Hurstpierpoint: Churches, Village Traditions and Walking Routes

In Hurstpierpoint, diverse church histories are as much a part of the village’s character as a long-standing village event, a historic theatre and walks through the countryside. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether you are particularly interested in architectural history, the events scheduled during your visit, or the surrounding area.

Churches and Architectural History

Holy Trinity Church is a Grade II* listed parish church. It was built in 1843–1845 by the architect Sir Charles Barry, replacing a medieval church on the same site. The origins of the Church of St George are different: it was built in 1852 as a private chapel following a disagreement with the parish priest. The church, which has remained almost entirely intact, is now Anglican and Grade II listed. The two histories therefore differ both in their original function and in their construction dates: one is a new church replacing a medieval one, while the other was founded as a private chapel.

Village Traditions and Events

St Lawrence Fair has been held every year since the royal charter granted by King Edward II, with breaks during the First and Second World Wars. The event includes a fair, a carnival procession, a run through the village, competitions for children and a teddy bear picnic. Individual activities may vary from year to year, so check the announced dates and programme for your visit.

The Hurst Festival also offers a varied programme of events. Places can be booked for events, and the programme changes every year. Two different aspects are therefore important when planning: St Lawrence Fair centres on an annual tradition, while the changing programme can determine which individual events you choose at the Hurst Festival.

Theatre and Getting There

The Hurst Players’ historic theatre is at the eastern end of the High Street, opposite South Avenue. Bus routes 33 and 273 stop directly outside the theatre. Hassocks station is about 1.5 miles from the theatre. If you are planning your journey around a theatre visit, check the latest timetables and information about rail connections: routes and rail access may change.

Gardens, Meadows and Walking Routes

St George’s Millennium Garden was protected from development so that it could be preserved as a refuge for wildlife. In Hurst Meadows, the Hurst Heritage Trail passes through the meadows. Gates along the way offer a view of the chapel at Hurstpierpoint College. The trail and the view are two specific points of reference for the countryside part of a visit.

Danny Park is easily accessible from Hurstpierpoint. Numerous well-maintained, signposted footpaths cross the park; the most impressive approach to Wolstonbury Hill from the north passes through the grounds. The landscape features described here are therefore clearly distinct: the Heritage Trail runs through Hurst Meadows, while Danny Park offers both paths through the park and the northern approach to Wolstonbury Hill.

For the wider travel overview: West Sussex.