Billingshurst
Billingshurst is a small West Sussex town, just 6 miles from the thriving market town of Horsham. It’s a popular place to live, not least because of its local amenities but also because of its location on the A272 which is the link road between the A23 and the M3, two of the county’s main routes heading north up to London.
From Billingshurst, it’s a quick trip down to the coast at Worthing, and for a colourful and exuberant seaside day out, Brighton is just along the coast. Between the sea and the South Downs, you’ll have plenty of options for outings and if you want to go even further afield, Gatwick Airport is a convenient 30-minute drive away.
The town has a combined secondary school and sixth form college, The Weald Community School, and the primary school is just up the road from it. There are green spaces and leisure places, local shops and local supermarkets, in a hometown that’s set in the gentle countryside between the South Downs and the High Weald.
Transport options
By car, the A272 will get you to Crawley in 30 minutes and to Petersfield in 50 minutes – stop off in Petworth as it’s gorgeous! The A24 will take you to Worthing in 30 minutes. Trains from Billinghurst’s station head for London Victoria and Bognor Regis on the South Western Line. The journey time to London is an hour and thirty minutes. As for Gatwick, that’s a bonus to have up the road – near enough for convenience, far enough not to disturb you.
Choice of shops
Billingshurst is home to a Tesco Express, a Morrisons Daily and a Sainsbury’s. Just outside town, there’s a Tesco Extra (on the A24 at Horsham) and a Tesco Superstore at Pulborough. There’s also a small McColl’s convenience store, a very useful Home Hardware shop, a café and gift shop, and an off-licence. Mole Country Stores is a good place for the keen gardeners amongst us. Add a butcher, a boutique, and a book shop and you’ve got just about everything close to home.
The South Downs National Park
With this beautiful, protected landscape on your doorstep, heading for the hills for a walk or a bike ride is a must at the weekend. The park covers 260 square miles from the Itchen Valley to Beachy Head. The Weald and Downland Living Museum will give your children a glimpse of traditional rural life and Petworth House and Deer Park are well worth a visit.