Attractions and Places To See around Felbridge - Top 20

Felbridge is surrounded by several beautiful natural features. You can visit Wire Mill Lake, known for the historic Wire Mill Inn overlooking its weir. Another significant body of water is Hedgecourt Lake, an ancient mill pond and nature reserve in East Surrey, home to diverse plant life and breeding birds. Further afield, Ardingly Reservoir is a Local Nature Reserve and wildlife haven, offering bird hides and watersports.

Yes, Felbridge has a rich history. You can see the Victorian Gothic St John the Divine Parish Church, built in 1865, or the historically significant Felbridge County Primary School, which dates back to 1783. The village also features ancient properties like Gulledge, a timber-framed house from 1609 with evidence of Mesolithic, Neolithic, Roman, and Saxon settlements, and Felcot Farm, a 16th-century farmhouse. Don't miss Outwood Windmill, Britain's oldest working windmill, built in 1665.

The area around Felbridge offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling along the Forest Way Country Park, a 10-mile traffic-free path through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For more structured routes, there are numerous options for hiking, running, and mountain biking. You can find detailed routes like the 'Worth Way – Crawley Down Pond loop' for running or 'Bridleway Through Countryside – Wiremill Lake loop' for hiking. Explore more routes on the Hiking around Felbridge or MTB Trails around Felbridge guide pages.

Absolutely. Many attractions around Felbridge are suitable for families. Ardingly Reservoir is a great spot for nature walks and birdwatching. The Forest Way Country Park provides a safe, traffic-free path for family bike rides or walks. Tilgate Lake offers watersports and other activities within Tilgate Park. Nearby, the British Wildlife Centre is home to over 40 species of native British wildlife, providing an educational and engaging experience for all ages.

For watersports, Ardingly Reservoir is a popular choice, with activities available at its south-eastern end. Additionally, Tilgate Lake is a significant watersports center offering a wide range of activities including canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Beyond the main highlights, consider visiting the Wire Mill Inn and Lake area, which offers a picturesque setting with the historic inn and properties overlooking the weir. Hedgecourt Lake, while a nature reserve, is less commonly known than larger attractions and provides a tranquil spot for wildlife spotting. The ancient timber-framed property of Gulledge, with its unique star-shaped chimney and deep historical roots, also offers a glimpse into the area's past.

The natural areas around Felbridge are rich in wildlife. At Hedgecourt Lake, you might spot breeding birds like water rail and kingfisher, and up to twelve species of dragonflies have been recorded. Ardingly Reservoir is a known wildlife haven where ospreys have even been sighted. The Forest Way Country Park is home to various animals including swallows, badgers, deer, and foxes.

Yes, for scenic views, Turner's Hill South Climb offers a viewpoint, though it's also a well-known cycling climb. The areas around Wire Mill Lake and Hedgecourt Lake provide tranquil and picturesque settings. The Forest Way Country Park, running through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, also offers beautiful countryside vistas.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The tranquility and wildlife at places like Ardingly Reservoir and Hedgecourt Lake are highly valued. The historical charm of sites such as Outwood Windmill and the peaceful, traffic-free environment of the Forest Way Country Park are also frequently praised.

Felbridge has a deep historical past, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, including flint tools found near Gulledge. The area was also significant during the Roman occupation due to iron ore deposits, with a 'bloomery furnace' operating near the Roman road that linked London with Brighton. Saxon settlements were established over 1,000 years ago, and several manors in the area have ancient roots.

The Wire Mill Inn, located by Wire Mill Lake, is a distinct area featuring this inn. Additionally, the Star Inn is a 17th-century establishment in the village, offering a historical point of interest and a traditional pub experience.

While not directly in Felbridge, nearby Ashdown Forest was the inspiration for A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories and features landmarks like Pooh Sticks Bridge, making it a charming visit for fans of the classic tales.