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A complete guide to living in Horsham

Are you considering moving to Horsham? Or perhaps you have recently relocated. To give you a helping hand, we at Farlington School have created this guide to help you get to know Horsham and the surrounding area.

A historic market town in West Sussex, Horsham is located 31 miles from London and 18.5 miles from Brighton - a convenient location for commuting to the capital or enjoying a day out by the coast.

Horsham is a picturesque town known for its rich history, beautiful architecture and friendly community. With charming cobbled streets full of delightful shops and cosy cafes, an attractive market square, and a beautiful park complete with huge adventure playground and open-air swimming pool, Horsham seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern amenities and family-friendly spaces.

Horsham pic

According to the census, Horsham's population grew 11.8% between 2011 and 2021, with many families choosing to settle and raise children in Horsham. And it's easy to see why, with Horsham recently rated one of the best places to live in the UK.

Discover more about Horsham below. 

House prices & estate agents in Horsham

According to property sale data from HM Land Registry, the average property price in Horsham is £489,806. 

  • Area type: Non-Metropolitan District
  • Average Detached House Price: £753,207
  • Average Semi-Detached House Price: £443,813
  • Average Terraced House Price: £367,498 
  • Average Flat Price: £229,927 

 

Estate Agents in Horsham

For more information on properties in Horsham, contact these local estate agents:

  1. Brock Taylor Estate Agents Horsham
  2. Hamptons Estate Agents Horsham
  3. Leaders Letting & Estate Agents Horsham
  4. Henry Adams Estate Agents
  5. Woodlands Estate Agents-Horsham Property Sales

What makes Horsham a great place to live?

In 2020, Halifax named Horsham the fourth best place to live in their Quality of Life Survey, and in recent years many Londoners have chosen to swap the capital for a quieter pace of life and more affordable porperty in the West Sussex market town.

Horsham is certainly a town on the up, with many exciting developments in the pipeline. Horsham Enterprise Park, an 18.5-acre 'vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood' proposed by urban regeneration specialists Muse Development, is planned to deliver up to 270,000 square feet of high-quality employment space, including offices, R&D facilities and an Enterprise Hub. Plans for the site also include 260 new homes, with a 35% affordable housing provision, and a range of shops and amenities surrounded by generous outdoor spaces for the local community to enjoy.

Schools in Horsham

For those with children or who plan to start a family in the future, one of the most important considerations when moving to a new area is the quality of schools nearby.

In Horsham, there is a range of both state and independent schools to choose from.

If you are considering an independent education for your child, Farlington School is located just a few minutes from Horsham town centre, and nestled in 33 acres of beautfiul Sussex parkland. Providing an excellent all-round education and a happy and engaging learning environment for boys and girls from nursery right up to Sixth Form, Farlington is proud to be the only co-educational independent school and nursery for ages 4 to 18 in the Horsham area, welcoming both day and boarding students.

If you would like to come and see for yourself what makes Farlington School such a wonderful place to learn and grow, please contact our Admissions Team to arrange a visit.

Transport links in Horsham

Horsham is surrounded by beautiful countryside and just a short drive from the coast, yet also only a short train journey from London. 

Travelling in Horsham is easy thanks to the excellent transport links in the area:

  • Road - The A24, which runs through Horsham, connects south west London to the south coast. Horsham is a short drive from the M23, which connects to the M25 and London.
  • Train Horsham Railway Station is located in the town centre and provides direct services to London Victoria, London Bridge and Gatwick Airport. Horsham Station is also serviced by fast and regular trains to/from Brighton, meaning a day trip to the coast is just 40 minutes away. 
  • Bus - Horsham has a bus station in the town centre that is served by a number of local and regional buses (Horsham Bus Map).
  • Cycling - For those who enjoy cycling, there are plenty of cycle paths in the local area, including the popular Downs Link. Horsham is also part of the National Cycle Network
  • Airport - Horsham is located within easy reach of Gatwick Airport, one of the UK's largest airports providing direct flights to destinations worldwide. 

Horsham Facebook groups & online forums

Before moving to a new area, it is useful to reach out to locals for tips. A great way to do this is via local Facebook groups and forums.

We have prepared a list of useful Facebook groups for anyone thinking of moving to Horsham.

  1. Horsham Community Notice Board A forum for the people of Horsham to share their views, local events and information.
  2. Spotted: Horsham Community Group UK - An active Facebook page dedicated to   Horsham and the surrounding communities.
  3. Horsham District Council Horsham Council's official Facebook page. 
  4. Horsham Forum - A local forum covering everything there is to know about  Horsham.
  5. Horsham Natters - A place where locals discuss Horsham-related matters. 

Things to do in Horsham

Horsham offers a vibrant and lively community with plenty of things to do. We have put together a list of just some of the local activities available - so take your family out and explore!

