Attractions and Places To See around Nuthurst - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Nuthurst, a village in West Sussex, England, offer a mix of historical landmarks and natural beauty. The area is characterized by wooded landscapes, the River Arun forming its northern boundary, and provides scenic views of the South Downs. Nuthurst combines historical sites with opportunities to explore its natural environment.
Best attractions and places to see around Nuthurst
- The most popular attractions is West Grinstead Station, a historical site that offers a pleasant spot for a picnic or a coffee break. This location features a family-friendly coffee place just off the track, making it a convenient stop.
- Another must-see spot is Shipley Windmill, a historical viewpoint. This old windmill was once owned by author Hilaire Belloc and gained recent recognition after appearing on television.
- Visitors also love Tilgate Lake, a significant natural viewpoint. It is the largest of three lakes in Tilgate Park and serves as a popular center for watersports and various outdoor activities.
- Nuthurst is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. The area offers a variety of attractions, from ancient landmarks to scenic lakes and wooded areas, providing diverse exploration opportunities.
- The attractions around Nuthurst are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 250 upvotes and 50 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
West Grinstead Station
Highlight • Historical Site
There is a "family restaurant" coffee place just off the track by the road.
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Shipley Windmill
Highlight • Viewpoint
This is the landmark that really puts Shipley on the map, most recently after the windmill appeared on television, as the home of ITV's Jonathan Creek character.
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Tilgate Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
Human history here goes back to the Mesolithic period when flint tools were made here. More recently, the area was a royal deer park in the 1600s and then Tilgate Manor Estate from 1647. More recently, BT owned it and the lake was sold for private fishing. Crawley Urban District Council purchased the area in the 1960s, and it's now open to the public.
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Knepp Wildland Tree Platform
Highlight • Viewpoint
There are a few bridleways through the Knepp Estate, now a unique and fascinating habitat, from which you may see Tamworth Pigs, Longhorn Cattle, deer, raptors, butterflies and now, a relatively new population of storks, which have been reintroduced to the UK on this site. There is talk of further re-introductions, so watch this wild space!
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Ifield Mill
Highlight • Structure
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Tips from the Community
Tilgate Lake is the largest of the three lakes in Tilgate Park and remains a popular watersports centre and tourist attraction in Crawley, West Sussex. Tilgate Lake offers the public a wide range of outdoor activities including archery, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, raft building, rowing, running, sailing, standup paddleboarding, open water swimming, team building,
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Tilgate Lake is the biggest of the three lakes in Tilgate Park. It's a popular watersports lake with lots of other activities happening on and around it. Human history here goes back to the Mesolithic period when flint tools were made here. More recently, the area was a royal deer park in the 1600s and then Tilgate Manor Estate from 1647. More recently, BT owned it and the lake was sold for private fishing. Crawley Urban District Council purchased the area in the 1960s, and it's now open to the public.
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These old windmills are the best proof that people were clever enough a number of centuries ago - long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that resulted from it - to harness the power of the elements for their own purposes: no human or animal muscle power is needed for the grinding process, but the wind captured by the covered wings is enough to drive the heavy millstones and thus, for example, to grind flour from grain (grain mills) or to press oil from olives (oil mills). Often they are only technical and historical evidence of a long tradition of craftsmanship, because most of the old mills have been abandoned over time.
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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Nowadays, only a few of them are still in operation in their original function, but are often merely technical and historical monuments to a long tradition of craftsmanship: the heavy millstones inside were moved using the power of the wind as the driving force, for example to grind grain into flour (so-called grain mills) or to press oil from fruits (e.g. olives) (so-called oil mills). These old windmills are therefore the best proof that people were clever enough to harness the power of the wind a number of centuries ago - long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that followed.
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Was a railway station on the Steyning Line which served the village of West Grinstead. It had a goods yard with a cattle loading bay and facilities for handling horse boxes. With the hunt kennels and national stud based in the area, the station saw substantial horse traffic The station closed as a result of the Beeching Axe in 1966 and now forms part of the Downs Link footpath.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Nuthurst?
