Sunninghill: Architecture, History and Village Life

Sunninghill brings together church architecture, country house history and a literary connection with regular community life. The Church of St Michael and All Angels has two clearly dated building phases; The Cedars is associated with Sir Walter Scott, and the Sunninghill Street Fayre takes place every two years. This allows you to consider historical interests and a specific event date separately when planning your trip.

Church Architecture and Building History

The Church of St Michael and All Angels was built as a parish church in 1808 and extended in the Perpendicular style in 1826–1827. The dates distinguish the original building from the later extension; the reference to the style applies to the extension, not to the building’s entire history. The building is listed as a Grade II listed building. The church also contains a reused Norman arch with chevron ornament. Perpendicular and chevron therefore refer to two different architectural features: one to the style of the extension, the other to the arch’s ornament.

Literature and Historic Houses

The Cedars, near Sunninghill Church, is where Sir Walter Scott wrote his poem “Marmion”. The literary connection is therefore tied to a specific place and a particular work. The village’s history also reaches back to the great country houses of the 18th century: their development around Sunninghill was accelerated by the discovery of healing salt springs. This historical connection provides context for the development of these houses.

Silwood Park and the former stable block were built by Alfred Waterhouse in the Gothic style in 1876–1878. This date marks a later period than the development of the great country houses in the 18th century. The farmhouse at Silwood Park is one of the historic smaller houses in the Parish of Sunninghill. It broadens the picture of house history by adding a different scale from that of the great country houses.

Parish Area and Village Life

On a broader geographical scale, the Parish of Sunninghill lies in close proximity to Windsor Great Park. In the wider parish context of Sunninghill and Ascot, the bell barrow on Bowledge Hill is designated a Scheduled Monument. Both references help place the wider parish area in context.

The Parish Council organises the Sunninghill Street Fayre every two years. The Fayre’s return to Sunninghill High Street has been announced. As the venue may vary for future editions, check the date and location of the particular edition you plan to attend.

Residents and visitors can use Victory Field Recreation Ground; the Parish Council is responsible for its upkeep. Maintenance and use arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before planning a visit. Coombe Lane Woods has a different access condition: as of 10 August 2026, it is privately owned and is not currently a recognised public right of way. As the status may change, check current access arrangements before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Cookham, Datchet, Hurley, Wraysbury, Ascot, Maidenhead, Sunningdale, Windsor

For the wider travel overview: Windsor And Maidenhead.