insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 03 - May 2015 | Page 68

TOWNSPOTLIGHT

S P O T L I G H T

O N

Horsham

by Lisamarie Lamb

Horsham, just 31 miles from London, is a world apart from the capital
with its relaxed atmosphere and space for visitors and locals alike to
breathe. This historic market town plays host to events, attractions,
and restaurants, and is just begging to be explored.

Horsham

history in brief
The name Horsham (the first mention of which
is in King Eadred’s 947AD land charter) is said
to have two origins. The first comes from the
term ‘horse ham’, which means a place to
keep horses, and the town was certainly known
for many centuries as a trading ground for
these four-legged beauties. The second story
suggests that the name instead comes from
‘Horsa’s Ham’. Horsa was an Anglo Saxon
warrior whose feats in battle earned him land
in the Sussex Weald. Interestingly, although
Horsham certainly existed at the time, it was not
mentioned in the Domesday Book; perhaps this
was an early clerical error!
The famous markets started in the middle ages,
and there were two weekly. This soon grew, and
Horsham became well known not only for these
markets, but for the annual summer fairs it held
as well.

things to do
Huxley’s Birds of Prey Centre - If ever
the term ‘hidden gem’ were required as a
description, it’s when talking about Huxley’s
Birds of Prey Centre. Tucked away behind a
garden centre, the venue allows close up and

personal contact with many species of birds.
There are 80 birds within the centre, and the
experts are keen to show them off through flying
displays. You will learn more than you realised
you could about birds of prey, and witness some
spectacular sights.

Huxley’s Birds of Prey Centre

Warnham Nature Reserve - With well marked
and maintained paths, plenty of wildlife, and
an abundance of plants, this is a nature lover’s
paradise. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the
fresh air and stroll around this gorgeous nature
reserve which really is somewhere you can take
a break from the outside world. There is a small
café that serves hot and cold drinks and snacks,
so in good weather (or even in bad if you don’t
mind it) you could spend an entire day getting
back to nature in the peace and quiet.
The Capitol Theatre - Horsham’s own
400-seat theatre, the Capitol puts on quality
shows all year round, from the local amateur

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productions to star studded performances
from the likes of Al Murray, Midge Ure, Freddie
Flintoff, and Basil Brush. With an excellent bar
and café, and a comfortable lobby, this clean
and stylish (it recently had a £6m makeover)
theatre is a joy to visit.

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery - If you
want to learn more about Horsham itself and
social history in general, then why not visit
the Horsham Museum? You can browse the
exhibits yourself, or be guided through by the
enthusiastic staff, who will tell you everything
you need to know, and answer even the
hardest of questions. It’s free to enter, although
donations are gratefully received
Darkstar Brewery - For real ale connoisseurs,
this is a must. Although not exactly a tourist
attraction, if you call in advance to make
arrangements, an expert brewer will be able to
meet up with you in the brewery on a Saturday
to talk you through the art of making fine beer.
Fascinating and technical in turns, this is a rare
opportunity to find out exactly what goes into
the beer making process, and it is great to hear
the details from someone who clearly loves their
job. You can even take some beer away with
you at the end!