Coldwaltham offers a range of themes for a stay: nature, church architecture and events at Champs Hill. Specific points of interest include the Wild Brooks wetlands, St Giles Church and the Music Room at Champs Hill. If you are looking for a hotel, start by planning around the interests you want to shape your stay.

Landscape and wetlands

The parish of Coldwaltham borders the River Arun at the upper end of its tidal reach and lies immediately north of the chalk South Downs. A tidal reach is the section of a river affected by tides; this detail pinpoints Coldwaltham’s location on the Arun. The river and the chalk Downs therefore offer two distinct landscape settings.

The Wild Brooks wetlands provide a habitat and stopping place for large numbers of wild birds and other wildlife. Waltham Brooks lies south of Brook Lane in Coldwaltham.

Churches and architectural history

The present-day St Giles Church in Coldwaltham has stood for around 800 years. Only the Early English tower has largely been preserved in its original condition; it dates from the 13th century. The approximate age refers to the present-day church, while the century dating refers to the tower—two distinct timeframes for the same church.

St Botolph’s Church in Hardham was probably built in the late Saxon period, before the Norman Conquest. Together, the churches offer different historical points of reference: the approximate age of today’s St Giles and the qualified dating of St Botolph’s.

Gardens and events at Champs Hill

The gardens at Champs Hill cover 27 acres of woodland and disused quarries. The Music Room is used for concerts and other events, with a programme each season. Champs Hill therefore offers different points of interest: the gardens as a landscape attraction and the Music Room as an event venue.

Access to Champs Hill is by prior appointment only. Groups of ten or more visitors can visit the gardens between March and August by prior arrangement. So if Champs Hill is part of your travel plans, arrange your visit in advance.

Transport and travel planning

The A29 serves Coldwaltham, connecting with the A272 to the north and the A27 near Arundel to the south. Rail connections for the parish are available at Pulborough, Amberley and Arundel; check timetable details before travelling. Pulborough station is about 3 miles from Champs Hill. Book a taxi in advance.

For clarity, distinguish the rail connections serving Coldwaltham from the separate journey to Champs Hill. The three railway stations serve the parish; the approximate distance and recommendation to book a taxi in advance relate to Champs Hill.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

If a visit to Champs Hill is part of your plans, allow for arranging an appointment and getting there.

Discover more destinations: Chichester, Walberton, Birdham, Petworth, Rudgwick, Ansty, Crawley, Burgess Hill

For the wider travel overview: West Sussex.