Days out at Slindon

Slindon village old lock-up

There is so much to do at Slindon Estate. Whether you're after a really good walk, a cycle, want to try your hand at geocaching, ride our selection of bridleways or tick off a few of those 50 things to do before you're 11¾, you'll have the chance at this beautiful countryside spot.

Walking

With over 25 miles of public rights of way, there are plenty of walks to suit all ages and abilities. From hazel-shaded lanes and neatly cultivated fields to woodland and hedgerows, every season brings a new delight to the walks. There are countless places and excuses to stop and stare.  Enjoy one of the beautiful circular walks that showcase the estate across all four seasons.

Walking - a great way to explore
Walking boots
Walking - a great way to explore

Cycling and horse riding

Slindon’s many bridleways and leafy lanes provide numerous circular routes for cyclists and horse riders alike. The village is a great place to park and start your mountain bike adventure up on to the downs. And the Forestry Commission car park at Eartham is perfect to unload your horse, ready to ride the trails.

Having fun cycling on a sunny day...
Image of boy cycling
Having fun cycling on a sunny day...

Geocaching

Come and try out this modern-day treasure hunting at Slindon. It's a fantastic way to get the kids out and exploring the countryside. We've 10 geocache boxes hidden around the estate.

A girl enjoys geocaching in the great outdoors
A girl enjoys geocaching in the great outdoors
A girl enjoys geocaching in the great outdoors

Village curiosities

Around Slindon village there are a number of mystery structures and quirky features to look out for. On Dyers lane look out for the elaborate flint shed with a Slindon ‘ox blood’ red door.  Built in 1805, before a full-time Constabulary was formed in 1857, the lock-up was used by the Parish Constable to imprison local troublemakers until he could march them to the magistrate at Arundel or Chichester.  The square walled flint enclosure at the top of Mill Lane in Slindon village was a livestock pound. It was used to hold cattle and sheep separated from the rest of their herd whilst being walked to market. The unlucky herdsman would have had to pay to have them released.   On the corner of School Hill and Top Road is the old school.  This once Church of England school was built in 1871 using flints gathered from the local fields free of charge by the village farm labourers  Scan the peaks of the building to find the ale mug imbedded in the flint work, put there by the local builders who enjoyed a lot of beer over the hot summer of construction. 

Estate cottages with oxblood paintwork
Flint and red brick cottages
Estate cottages with oxblood paintwork

Don't miss

  • The magnificent spring flowers at Park Lane car park and parkland
  • The nationally famed spectacular village pumpkin display in Autumn
  • Views of the Isle of Wight, Chichester Cathedral & Halanaker Windmill
  • Gaston Farm's spring lambing event
  • Slindon Pottery hidden in the old carpenter's workshop on Top Road
  • The farmers' market at Coronation Hall, last Thursday of every month
  • The flint folly with commanding views of the estate and coastal plain
Slindon Pottery on Top Road
Flint and Red brick building
Slindon Pottery on Top Road

Slindon Forge - a shop and more

The Forge presents provides vital services to ensure the village remains a vibrant community, and gives a new lease of life and public access to a historically important village building.

Sunset view of Slindon folly
Views across Slindon folly at sunset on the South Downs
Sunset view of Slindon folly

The Park Pale

The parkland to the north of the village was originally a deer park dating from 1108. Historical records show that there was a deer park at Slindon as early as the 13th century. Around the edge of the park, a pale was constructed so that deer could enter the park from the outside, but could not get out. The Pale consisted of a bank and ditches, with a fence built on top. You can still see the remains of the Pale today.

The raised bank of the Park Pale was once used to confine livestock
The raised bank of the Park Pale was once used to confine livestock
The raised bank of the Park Pale was once used to confine livestock

How to get here

By car

Located just off A27, east to west, and A29, north to southParking: There are three car parks, all free: Park Lane, SU960077; Duke's Road, SU950073 and Bignor Hill, SU973129 SatNav: Park Lane car park, Easting 496062, Northing 107704; Duke's Road car park, Easting 495096, Northing 107320; Bignor Hill car park, Easting 497389, Northing 112934


By bus

Take the Compass 85A bus between Arundel and Chichester, alighting at Fontwell Village; take Orchard Way [opposite the bus stop] to the A27 underpass, then cross Duke's Road into Slindon Estate


By cycle

Numerous bridleways cross through Slindon Estate. South Downs Way and Monarchs Way (only accessible from eastern side) pass through the northern end of the estate. The relatively flat terrain through the woods makes for excellent off-road cycling

Facilities and access

General
• Toilets for patrons of the community shop/cafe: The Forge - and pub: The Spur
• Dogs welcome - much of the land is grazed, so must be kept under close control
• For refreshments try Slindon's community shop/cafe: The Forge (01243 814324) - and two local pubs; the George Inn (01243 814340) and The Spur (01243 814216)
• For places to stay; try Gumber Bothy for camping & its bunk barn; or for large groups Slindon Basecamp (bookings for both 01243 814484); or Slindon Camping and Caravan site (not NT) (01243 814387)

Family
• Slindon Park Wood is great for shorter walks, and captures all of the seasonal highlights
• Some of the footpaths on the northern end of the estate have stiles

Access
• The village and Slindon Park Woods are relatively well surfaced, and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs