Discover the best things to do in Felbridge, West Sussex
Local attractions near the Star Inn
Settle in for a memorable stay in Felbridge, a charming village that sits on the border of Surrey and West Sussex. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing countryside stroll or an exciting day out, the local area offers everything from history and nature to family-friendly attractions.
If you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to things to do in Felbridge and its surrounding area, here are some top recommendations for your itinerary. From grand National Trust properties to fascinating wildlife parks, these are our favourites – not including a visit to the local Star Inn pub, of course.
Ashdown Forest
Venture a little further beyond Standen House and you’ll find the rolling landscapes of Ashdown Forest. This vast conservation area features a mix of enchanting forest, historic deer park and sweeping heathland, which can all be explored on various walking trails.
Ashdown’s biggest claim to fame is the fact it was the inspiration behind the idyllic Hundred Acre Wood in A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories. In fact, you’ll even spot various nods to the charming children’s books throughout the forest, including Pooh Sticks Bridge and Roo’s Sandy Pit.
Fiction aside, the forest is also a wonderful location for wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for wild ponies grazing, as well as rare birds like nightjars and owls soaring through the skies. When you’ve finished discovering the best of the forest, make your way to the Star Inn, one of the best pubs near Ashdown Forest.
Standen House
If you love arts and crafts, a trip to Standen House is a must. This breathtaking National Trust site is among the top things to do in West Sussex.
Walk through the home’s vibrant rooms that feature amazing décor, including Morris & Co. fabrics and wallpapers. Outside, you’ll also have access to a stunning 12-acre garden that stretches out across the hillside, bursting with lush, seasonal plant life.
If you’re looking for pubs near Standen House for a wholesome meal after exploring its intricate interiors, look no further than the Star Inn. Our cosy countryside pub is less than a 10-minute drive away.
Sheffield Park and Garden
Another National Trust site worth putting on your radar is Sheffield Park and Garden. It’s a spectacular Grade I listed garden and the perfect place to soak up the great outdoors throughout the year. As well as wandering through formal gardens inspired by notable landscapers like Capability Brown and Humphry Repton, there are wild forests and acres of historic deer park to also admire.
Make your way to the southern edge of the park, and you’ll see the River Ouse running freely through wildflower-studded meadows during the summer months. Sheffield Park Garden also features five shimmering lakes, crisscrossed with bridges and linked together by the mesmerising Pulham Falls cascades. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Felbridge.
East Grinstead Museum
A trip to the quaint but information-packed East Grinstead Museum is one of the best things to do in East Grinstead. This charming town shares a border with Felbridge and its history stretches all the way back to medieval times when it was founded by a French nobleman.
One of the museum’s permanent exhibitions looks at the history of the town and the local area. Engage to discover more about the man who founded it in the 12th century and its history as an important coaching town between London and the coast.
The museum also hosts a great exhibition all about the Guinea Pig Club, a society that began in the Second World War and pioneered many techniques and procedures for reconstructive and plastic surgery on injured soldiers.
British Wildlife Centre
If a day in the great outdoors is on your wish list, there’s no better place to go than the British Wildlife Centre. Just up the road from the Star Inn, this wildlife centre is home to over 40 different species of native British wildlife, including foxes, otters, red squirrels, and Scottish wildcats.
Explore the enclosures at your own pace, or join special talks with the centre’s knowledgeable keepers throughout the day. Each talk takes about 15 minutes and focuses on a certain species, leaving you with plenty of fascinating facts to take away.
You can also take a stroll along the Wetland Boardwalk, which fringes the centre’s lush, protected nature reserve that was created in 2006. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in West Sussex when you’re in the Felbridge area.