Bury, Sutton & Bignor
Here’s a type of cricket you don’t need a wicket for…
This Sussex village nestles beneath the South Downs, stretching along the River Arun. For many years you could cross the river at this point by ferry. Bury is a typically English village, with thatched houses, a church overlooking the river, and the fantastic Charlie’s Farm Shop.
John Galsworthy, the author of the Forsyte Saga, chose Bury House, in the village, as home for the last few years of his life.
It would be hard to find a village more peaceful than Sutton. You reach the village along winding lanes and there are wonderful walks to enjoy in the South Downs, which are easy to access from Sutton. Given the size of the village, the St John the Baptist church is surprisingly large. Parts of the church date from the 11th century and it was extended in the 14th century. Just north of Sutton, are the grounds of Coates Castle, which are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Here you can find the last known UK population of a type of field cricket, which are black with a brown or yellow patch at the base of their wings – so watch where you walk! Since, their decline was identified in 1991, plans have been put in place to spread this species to other suitable UK sites, including one in Arundel. Have you worked up an appetite yet? Head to the local 18th century pub, the White Horse for a warm welcome and contemporary British food, including meat from local farmers.
A farmer ploughing his field discovered Bignor’s famous Roman Villa, with world-class mosaic floors. Bignor is a perfect base for walking, horse riding and mountain biking. The South Downs Way runs along the ridge above Bignor village. This national trail crosses Stane Street, the old Roman Road which went (in as straight a line as possible) from Chichester all the way to London. If you can face the walk (it is a steep climb!) up to the top of Bignor, you will be rewarded with views across the countryside to the English Channel. If the walk up to the top doesn’t really appeal, then you can drive to the top of the South Downs at Gumber Corner car park.
Written by Barb Hogan, Visit Arundel
