Southwater is a large village situated in the Horsham District of West Sussex. An ever-popular area for families with an Ofsted Outstanding primary school, extensive countryside with the bigger amenities of Horsham town on your doorstep.
In 2006 the centre of Southwater Village was development, creating Lintot Square. Lintot Square boasts a cluster of shops, pub, restaurants, doctors surgery and Beeson House. Beeson House is home to the parish council, library and host to many local groups and activities. Interestingly, Lintot is a reference to Barnaby Bernard Lintot (1675–1736), an English publisher born in Southwater.
Much of the population of Southwater originated from the workforce of the brick industry which thrived in the clay-pits until the 1980s. Following the closure of the brickworks, the area was transformed into a country park, which remains a popular family attraction. Southwater Country Park is a 70-acre site with three lakes, a visitor centre, a café, a skate park, and Southwater Water Sports Centre. The latest addition is Dinosaur Island, a children’s play area aptly named, after a real iguanodon skeleton was found in one the lakes. There is also direct access to the Downs Link footpath/cycleway, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy the country surroundings.
Southwater also provides excellent commuter links with quick road access to the A24, M23 and A281, serving Brighton, Worthing, Crawley, Gatwick and Guildford. Buses run every 15 minutes to Horsham train station and Gatwick.
If you are looking to move to Southwater, then we would love to hear from you!
The jewel in the crown of the Southwater is the Southwater Country Park. As a great place to relax with a walk, enjoy a bite to eat from the cafe or partake in a more energetic watersport on the lake, Southwater Country Park has something for everyone and is popular amongst villagers and visitors alike.
Continuing the active theme, Southwater sits upon the Downs Link path, popular for cyclists, walkers, joggers and horse riders alike. The Downs Link is a 37 mile route linking the North Downs in Surrey to Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, and primarily follows the route of two disused railway lines that used to connect Sussex. Whilst all of the Downs Link is surfaced track, the route does involve sections of farm track and other rough terrain that might be uneven during or following certain weather conditions. Along the Downs Link you will pass many beautiful countryside sights, as well as interesting historical views such as Christ’s Hospital and the old train carriage in West Grinstead.
Whilst only a village, Southwater Horsham has a bustling central Lintot Square home to many different shops, restaurants and food places such as independents like the New Haldi restaurant through to large chains such as Dominos. One of our personal favourites whenever we are in Lintot Square is the Little Teahouse, especially Paul’s favourite, the brownies! There is a great selection of pubs in Southwater, including the Tipsy Fox, the Lintot, Hen and Chicken, Southwater Sports Club as well as slightly further afield the Bax Castle and the Boar’s Head.
Southwater Horsham is home to many different clubs across a whole host of sports. Southwater FC currently play football in the County League, and share their facilities with Crawley Town FC who train in the village. Southwater Royals have one of the largest youth setups in the country, including a very strong girls set up. We proudly support both teams through sponsorship. Southwater Cricket Club plays at the new ground located near the Broadacres development, but can trace their history back to the 1800s. The Bowls Club ply their trade at their ground located next door to The Ghyll, previously Southwater Leisure Centre.
One of Southwater Horsham’s greatest assets is the great selection of schools, serving infant and primary level of education. Castlewood serves pupils from reception through to year 6, and was opened in 1997. Southwater Infant Academy opened in 2011 (having previously been Southwater Infant School) and has a capacity for 309 pupils. Southwater Junior Academy also opened in 2011, having been converted from the previous Southwater Junior School. All of the schools are excellent and are well-loved in the community, and we are very proud to support them through our community chest and positivity schemes. Just outside of Southwater is Christ’s Hospital, one of the most remarkable schools in the country. Having moved to their current site in 1901, Christ’s has continued to offer a unique independent school curriculum. The school is built upon the social mobility ethos that inspired the creation of the school back in 1552.
Almost all of the At Home team have either lived or currently live in the village. For young families it offers outstanding primary schools, great facilities and outdoor space, for couples starting out, there are a variety of new homes now available and easy access to Horsham and beyond.
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