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Graffham

Attractions and Places To See around Graffham - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Graffham, a village located within the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, offer a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites. The area features expansive nature reserves, ancient woodlands, and chalk hills. Visitors can explore various points of interest, from prominent viewpoints to historical buildings and tranquil village settings.

Best attractions and places to see around Graffham

  • The most popular attractions is Halnaker Windmill, a historical site that offers 360-degree views from the top of the hill. The path to the windmill follows the old Roman Road, Stane Street.
  • Another must-see spot is Bignor Hill summit and Roman road signpost, a man-made monument and viewpoint. It provides far-reaching views and is a prominent viewpoint on the South Downs Way. A Roman road sign points towards Londinium and Noviomagus Reginorum.
  • Visitors also love Bedham Old Church, a religious building set on a wooded sandstone ridge. This picturesque, disused schoolhouse doubled as a church and was a popular escape for artists.
  • Graffham is known for its historical sites, natural viewpoints, and traditional pubs. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient structures to scenic landscapes.
  • The attractions around Graffham are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 150 upvotes and 27 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: April 25, 2026

Bignor Hill summit and Roman road signpost

Highlight • Monument

Bignor Hill stands proudly above the rolling countryside; rewarding those who climb to the summit with far-reaching views. According to Celtic legend, a dragon had its lair on top of the hill and its remains can still be seen in the folds of the ground.

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Bedham Old Church

Highlight • Religious Site

Set beautifully on a wooded, sandstone ridge in the western Weald, Bedham is a picturesque, yet tiny hamlet. The hamlet is made up of a few scattered houses, a farmhouse and a pretty, disused school house that doubled up as a church on Sundays.

The tranquillity on offer here made the hamlet a popular escape with artists during the 20th century. Chief amongst them was Edward Elgar, who wrote his four last great works at the timber-framed Brinkwells cottage.

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Halnaker Windmill

Highlight • Historical Site

Fab viewpoint. Unfortunately not open to view inside.

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Burton Mill Pond and Mill

Highlight • Historical Site

Burton Mill Pond is a beautiful place to visit. It is an atmospheric hammer pond and holding pond in the South Downs National Park, near Petworth, West Sussex. The pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and the Burton Park Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which are nationally important for their wetland habitats, rare plants, birdlife, and invertebrate populations.

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The Three Moles

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Tradtional coutry pub set in a scenic location. Dedicated cycle parking area covered by 24 hour CCTV. The pub also has puncture repair kits and offers refills for water bottles.

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Popular around Graffham

Hiking the Serpent Trail — Snake across Sussex's vibrant Greensand Hills

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Hiking the Serpent Trail — Snake across Sussex's vibrant Greensand Hills

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Alex Foxfield

Tips from the Community

Max Griffiths
February 27, 2025, Halnaker Windmill

I wander lonely as a cloud...

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KP
November 25, 2023, Halnaker Windmill

Kestrels making a good show for us!

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Burton Mill Pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Originating in the late 16th century to fuel a forge, the pond has a historical past. By the late 18th century, it played a vital role as part of a water mill for grinding corn, with the imposing structure by the road now standing as the remnants of the old mill. It's part of a fabulous landscape as you cycle along the road bordering its northeastern shore.

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Burton Mill Pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Originating in the late 16th century to fuel a forge, the pond has a historical past. By the late 18th century, it played a vital role as part of a water mill for grinding corn, with the imposing structure by the road now standing as the remnants of the old mill. It's part of a fabulous landscape as you cycle along the road bordering its northeastern shore.

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This is a great place to visit at any time of the year, but is particularly special in the autumn. At the NE edge of the village, on the main road (A285), is a new small carpark. The path up to the windmill (Mill Lane track on OS maps) follows the old Roman Road, Stane Street. Beyond the cottages is the famous Halnaker Tree Tunnel. The sunken path has trees on both sides which look particularly fantastic on sunny, autumn days. There are great views in every direction when you get up to the windmill.

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The Three Moles in a traditional cycle-friendly country pub set in a scenic location. It has dedicated cycle parking area covered by 24 hour CCTV. The pub also has puncture repair kits and offers refills for water bottles.

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The Three Moles Pub is a traditional countryside pub and real ale house in the village of Selham, West Sussex, England. It is located near Graffham Common and Burton Mill Pond, in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The pub was built in 1872 and is the only pub in the world with this name. The pub serves traditional pub grub during the week and highly rated roasts on Sundays. It also has a garden BBQ in summer months. The pub hosts various events throughout the year, such as beer festivals and live music. The pub has a large sun trap of a beer garden, a permanent marquee and an outside bar, which are perfect for weddings and parties.

