Discover Findon: Landscape, Trails and History

Findon combines impressive landscapes with an unusually rich local history. The village lies entirely within the South Downs National Park and is suitable for travellers who want to combine experiences in nature, historical discoveries and regional traditions. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether to focus on walks through the landscape, cultural history or a balanced mixture of both.

Landscape in the South Downs National Park

Findon is particularly shaped by Findon Dry Valley. It is the most significant dry valley in the local escarpment. The landscape also includes hard chalk grassland, historic sheep pasture and areas of scrub. These different habitats provide a home for a wide variety of plant, bird and animal species. Those who enjoy looking closely while on holiday will therefore find not only open landscapes here, but also characteristic details of nature.

In summer, Cissbury Ring is home to chalk downland butterflies, including the Adonis blue and the chalkhill blue. This seasonal natural aspect complements the site's historical significance: Cissbury Ring is the second-largest Iron Age hillfort in southern England. On a trip to Findon, landscape and the past can thus be closely connected in your mind, without the place being limited to just one holiday theme.

Trails for different kinds of discovery

Public rights of way, bridleways and the long-distance footpath The Monarch’s Way connect Findon with the surrounding landscape. At the eastern approach, The Monarch’s Way reaches Findon via a rough chalk-and-flint track. The ground surface is therefore one of the specific features you can take into account when planning your day. For a shorter circuit, the Nepcote Circular Walk is available; it is approximately 1.7 miles long.

The Cissbury Ring history and nature trail follows the route of an old road that once led from Broadwater to Steyning. This historical connection gives the trail an additional narrative dimension. You can therefore shape your outings according to your interests: sometimes with a stronger focus on the landscape, sometimes on the area's former use or on the nature around Cissbury Ring.

Church, houses and local history

There are also points of interest for cultural and historical discovery within the village itself. The Parish Church of St John the Baptist has a nave arcade from the transitional period to Norman architecture. Findon Place is an example of classical Georgian architecture and is listed as Grade II*. A residential building has stood on the grounds of Findon Place since AD 980. Wattle House was built between 1792 and 1803. There is also the archaeological site known as the “Muntham Court Romano-British site”, which was used from the 1st to the 4th century AD.

Findon's history is also reflected in its traditions. The history of the Findon Sheep Fair dates back to an annual three-day fair permitted by charter in 1261. The actual Findon Sheep Fair began at Nepcote Green before 1785. Its present form developed as a village festival with a sheep show and demonstration. Racehorse training in Findon also dates from 1854 to the present day.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Findon, your preferred itinerary can be a useful starting point. For nature-focused days out, the landscape, rights of way, bridleways and the two trails mentioned above provide important guidance for your planning. Those with a stronger interest in history can include Cissbury Ring, the parish church, Findon Place, Wattle House and the Romano-British site in their selection.

Discover more places

The following places are also available for your further search: Balcombe, Yapton, East Grinstead, Henfield, Partridge Green, Rudgwick, Slinfold and Madehurst.

To the higher-level travel overview: West Sussex.