Coldwaltham: Tidal Reach, Wetlands and Churches

Coldwaltham is a parish at the upper end of the River Arun’s tidal reach, immediately north of the chalk South Downs. This brings two distinct landscape features to the fore: its riverside location and its proximity to the Chalk Downs. Nature and local history offer further themes to consider when planning a trip.

Landscape and Nature

The Wild Brooks wetlands provide a habitat and stopover for large numbers of wild birds and other wildlife. At Waltham Brooks, by contrast, the specific location is an important point of reference: the nature reserve lies south of Brook Lane in Coldwaltham. These two nature-related attractions complement each other: Wild Brooks demonstrates the importance of wetlands to wildlife, while Waltham Brooks identifies a named location within the parish. Those choosing nature as a focus will find both a connection to wildlife and a precise location to help with planning.

Churches and History

The present-day church of St Giles in Coldwaltham has stood for around 800 years. Its tower dates from the 13th century and is the only part of the church to have survived largely in its original condition. The tower is classified as Early English. At St Giles, then, you can distinguish the approximate age of the present-day church, the date of the tower, and its state of preservation—three aspects that together give a more concrete picture of local architectural history.

St Botolph’s Church in Hardham also forms part of the historical picture within the parish of Coldwaltham. The available evidence points to its construction before the Norman Conquest, in the late Saxon period. This dates it further back than the approximate history of St Giles. Those interested in churches can therefore include two distinct historical periods in their trip planning.

Champs Hill: Music and Gardens

Concerts and other events are held in the Music Room at Champs Hill, with a programme each season. The gardens cover 27 acres of woodland and disused quarries. This description encompasses both wooded areas and former quarry sites, giving the gardens a different focus from the events programme in the Music Room.

Access to Champs Hill is by appointment only. Groups of ten or more can visit the gardens between March and August by prior arrangement. When planning, therefore, take both the group size and the seasonal window into account. Arrange your visit in advance rather than assuming you can drop in.

Pulborough railway station is about 3 miles from Champs Hill; a taxi should be booked in advance. This gives you a specific reference point for travelling to this events and gardens destination.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The A29 serves the parish of Coldwaltham. To the north it connects with the A272, and to the south, at Arundel, with the A27. These road connections provide a guide for travelling from different directions. Rail connections serving the parish are available at Pulborough, Amberley and Arundel. Check the relevant timetable details before travelling to make sure your plans match your specific connection.

When choosing a hotel, it helps to first consider how you plan to travel and what you want to focus on during your stay. The road and rail connections mentioned above provide a guide, while the nature sites, churches and Champs Hill programme each offer their own focus.

Discover more destinations: Haywards Heath, Westbourne, Walberton, Shoreham-By-Sea, Balcombe, Billingshurst, Birdham, Wiston.

For the broader travel overview: West Sussex.