TOWNSPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON PULBOROUGH cont .
TOP SPOT
If you are looking for a picture-perfect wedding venue , look no further than Bignor Park . This mansion house ticks all of the boxes to give you the very best on your special day , including a magnificent setting , room for guests , excellent food and attentive staff .
DID YOU KNOW ?
Britain ’ s oldest bell can be found in St Botolph ’ s Church , Hardham , near to Pulborough . Although it is undated , it is thought to date back to about 1100AD .
THINGS TO DO
Bignor Roman Villa Bignor Roman Village is what remains of a once grandiose Roman home . It is still possible to see the remains of a colourful mosaic floor , as well as find out why this particular spot was so important to the Romans who settled here . There is so much history to find out about and so much to learn – your visit will stay with you for a long time to come .
Parham House & Gardens Parham House is set within a huge 875 acres in the South Downs , space that includes a 16th-century deer park . The house itself is considered one of the country ’ s finest examples of Elizabethan architecture with a world-renowned ‘ long gallery ’. The gardens consist of beautiful grounds and a four-acre walled garden . There are also herbaceous borders , a glasshouse , vegetable garden , orchard and a 1920 ’ s Wendy house .
South Downs Light Railway Completely volunteer run , the South Downs Light Railway makes its main home in the Pulborough Garden Centre . From here , you can take a steam train ride from Stopham Road Station through the beautiful Pulborough countryside , taking in the gorgeous views as you go . Recent refurbishment works mean that the station and the trains are now more comfortable and better looking – perfect for a family day out .
Pulborough Brooks RSPB Take a walk through this lovely nature reserve and you will really feel close to nature . There are thousands of wild birds here and at different times of the year you can spot different breeds . There are also a number of events throughout the year , so you can learn more about our beautiful countryside .
DINING OUT
The Banyan Tree The idea behind The Banyan Tree Indian restaurant in Pulborough is about creating a friendly and sociable place to enjoy exceptional food with family and friends . The restaurant succeeds easily on both fronts and it is the kind of place you will want to return to again and again . With traditional favourites on the menu along with some new flavours , including beef dahiwala , pork chana palak and fish moilee , you are sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds whether you like it mild or spicy .
The White Hart Serving breakfast , lunch and dinner and nestled perfectly on the banks of the River Arun , this traditional British pub uses locally sourced produce to create freshly made dishes . The pub has recently reopened under new management after terrible flooding and the food is delightful including dishes such as pan-seared scallops on caramelised shallot puree , mixed herb salad and shallot crisps ; the Spanish twist burger – marinated chicken breast , grilled chorizo , manchego cheese and herb mayonnaise in a toasted brioche bun ; and the Alabama hotpot with special rice and chunky Mediterranean-style bread .
The Rising Sun Their website states that the Rising Sun is ‘ bringing local back to the community ’, and the owners do this by creating a really welcoming atmosphere complete with picturesque surroundings and a good range of locally sourced food including pan-fried chicken breast , crispy bacon and avocado salad ; pea and wild garlic risotto with spring vegetables , parmesan crisp and baby watercress ; and roast loin of pork served with goose fat potatoes , Yorkshire pudding , seasonal vegetables , apple sauce and a red wine jus . They also have great live music in the evenings .
UPCOMING ANNUAL EVENTS
Pulborough Harvest Fair // Sep This is an annual event celebrating village life , rural crafts , food and drink and farming . Attractions include a traditional funfair , animal displays , a bake off , zip wires , fun dog show , scarecrow competition , tractor display and local foods and craft beers .
Pulborough Duck Race // Aug The Pulborough Duck Race takes place at the recreation ground . Organised for charity by the local Duck Race Society , the event features a beer tent , a BBQ , and activities for children , as well as racing ducks of course !
Garden Weekend at Parham // Jul Here you will find displays of gorgeous blooms , plenty of stalls from which to buy seeds and saplings , and gardening demonstrations .
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