  • Visit St. Mary's Church in the town centre, which dates back to the 13th century.
  • Take a stroll through beautiful Horsham Park, which offers lovely walking paths, pretty gardens, a wonderful children's play area and a bandstand.
  • Explore the picturesque Warnham Local Nature Reserve, home to a diverse range of wildlife and habitats, including lakes, wetlands, and meadows.
  • Check out the Horsham Museum and Art Gallery, which offers exhibits on the town's history and local art.
  • Visit the charming Horsham Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday and offers a variety of local produce and artisanal products.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the River Arun.
  • Explore the impressive Southwater Country Park, which offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, cycling, and water sports.
  • Check out the Capitol Horsham, a historic cinema and theatre that hosts a variety of live performances and screenings.
  • Head to the nearby village of Rudgwick to visit the beautiful St. John the Baptist Church, which dates back to the 12th century.
  • Visit Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden that features a range of rare and exotic plants, as well as resident wallabies.

Places to eat in Horsham

There are many wonderful eateries in Horsham, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafes.

We have prepared a list of our favourite restaurants and cafes in Horsham and the surrounding area:

  • The Pass at South Lodge: A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its tasting menus and contemporary British cuisine.

  • The Crabtree: A family-friendly pub that offers a variety of British classics, including fish and chips and steak.

  • La Piazzetta: An Italian restaurant that specialises in authentic wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta dishes.

  • The Milk Churn: A cafe serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.

  • Wildwood: A casual chain restaurant that serves pizza, pasta, burgers and salads in a family-friendly atmosphere.

  • The Olive Branch: A family-run Mediterranean restaurant that offers a range of dishes from Greece, Italy, and Spain.

  • Zeytin: Offering excellent traditional Turkish food, all of Zeytin's dishes are made from fresh ingredients. 

  • China Brasserie: A favourite with Chinese food lovers, China Brasserie services a range of delicious Chinese dishes.

Where to go shopping in Horsham

Horsham offers a wide range of shops for all the family, from independent boutiques to superstores. Take a look at our shopping suggestions below:

  • Swan Walk Shopping Centre: This is a large indoor shopping centre in the heart of Horsham, offering a huge range of shops including fashion, beauty, electronics, homeware and more.

  • Piries Place: This is a modern development in the centre of Horsham, offering a range of shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as a cinema.

  • Horsham Markets: Horsham hosts various markets throughout the year, including a weekly farmers' market, craft markets and Christmas markets. Here you'll find fresh produce, handmade crafts and unique gifts.

  • John Lewis & Partners: A wide range of quality products, including fashion, homeware, beauty and electronics, plus an in-store cafe.

  • Waitrose Horsham: High-quality food and homeware.

  • M&S Horsham: Located in the Swan Walk Shopping Centre, at M&S you'll find clothing, food and homeware products.

  • Wilko: A budget retailer offering a range of home essentials, stationery and DIY products, Wilko is located in the Swan Walk Shopping Centre.

  • Boots: The popular high-street pharmacy is also located in the Swan Walk Shopping Centre.

  • Waterstones: A popular bookshop chain, Waterstones Horsham offers a range of books, stationery and gifts, as well as a lovely cafe on the first floor.

  • The Works: A budget retailer offering a range of books, stationery, crafts and gifts.

Sport & entertainment in Horsham

In Horsham, there are plenty of sporting activities and other exciting events to keep you and your family busy in your spare time.

Sporting and leisure activities in Horsham:

  • Horsham District Scouts - Provides opportunities for young people aged 6 to 25 to participate in outdoor adventures, learn new skills and develop their teamwork and leadership abilities.
  • Horsham Martial Arts - Provides training in traditional martial arts for children aged 4 and up, focusing on discipline, respect and self-defence.
  • Horsham Football Club - Providing coaching and opportunities for competitive play for youth teams (ages 4 to 18).
  • Horsham Swimming Club - Coaching and competitive opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities, including juniors.
  • Horsham Cricket & Squash Club - Coaching and competitive play for young cricketers aged 5 to 18.
  • Horsham Gymnastics Centre - Offering classes for children of all ages and abilities, teaching skills such as balance, flexibility and strength.

Entertainment venues and events in Horsham:

Parks in Horsham

If you love the great outdoors, then Horsham is the place for you! There are plenty of green spaces, parks and woodlands for you to explore in the area; you may even be lucky enough to catch sight of some wildlife while you are out and about.

  • Horsham ParkGreen space with sensory gardens, tennis courts, skate park, playground, orienteering opportunities and a café.
  • Warnham Local Nature Reserve 
  • Chesworth Farm
  • Southwater Country Park
  • St Leonard's Forest -  At the western end of the Wealden Forest Ridge, which runs from Horsham to Tonbridge. Part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 
  • Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods 
  • Denne Park
  • Rudgwick Brickworks Pond and Nature Reserve #
  • Knepp Estate

Nurseries in Horsham

There are many nurseries and preschools in Horsham, and we are excited to announce the launch of our very own nursery, Little Farlington, which will open in September 2023. 

This exciting new nursery, located within the stunning grounds of Farlington School, will cater for children from 6 months to 4 years and will be open 51 weeks per year. To find out more, please click here

Looking for a school in Horsham?

If you are looking for an excellent co-educational independent school and nursery in Horsham for ages 4 to 18, please do come and say hello!

To arrange a tour of Farlington School or to find out about our next Open Morning, please see Visiting Farlington.