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Ardingly

Attractions and Places To See around Ardingly - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Ardingly include a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks in West Sussex. Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region offers opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore botanical gardens, reservoirs, and historical churches. The area provides a rich experience for those interested in the English countryside and its heritage.

Best attractions and places to see around Ardingly

  • The most popular attractions is Ardingly Reservoir, a lake that is a local nature reserve and wildlife haven, known for sightings of Ospreys. It provides a tranquil setting for walking and nature study, with bird hides available.
  • Another must-see spot is Fletching Village and St. Andrew & St. Mary the Virgin Church, a historical site. This pleasant old Sussex village features historical buildings, pubs, and a church, offering impressive views over Sheffield Park.
  • Visitors also love Beggars Wood Road, Chailey Common Nature Reserve, an other natural area. This unique heathland nature reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where cattle, ponies, and sheep can occasionally be seen grazing.
  • Ardingly is known for its natural features, historical sites, and outdoor activities. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from tranquil reservoirs to ancient churches and scenic trails.
  • The attractions around Ardingly are appreciated by the komoot community, with 295 upvotes and 50 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Ardingly Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Also a Local Nature Reserve, Ardingly Reservoir was built in the 1970s. It is a wildlife haven with Ospreys even seen here. There are two bird hides on this eastern shore while the south eastern end is a hive of watersports activity.

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Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre

Highlight • Rest Area

Apart from a café bar where you can stop for a break, this center offers a variety of activities at Ardingly Reservoir, including junior and adult sailing, paddleboard rentals, and the opportunity to try windsurfing, among others.

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Fletching is a really pleasant old Sussex village with many historical buildings, a couple of good pubs, village stores and a church. If you know where to look from, the village has some impressive views over Sheffield Park (and the Sussex Savannah), arguably some of the finest views in the county!

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Forest Way Country Park

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Running 10 miles (16 km) through the heart of East Sussex from East Grinstead to Groombridge, the Forest Way is a beautiful former railway line through some of the UK's most pleasant countryside. It's a traffic-free path that leads through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that's home to wildlife like swallows, badgers, deer and foxes. You can find toilet facilities at Forest Row.

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Turner's Hill South Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

This is quite a well known climb on a fairly busy road, from the south up to the village of Turners Hill.

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Tips from the Community

Sarah
March 20, 2025, Fletching Village and St. Andrew & St. Mary the Virgin Church

The cafe has re-opened Tuesday to Saturday closing at 4.30pm. Had the coffee and polenta cake - very yummy.

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There is a local car park at the Activity Centre leading straight onto the walk around the reservoir. Currently the foot path is very wet and muddy in places but would be a nice walk spring/summer/ autumn. There are a few benches around the reservoir for stopping and taking in the view.

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The perimeter path around the reservoir is very muddy in places currently due to the amount of rain. Welly boots needed in some places.

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Longer if you are travelling from the north towards Ardingly but gradual enough to get into a decent rhythm apart from the traffic at peak times.

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This is the location of the only (single) public toilet on this route, and there’s also a kiosk for hot and cold drinks and ice creams. Long queues for both.

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Natalie
November 3, 2023, Ardingly Reservoir

Also a Local Nature Reserve, Ardingly Reservoir was built in the 1970s. It is a wildlife haven with Ospreys even seen here. There are two bird hides on this eastern shore while the south eastern end is a hive of watersports activity.

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Apart from a café bar where you can stop for a break, this center offers a variety of activities at Ardingly Reservoir, including junior and adult sailing, paddleboard rentals, and the opportunity to try windsurfing, among others.

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Apart from a café bar where you can stop for a break, this center offers a variety of activities at Ardingly Reservoir, including junior and adult sailing, paddleboard rentals, and the opportunity to try windsurfing, among others.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Ardingly?

Ardingly is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Ardingly Reservoir, a local nature reserve known for wildlife and tranquil walks. Another excellent spot is Beggars Wood Road, Chailey Common Nature Reserve, a unique heathland where you might spot grazing animals. The Forest Way Country Park offers a traffic-free path through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Additionally, Wakehurst, often called 'Kew in the Country,' features extensive botanical gardens and woodlands.

Are there historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in Ardingly?

Yes, Ardingly and its surroundings offer several historical and cultural sites. You can explore Fletching Village and St. Andrew & St. Mary the Virgin Church, a pleasant old Sussex village with historical buildings and impressive views. St Peter's Church in Ardingly, dating back to around 1300, is a Grade I listed building with notable architecture and brasses. The spectacular Ouse Valley Viaduct, an Italianate-style railway viaduct built from over 11 million bricks, is also a significant landmark.

What kind of walking and hiking trails are available near Ardingly?

The area around Ardingly offers diverse walking and hiking opportunities. The Ardingly Reservoir has a really nice walk around it, with easy access. The Forest Way Country Park provides a 10-mile traffic-free path ideal for leisurely strolls through picturesque countryside. For more structured routes, you can find various running trails, including loops around Ardingly Reservoir and St Peter’s Church, on the Running Trails around Ardingly guide.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in the Ardingly area?

Absolutely. Ardingly Reservoir is family-friendly, offering easy walks and nature study. The Ardingly Activity Centre at the reservoir provides various watersports. The Forest Way Country Park is a traffic-free path suitable for families to enjoy nature and spot wildlife. Wakehurst, with its vast botanical gardens, also offers plenty for families to explore.

Can I find accessible trails or attractions for visitors with mobility needs?

Yes, Ardingly Reservoir features an easy-access trail, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. The Forest Way Country Park is also a traffic-free path, which can be more accessible for some.

What outdoor sports or activities can I do at Ardingly Reservoir?

At Ardingly Reservoir, you can enjoy tranquil walks and nature study, with bird hides available for wildlife observation. The Ardingly Activity Centre, located at the reservoir, offers various watersports such as sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing.

Where can I go for cycling near Ardingly?

Cycling enthusiasts will find options around Ardingly. The Forest Way Country Park offers a 10-mile traffic-free path, perfect for a leisurely ride. For more challenging routes, you can explore the Road Cycling Routes around Ardingly guide, which includes routes like the 'Ardingly Village – Lindfield High Street loop' and the 'Ditchling Village – Ditchling Beacon Road loop'.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Ardingly?

Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The walk around Ardingly Reservoir is often highlighted as 'really nice,' with easy access and opportunities to see wildlife. The historical charm of Fletching Village, with its old buildings and good pubs, is also a favorite. Many appreciate the serene and traffic-free nature of places like Beggars Wood Road, Chailey Common Nature Reserve.

Is Ardingly located within a protected natural area?

Yes, Ardingly is situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This protected countryside offers numerous walking and cycling routes amidst attractive wooded scenery, ensuring the preservation of its natural charm.

Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots worth visiting?

For scenic views, Fletching Village offers impressive vistas over Sheffield Park, considered some of the finest in the county. Ardingly College's quadrangle courtyard also provides impressive views of the Ouse Valley Viaduct and the High Weald countryside. Additionally, Turner's Hill South Climb offers a viewpoint from the village.

What events are held in the Ardingly area?

The South of England Showground in Ardingly regularly hosts a variety of events and business fairs. This includes the annual South of England Agricultural Show in June and the Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fairs, which have even been used for filming the BBC's 'Bargain Hunt'.

Can I find cafes or places to eat near the attractions?

Yes, Fletching Village, a short distance from Ardingly, has a couple of good pubs and village stores where you can find refreshments. While specific cafes aren't detailed for every attraction, many villages in the High Weald AONB offer local eateries.

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