Nuthurst is rich in history. You can visit the remains of medieval Sedgwick Castle within the grounds of Sedgwick Park, or see the historic St Andrew's Church in the village. Another notable site is the Obelisk near Obelisk Farm, erected in 1747. For a glimpse into industrial history, Nuthurst Mill, once a watermill and iron forge, is also of interest. Additionally, the area features the historical West Grinstead Station, a pleasant spot for a break, and the iconic Shipley Windmill, once owned by author Hilaire Belloc.
Are there any natural features or viewpoints to enjoy around Nuthurst?
Yes, Nuthurst offers beautiful natural landscapes. The River Arun forms the northern boundary of the parish, and the area is characterized by wooded areas with scenic views of the South Downs. You can also visit Tilgate Lake, the largest of three lakes in Tilgate Park, which is a popular center for watersports. For unique wildlife viewing, the Knepp Wildland Tree Platform offers a vantage point over a rewilded estate known for its diverse habitats and grazing animals.
What outdoor activities can I do near Nuthurst?
The Nuthurst area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can explore various walking routes through wooded areas and enjoy views of the South Downs. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including those around Nuthurst for touring bicycles. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the West Grinstead Station – Downs Link loop. If you enjoy running, you'll find several running trails around Nuthurst, including those in St Leonard's Forest.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Nuthurst?
Absolutely. The West Grinstead Station is a family-friendly historical site with a coffee place nearby, perfect for a picnic or a break. Tilgate Lake is another great option, offering watersports and various outdoor activities suitable for all ages. The Knepp Wildland Tree Platform provides an engaging experience for families interested in nature and wildlife.
Where can I find a good pub or cafe in Nuthurst?
Nuthurst is home to traditional public houses such as the Black Horse Inn in Nuthurst village and the White Horse Inn at Maplehurst, both offering a welcoming atmosphere. For a cafe stop, there's a family-friendly coffee place just off the track near West Grinstead Station, which is ideal for a break during your explorations.
What is the best time to visit Nuthurst for walking and outdoor activities?
The area around Nuthurst is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer pleasant conditions for walking and exploring the wooded areas and open landscapes. Spring is particularly lovely for seeing local flora, while summer provides longer daylight hours for extended outdoor activities. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any dog-friendly walks or places to visit in Nuthurst?
Many of the walking routes and natural areas around Nuthurst are dog-friendly, allowing you and your canine companion to enjoy the scenic wooded landscapes and views of the South Downs. The traditional pubs in the area, such as the Black Horse Inn and White Horse Inn, often welcome well-behaved dogs, especially in their outdoor areas.
What are some unique natural features in the Nuthurst area?
Beyond the River Arun and the general wooded character, the Knepp Wildland Estate, accessible via the Knepp Wildland Tree Platform, is a unique natural feature. It's renowned for its rewilding program, which has reintroduced free-roaming grazing animals and fostered diverse habitats, including ancient woodlands and hedgerows that attract various butterfly species and even storks.
Can I find any historical mills near Nuthurst?
Yes, Nuthurst has a connection to historical mills. Nuthurst Mill, also known as Bircham Mill or Birchen Bridge Mill, was historically a watermill used for corn on the River Arun and previously an iron forge. Further afield, you can also visit Shipley Windmill, a well-known landmark, and Ifield Mill, a 19th-century weatherboarded watermill next to a large lake.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Nuthurst?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical interest and natural beauty. Many enjoy the pleasant atmosphere at West Grinstead Station for a coffee break or picnic. The historical significance of Shipley Windmill and its television appearances also draw interest. The diverse activities available at Tilgate Lake, from watersports to simply enjoying nature, are also highly rated by the komoot community.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for beginners near Nuthurst?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes in the Nuthurst area. Many of the paths through the local wooded areas and along the River Arun are relatively flat and suitable for a leisurely stroll. For cycling, there are also easy routes available, such as the West Grinstead Station – Southwater Country Park loop, which can be adapted for walking. You can find more details on running trails around Nuthurst, many of which are also suitable for walking.
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Most popular attractions around Nuthurst
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