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The Horsham District covers 205 square miles (530 square kilometres) of varied countryside and attractive small towns and villages in the county of West Sussex.
Horsham is the main town, administrative and commercial centre of the area. There are also a large number of villages and open countryside, and more than 126,000 residents living in the whole District.

The Horsham District is bordered in the north by Surrey, by the distinctive shape of the South Downs along the southern border, by St Leonard’s Forest and the High Weald to the east, and the Arun Valley in the west. The South Downs (significant parts of which are in the Horsham District) and the High Weald are designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The coast and the sea are just a few miles to the south of the District.

Horsham’s town centre has won many awards for its design and sympathetic use of materials, as well as for its many “In Bloom” successes, including overall winner in the large town/small city category and ‘Bloomin’Wild’ award in Britain in Bloom 2007.

Horsham offers excellent shopping and leisure opportunities as well as retaining much of its historic architecture, and is a most attractive place for residents and visitors alike. Many comment on the continental al fresco style of the Carfax, with open air seating and eating intermingled amidst lots of specialist and interesting shops. The spacious public piazza and sundial sculpture of Blackhorse Way are also worth a visit.

The villages of Billingshurst, Henfield, Pulborough, Southwater, Steyning and Storrington are important population centres and each has its own unique character and charm. Many other picturesque villages and hamlets feature within the 33 parishes in the area.

There are a number of industrial estates and business parks in the District, including the newly developed Oakhurst Business Park in Southwater.

Employment levels are high and the District Council seeks to sustain the local economy and to support local businesses in a number of ways, not least by running initiatives for specific sections of the local economy, such as an annual Food and Drink Festival and the ‘MicroBiz’ Fair for small and home based businesses.

The Council also places particular emphasis on ensuring a pleasant environment and protecting the area’s diverse landscape and architectural heritage.

Six libraries, The Capitol theatre and cinema in Horsham, Christ’s Hospital Arts Centre, village halls, community centres and sports centres, play areas and open spaces, a rich variety of clubs and societies, together with excellent schools, adult learning centres and six museums located around the District are just a few of a wide spectrum of cultural and recreational opportunities on offer.

More information about a whole range of places to visit and things to do in the Horsham District is available from Horsham’s Tourist Information Centre (located in Horsham Museum - a fascinating, free of charge and must see experience - in Horsham’s Causeway): Tel: 01403 211661. Email: tourist.information@horsham.gov.uk