Lurgashall: Village History and Nature Trails

Lurgashall Between Architectural History and Nature

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Lurgashall, it is worth first considering what you would like to focus on during your stay. Listed buildings offer a starting point for an interest in architectural history; the village shop, pond and trails offer other points of focus. This lets you explore specific themes—from different periods of construction to landscapes that can be discovered on walks.

Listed Buildings

The Parish Church of St Lawrence in Lurgashall is a Grade II* listed church. The churchyard of St Laurence borders fields and woodland. Together, the church and the edge of the landscape add a distinctive dimension to local history, without requiring knowledge of any particular architectural style.

The Noah's Ark Inn is also a Grade II listed pub. Its exterior dates from the 18th century and stands over a timber-framed building believed to date from the 17th century. Two periods therefore meet here: the design of the exterior and the probably older timber-framed building. If you are planning a visit, check the current food and drink offering separately.

At Wheelwright's House, the construction dates correspond to its two wings: the north wing dates from the 17th century or earlier, and the south wing from the 18th century. The building is Grade II listed. In contrast to the Noah's Ark Inn, the focus here is on the different dates of the building's parts. Those interested in historic buildings can thus explore several specific periods in Lurgashall's history.

Village Shop and Village Green

Lurgashall Village Shop & Post Office has been in existence for almost 200 years and has been run by the community since March 2018. As a community enterprise, it supports local producers and suppliers with a varied range of goods. Its long history and community ownership make the shop a subject in its own right, alongside the listed buildings.

The offering includes tea, coffee, cake and savoury sausage rolls. The seating area looks out over the village green. The shop therefore combines refreshments and a view of the village green with its community-focused mission. The range of goods and service details may change; check them before planning a visit.

Ponds, Heathland and Walks

The ponds on Black Down provide a habitat for dragonflies and damselflies, including the rare black darter dragonfly. Typical heathland vegetation grows alongside the trail, such as gorse, heather and silver birch. Here, habitats and plants take centre stage, while the listed buildings tell a story of construction periods and building features.

The Lurgashall Loop passes through woodland, orchards and fields before returning along a lane. Its approximate duration of one hour provides a useful guide for planning your time. The steps on a bank are another specific trail feature to take into account when planning.

The Temple of the Winds trail has a different focus: it is a circular route through woodland and heathland. Conditions can change seasonally, so check them before your walk. When choosing between the trails, you can consider the differences described: the Lurgashall Loop has an approximate duration and passes through woodland, orchards and fields; the Temple of the Winds trail is defined by its circular route through woodland and heathland.

The timing also matters for plans involving a vineyard. On 29 April 2025, Blackdown Ridge announced that the vineyard would close as Martin Cook retired. If you are relying on older information about tours or tastings, check the latest status in advance.

Discover more destinations: Coldwaltham, Worthing, Steyning, Walberton, Horsham, Pulborough, Petworth, Littlehampton

For the broader travel guide: West Sussex.