Hurstpierpoint (affectionately shortened to Hurst by locals) is a quaint village situated in the Mid Sussex district of West Sussex. Together with Sayers Common it forms one of the Mid Sussex civil parishes, with an area of 2029.88 ha and has a population of circa 6,264 people.  

It is perfectly nestled between the busier commuter towns of Burgess Hill (4 miles southwest) and Hassocks (1.5miles West) which provides access to the nearest railway station giving direct links into London. 

 

HISTORY

Many of the houses in the village date from the 18th century or earlier, and their variety and character are so attractive that the centre of the village and surrounding area is designated as a Conservation Area. The Parish itself has over 90 listed buildings.

The village name is an interesting amalgamation of the Saxon name for wood “Hurst” and named after the de Pierpoint family who arrived in England with William the Conqueror in 1066.  

Historically, the village was noted in the Domesday book completed in 1086 and many of the houses in the village date from 18th century or earlier which undoubtedly adds to the architectural charm of the village.  

 

TOP THINGS TO DO

HURST FESTIVAL

Hurst Festival is a spectacular annual event run entirely by a committee of volunteers. The festival was first conceived in 2004 by a group of friends who wanted to showcase the local talent whilst building on a sense of community within the village. Since then the event has run over two weeks every September to provide the opportunity to build friendships, experience something new and feel connected to the local community - well worth a visit!   

WASHBROOKS FARM 

Washbrooks Family Farm is an absolute must-see! Idyllically nestled within the rolling hills of the South Downs it has plenty to offer to keep the whole family entertained.  

There are all of the animals you’d expect to see at a farm, along with a few surprises like Llamas and Alpacas and what’s more the farm also has indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, tractor rides, sandpits and trampolines. When you’ve tired everyone out be sure to enjoy a slice of cake and a cup of tea in their beautiful tearoom! 

JILL’s WINDMILL 

Jill Windmill is situated in Clayton, West Sussed just 2.4miles outside of Hurstpierpoint and is a restored traditional working windmill, originally built in 1821.  

The windmill is open most Sundays between May and September and admission is free. Jill grinds flour when the weather permits which, if you’re in luck, you can purchase from the gift shop along with other delightful souvenirs on sale.  

 

TOP 5 PLACES TO EAT 

Hurstpierpoint is brimming with a wide range of places to eat in and around the village - here’s our pick of the top 5!  

Fig Tree

1. Opened in 2016 and was awarded a certificate of excellence, this restaurant prides itself on excellent customer service along with a high-quality gourmet cuisine menu. They also provide catering for events between 50-100 people should you have a private event coming up. Click here to make a reservation.  

Morleys Bistro 

2. Located on the highstreet, Morleys Bistro has a relaxed restaurant atmosphere serving a variety of European dishes with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available. There are also 5 guest rooms available which are bookable online should you decide you don’t want to drive home! Click here to book a table.  

The New Inn 

3. The New Inn pub is set in a Grade II listed building in the heart of Hurstpierpoint village.  It is a gourmet pub serving a wide range of dishes from traditional pub dishes to more exotic flavours.  They also have function and party rooms available for weddings or other celebrations. Click here to make a booking.  

Nupur Indian Restaurant

4. The home of Indian cuisine in the heart of Sussex! Open for over 30years the restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, using the freshest Indian authentic spices and ingredients.  A takeaway menu is also available for a cosy night in! Click here to make a booking.  

The Ginger Fox

5. Set in the beautiful backdrop of the South Downs, part of the award winning Ginger restaurant group, the Ginger Fox serves high quality seasonal and locally sourced menu from fish to meat along with local ales and award-winning wine from Ridgeview.  A must-visit on a summer's day to sit in their stunning beer garden and enjoy the views whilst the children play in the play area. Click here to make a booking.

 

LOCAL SCHOOLS

St Lawrence Primary School

Hurstpierpoint's village school is a larger than average school, rated outstanding in their last Ofsted Inspection; Good in the latest SIAMS report in 2018, it serves the village of Hurstpierpoint and the surrounding area. The school holds the International School Award, Artsmark Gold Award, Dyslexia Friendly Award, Autistic Aware Award, Investors in People and the Basic Skills Award. Click here for more details on the school including contact and admission information.    

Downlands Community School

A comprehensive for pupils aged 11-16, rated outstanding in it’s Ofsted report in 2016.   This is a thriving school with an ethos of “learning at the heart of everything we do”. What’s more, pupils now have access to the latest state of the art facilities thanks to it’s recent £6 million building project which saw the refurbishment to provide new classrooms, music and dance studios along with upgraded 3G all weather pitches.    Click here for more details on the school including contact and admission information.    

Hurstpierpoint College 

A co-educational day and private boarding school for pupils from age 4 to 18 years old, situated within a 140-acre campus and surrounded by beautiful countryside close to the village of Hurstpierpoint. The college was established in 1849 and in 1993 the Prep School opened its doors to girls after being an all-boys school for nearly 150 years! Click here for more details on the school including contact and admission information. 

 

GETTING HERE

Train

Hassocks train station is the closest train station to the village, with direct trains running from London and Brighton. Check the train times here.

Taxi 

Local taxi companies to Hurstpierpoint: 

South Downs Taxi – 01273 846666

5 Star Taxi, Hassocks – 01273 846666

Car

The A23, connecting the M25 and Brighton, runs close by Hurstpierpoint with easy access into the village.

Bus

• The 33 Bus runs between Haywards Heath, Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint
• The 273 Bus runs between Crawley and Brighton, via Hurstpierpoint
• The 331 Bus runs between Keymer, Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common

The 590 Bus runs between Sayers Common, Hurstpierpoint, Keymer and Albourne.

 

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