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.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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