and proximity to a coveted stretch of Sussex countryside.

The fact it lies only 30 miles south of London makes it a very attractive town for commuters, especially considering the areas of natural beauty surrounding it, with the High Weald to the east, and South Downs National Park to the west.

The town itself is the administrative centre for the region, orbited by picturesque villages like Slinfold and Henfield. You’ll find the ancient markets still running on Carfax Street on Thursday and Saturday, alongside an exceptional wealth of local cafes, cobbled streets and a long parade of shops along West Street. Despite its size as a market town, there is a real breadth of amenities to enjoy.

Horsham Park lies just north of the town centre, boasting neatly clipped gardens, well-mown grassy expanses, a boating lake and a skating area. Complementing this is the arched, Pavilions In The Park sports centre (complete with swimming pool, gym & café).

Horsham offers an excellent opportunity for London commuters, or anyone with a love for the countryside. It contains all you’ll need for daily life, alongside historic properties, green spaces and an exceptional town centre to enjoy.

Homes & architecture: Horsham features a diversity of property styles spanning several centuries. The town centre contains multiple historic properties from the Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian eras, including timber-framed buildings and tall, elegant townhouses.

The surrounding areas also contain a mix of 20th-century developments, with post-war semis and detached homes being common. Some of the most desirable properties can be found in the Causeway, a historic street lined with well-preserved period homes, and in leafy suburbs such as North Horsham and Roffey. The Horsham Park area is equally known for its larger Victorian and Edwardian villas.

Unique to the town are the ‘Denne Road cottages’, a collection of charming 19th-century workers’ homes.

Developments: As for development, the North of Horsham project is a significant ongoing initiative, set to deliver around 2,750 new homes, employment space, and community facilities. Additionally, the town centre is undergoing regeneration, with plans for new retail and residential spaces in the Piries Place area.

Prices: In the past year, Horsham’s property market saw an overall average price of £434K. Flats were the most common property sold, reaching an average of £232K. Semi-detached homes commanded a higher price point, averaging £459K, while detached properties achieved the highest price of £685K. See the HM Land Registry for the most up to date information.

Horsham has a deceptively good range of transport options, easily taking you north to London or south to Brighton. Here’s some of the options available:

• Car & Road: The A24 runs north-south through Horsham, providing easy access to London (about 1hr 15 mins drive) and Brighton (around 40 mins). The M25 motorway is also within a 30-minute drive, offering connections to other major cities across England.
• Bus: Horsham has a comprehensive bus network. These services connect you to the surrounding villages, towns like Crawley (30 mins), and Guildford (45 mins).
• Train: Located in the heart of the town, Horsham Station offers direct services to London Victoria (around 50 mins), Gatwick Airport (approximately 20 mins), and Brighton (in around 30 minutes).
• Cycling & Walking: Horsham is becoming increasingly cycle-friendly, with dedicated cycle paths and quiet lanes for safe exploration. The South Downs Way National Trail also offers scenic cycling routes for the more adventurous. The town centre is easily walkable, with pedestrianised areas and plenty of green space to explore on foot.
• Nearest Airport: Gatwick Airport is just 12 miles south of Horsham, making it easy to travel abroad.

Travel Times at a Glance:
• London: 1 hour 15 minutes (car), 50 minutes (train)
• Brighton: 40 minutes (car), 30 minutes (train)
• Gatwick Airport: 20 minutes (train)
• Crawley: 30 minutes (bus)
• Guildford: 45 minutes (bus)

Horsham has plenty of local amenities to enjoy across the town, from its beautiful park to the everyday, essential shops that line Carfax and West Street – here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find.

Shopping: There are large local supermarkets, the main one being Waitrose, as well as several Tesco’s and a Lidl. There’s also the handy addition of the Swan Walk shopping centre, with it’s high street stores, cafes, bars, shops and restaurants.

The market: Horsham is well known for its market which takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays; the Thursday showing presents some of the best street food vendors, while the Saturday iteration expands to 40 stalls, selling organic food, local produce and arts & crafts.

Horsham Park: One of the town’s central attractions is Horsham Park, a 24-hectare open space located just north of the town centre. This includes lots to do both inside the park and immediately around it.

It includes an 18th-century country house, formal gardens, and a maze. Within the park, you’ll find The Pavilions in the Park, an impressive leisure centre equipped with a gym and a 25-meter swimming pool. There are also facilities for tennis, football, and rugby. Additionally, a BMX and Skate park can be found on the Hurst Road side of the park.

Entertainment: You can pop in for a film or production at The Capitol Theatre on North Street, which includes two cinema screens – and a whole theatre – as well as a studio and a gallery. You’ll also find a modernised two-storey library on Lower Tanbridge Way. Finally, the Horsham Museum is located on the Causeway in a half-timbered medieval house, showcasing local history through twenty-six galleries.

Healthcare: The town also has its own community hospital with a range of services, as well as a larger hospital located just down the road in Crawley.

Horsham rests within an ancient section of England, with a history running back to Roman times (and beyond). As such, there are many place of interest to explore. Here’s just a few options:

1. Horsham Museum & Art Gallery: Located in a 13th-century timber-framed building, this museum showcases local history through various exhibitions and galleries, including medieval artifacts, watercolours, and a craft gallery.
2. Leonardslee Gardens: A stunning 240-acre estate featuring beautiful gardens, lakes, and woodlands. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks – and even spot wallabies roaming the grounds!
3. Warnham Nature Reserve: This 92-acre reserve offers diverse wildlife habitats, including a 17-acre millpond. It’s an excellent spot for wildlife watching, with species like grey herons, kingfishers, and woodpeckers frequently seen.
4. The Capitol Theatre: A modern entertainment venue housing a theatre, studio theatre, and even two cinema screens. It offers a mixture of live performances and film screenings.
5. Horsham Park: As mentioned, this spacious green area is a key feature of the town centre, featuring formal gardens, a maze, sports facilities, and a leisure centre with a swimming pool.
6. Chesworth Farm: A 90-acre countryside haven within walking distance of the town centre, offering scenic walks and riding trails. This historic farm dates back to before the Domesday Book.
7. Horsham Carfax: The town’s central square hosts a vibrant market every Thursday and Saturday, selling local produce, street food, flowers, and arts and crafts.
8. Kaya Café: Set in Horsham Park, this independent café offers a rather unique experience with its own Orangery, Lounge, and outdoor Pergola. It’s known for delicious cocktails and relaxed atmosphere.
9. Leechpool & Owlbeech Woods: A 53-acre ancient woodland site featuring five signposted walking trails and a sculpture trail.
10. Huxley’s Birds of Prey Centre & Gardens: Although not directly in Horsham, this nearby attraction offers flying displays with various birds of prey.