About Steyning

Steyning is a small town surrounded by the South Downs, just 6 miles from Shoreham-by-Sea, 8 miles from Worthing, 12 miles from Brighton and 13 miles from Horsham. Sadly, as with most other small villages and towns there is no longer a railway service, the closest being at Shoreham-by-Sea. There are buses that run through Steyning from Brighton, Horsham and Worthing.

History is all around you in Steyning. The buildings show that rich mixture of styles which is the England of your imagination. The legacy of the Normans is still here in the fine church of St Andrew's and the ruins of Bramber Castle. Visit Steyning's Museum to learn the story of St Cuthman and the Saxon port which took his name. For many centuries a livestock market was held in the High Street, with deals being struck in one of the old coaching inns or the Market House. A glance at the workhouse or at Penns House, where William Penn often came to preach, reminds us that history did not pass Steyning by.

It is perhaps in Church Street that our past is most keenly felt. King Charles II is thought to have tarried nervously whilst fleeing from Cromwell's troops en route to the safety of France, at the forge which jostled side by side with the wheelwright, the barrel maker and the inn keepers. Down the street John Launder was hurried from his prison cell to be burnt for heresy on Chantry Green. In the midst of all this stands Brotherhood Hall, a school for the past 400 years which is still bustling with young people.

At Steyning's heart are the timber framed buildings of Tudor and Stuart Tradesmen. Subtle changes over the years have only added to their attraction. Steyning has 125 listed buildings.

Steyning has many shops that can provide virtually any requirement and has places of interest to visit for anyone interested in history. There are adequate car parking facilities and when you are tired from walking around, there are tea shops, pubs and restaurants to relax in. There is a recently opened swimming pool which attracts people from all around the area and Steyning Sports Centre has recently been upgraded.

Steyning is not only a interesting place to visit, it is also a ideal place for residents. There is a great community life with many activities organised throughout the year for the enjoyment of both residents and tourists.

There are playgroups, a Church of England Primary School and Steyning Grammar School. Steyning Grammar School has a Lower School set in a superb old building in Church Street dating back to 1614 and an Upper School, complete with a sixth form centre at Shooting Field.

There are several churches to choose from in Steyning. St Andrew's Parish Church in Church Street, The Church of Christ the King in Bramber Road, Steyning Methodist Church and the Steyning Community church that meet in the Steyning Centre.

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