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The current mill building dates from around 1780, although mills and forges have been exploiting the Downs spring water for at least 800 years. The mill's historic water-powered milling machine has been restored to working condition. Burton Mill is open to visitors on the Sunday of the National Mills Weekend in May and the National Heritage Weekend in September.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features and viewpoints can I explore near Graffham?

Graffham is nestled within the South Downs National Park, offering numerous natural features and stunning viewpoints. You can visit Bignor Hill summit and Roman road signpost, which provides far-reaching views and is a prominent viewpoint on the South Downs Way. Another beautiful spot is Burton Mill Pond and Mill, a nationally important wetland habitat. Graffham Common Nature Reserve and Lavington Common also offer expansive natural landscapes for exploration.

Are there easy walking trails suitable for all abilities around Graffham?

Yes, there are several easy walking trails around Graffham. For example, you can find routes like 'The Hollist Arms – Lodsworth Village loop from Lodsworth' or 'Todham Rough Path – Heyshott Common loop from Graffham'. These are generally shorter and less challenging. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Graffham guide.

Where can I go for a longer hike or cycling adventure near Graffham?

For longer adventures, the South Downs National Park provides extensive opportunities. The South Downs Way passes along Graffham Down, offering stunning views. For cycling, routes like 'Noah's Ark Pub, Lurgashall – Lurgashall Village Green loop from Selham' offer a more challenging experience. Explore more options in the Cycling around Graffham guide or the Running Trails around Graffham guide for longer routes.

What historical sites are there to visit near Graffham?

Graffham and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Halnaker Windmill, a historical site with 360-degree views, or the picturesque Bedham Old Church, a disused schoolhouse that doubled as a church and was popular with artists. The remains of Lodsworth Castle and the 13th-century St Giles Church in Graffham also offer glimpses into the past.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Graffham?

Yes, Graffham offers family-friendly options. The path to Halnaker Windmill is a popular walk for families, and the 360-degree views are a treat. Burton Mill Pond and Mill is also considered family-friendly, offering a chance to explore wetland habitats. Many of the easy walking trails around Graffham are suitable for families.

What is Graffham Common Nature Reserve like for visitors?

Graffham Common Nature Reserve is a 94-acre site managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. It's a former pine plantation being restored to heath and grassland, providing a haven for wildlife like nightjars and woodlarks. The pond on the eastern side is home to dragonflies and damselflies. It features varying terrain from fairly level tracks to some steep paths and is part of the South Downs National Park's Heathland Sculpture Trail.

Can I find any unique natural or historical earthworks in the area?

Yes, you can explore 'The Three Bottoms' (Little Graffham, Combe, and Gadd's), which are deep clefts in the Downs containing substantial prehistoric earthworks known as Cross Dykes. These date from the Middle Bronze Age and likely served as territorial markers or cattle drovers' routes, offering a unique historical and natural insight.

Where can I find traditional pubs or places to eat in Graffham and nearby?

Graffham village itself is home to two traditional pubs: The Forester's Arms, a Grade II-listed pub built in 1609, known for its garden and inglenook fireplace, and The White Horse. Nearby, in the village of Selham, you can find The Three Moles, a cycle-friendly country pub with a large beer garden and traditional pub grub.

What is the best time of year to visit Graffham for outdoor activities?

Graffham is beautiful year-round, but for outdoor activities, spring and autumn are particularly pleasant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures, while autumn offers stunning foliage, especially along paths like the one leading to Halnaker Windmill. Summer is also great for longer days, but can be busier. Winter walks offer a different, tranquil charm.

Are there any specific viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas?

Absolutely. Bignor Hill summit and Roman road signpost is renowned for its far-reaching, panoramic views across the rolling countryside. Similarly, the area around Halnaker Windmill offers fantastic 360-degree views from the top of the hill, making both excellent spots for photography and enjoying the landscape.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Graffham area?

The natural reserves around Graffham are havens for wildlife. At Graffham Common Nature Reserve, you might spot rare birds like nightjars and woodlarks, as well as dragonflies and damselflies around the pond. Burton Mill Pond and Mill is also nationally important for its diverse birdlife and invertebrate populations, making it a great spot for nature observation.

Are there any local archives or community resources to learn more about Graffham's history?

Yes, the Graffham Archive is a dedicated resource that celebrates the history, geography, and culture of Graffham and its surrounding areas, including the civil parishes of Graffham and East Lavington, and extending to Selham. It's a great place to delve deeper into the local heritage.

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