Things to Do | The Eight Bells, Bolney, West Sussex

WELCOME TO THE EIGHT BELLS, BOLNEY

Things to do near The Eight Bells, Bolney

Basecamp for the South Downs and the High Weald—right by the A23/A272—there’s loads to do within a short hop of the pub. Here are our favourite ready-made walks and local highlights (with links to routes and official sites).

walks

Many routes cross farmland—pack boots in wet weather and follow countryside code signs.

Bolney Diamond Jubilee Walk (7km, easy–moderate)

a parish circular with clear directions starting from Batchelor’s Field; it even notes us for post-walk refreshments.
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BOLNEY VINEYARDS

Some paths are very narrow, couple of stepped sections. Mix of muddy paths, grassy fields, roads, and woodland. Several kissing gates and a couple of stiles that weren't a problem for Hank but would be for dogs much bigger.
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OS MAPS BOLNEY AREA WALKS

Lots of local walking routes

click link

warninglid village, slaugham, bolney

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Big-scenery strolls & viewpoints

Ouse Valley (Balcombe) Viaduct

a spectacular 1840s railway bridge; best reached on foot from Ardingly Reservoir to avoid tight roadside parking.

Devil’s Dyke & the South Downs Way

classic ridge-top views, walking and cycling; also a renowned paragliding site.

Ditchling Beacon

sweeping panoramas from one of the highest points on the Downs.

days out

Bolney Wine Estate

tours, tastings and food pairing experiences right here in the village.

Nymans (National Trust)

romantic house ruins and famous gardens at Handcross.

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

picturesque lakeside walks and seasonal colour.

Borde Hill Garden

historic “garden rooms” with woodland and lakes.

Wakehurst (Kew’s wild botanic garden)

500+ acres and the Millennium Seed Bank.

Bluebell Railway

steam trains through 11 miles of Sussex countryside (events and dining trains year-round).

Washbrooks Family Farm (Hurstpierpoint)

animals, indoor/outdoor play and tearoom.

Knepp Wildland Safaris

the pioneering 3,500-acre rewilding project with safari walks and tours.

Exciting news from The Eight Bells 🔔

We’re now serving food 7 days a week 🙌✨
Join us for lunch & dinner every day 🍴🍷

So don’t ever wonder if we’re open… because we’re always here ❤️

Walk in anytime, or book ahead with our lovely team 📞👩‍🍳

We can’t wait to welcome you! 😁 x

#TheEightBells #Bolney #SussexPubs #CountryPub #PubFood #SevenDaysAWeek #LunchAndDinner #EatLocal #SupportLocal #VillageInn #Foodie #SussexEats

SPECIAL STARTER

Salmon Mousse served with horseradish cream, baby leeks, crispy capers & toasted croutons.

£7.95

Posh Bob’s Quiz Night 🎉

What a brilliant evening! Thank you to everyone who joined us – it was another busy one!

🥇 First prize was a huge £120 with the winning team ‘We can’t see without glasses’ followed by ‘6 of the best’ and ‘Bolney Commoners’.

We even needed a tie-breaker with the question… When was The Eight Bells first established? 🍻⏳

📅 Next quiz: Monday 6th October
Tables will go quickly, so make sure to get yours booked soon!

We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone booked in for our second quiz night since reopening 🎉

Posh Bob will be starting sharp at 7.30pm, so please be sure to arrive on time 😁
🍻 Drinks will be served at your tables throughout the evening.

Thanks for joining us – we can’t wait to see you all tonight!

Chef’s Special Dessert ✨

✨ Milk Chocolate Mousse • White Chocolate Toffee Sauce • Homemade Honeycomb • Raspberry Sorbet ✨

A perfect balance of rich, crunchy & refreshing 🍫🍯🍓

#ChefsCreation #PlatedDessert #ChocolateLovers #Honeycomb #RaspberrySorbet #FoodieHeaven

🍺 New on tap at The Eight Bells, Bolney – Hawkstone Lager 🇬🇧

Brewed using 100% malted barley grown on Diddly Squat Farm by none other than Jeremy Clarkson, Hawkstone is a bold British lager with real character.

Created with expert local brewers and no shortcuts, it’s matured for 6 weeks – longer than most lagers – to give it that crisp, full-bodied flavour.

📍Proudly available at our independent freehouse, alongside a fantastic line-up:
🇮🇹 Peroni
🇪🇸 Cruzcampo
🇬🇧 Firebird Work Ethic NEIPA

Come and taste the best of Britain (and beyond) right here in Bolney 🍻

Also available on draft… Guinness, Inches, Neck Oil and our own NewBrew starting at £5.15 a pint!

#HawkstoneLager #DiddlySquatFarm #JeremyClarkson #EightBellsBolney #SussexPubs #CraftBeer #LagerLife #RealBeerNoGear

📍 The Eight Bells, Bolney
🍺 Now pouring: Firebird Parody (4.5%)

Proudly serving this crisp, citrusy session IPA from the brilliant Firebird Brewing Co., just up the road in Rudgwick.
Brewed with English and American hops, it’s packed with flavour, light on bitterness, and – bonus – gluten free! 💥

Come try a pint at our independent freehouse – where great local beer always takes centre stage.

#FirebirdParody #SussexBeer #SessionIPA #GlutenFreeBeer #RudgwickBrewery #EightBellsBolney #Freehouse #SupportLocalBreweries #RealAle #BolneyPubs

🧀 Charcuterie Platter

A beautifully presented sharing board featuring:

A selection of cured meats (prosciutto, chorizo, bresaola)

Artisan cheese slices

Cornichons & micro herbs

Served with crusty rolls and butter
Perfect with a chilled glass of rosé or a crisp local cider.

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🥚 Scotch Egg with Spiced Piccalilli

Golden and crisp on the outside, soft-yolked inside.
Served over vibrant homemade piccalilli and spiced chutney.
A satisfying but not heavy dish – ideal for a relaxed summer lunch.

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🥗 Caesar Salad with Anchovies

Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy Caesar dressing,
Finished with shaved parmesan, salty anchovies, croutons, and pea shoots.
Classic, fresh, and full of crunch.

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🥪 Crayfish & Marie Rose Sandwich

Wholemeal bread generously filled with juicy crayfish tails,
Dressed in a light Marie Rose sauce over crisp baby gem lettuce and cherry tomatoes.
A coastal summer vibe on a plate.

☀️ HEATWAVE SPECIAL £8.95 ☀️
Cool off in the garden with our Boosy Barista Iced Coffee Cocktail – made with award-winning cold brewed coffee brandy liqueur from our friends at @SpiritOfTheDowns. Smooth, refreshing and perfect for a summer’s day! 🍸❄️

Proud to serve local produce at its best – crafted in Sussex, poured at The Eight Bells.
Pop in and sip one while the sun shines! 🌞

#TheEightBells #BoosyBarista #SpiritOfTheDowns #LocalProduce #SussexMade #IcedCoffeeCocktail #BolneyPub #SummerVibes #HeatwaveReady

📣 POSH BOB IS BACK! 🧠🍻
Join us for the triumphant return of Posh Bob’s Quiz at The Eight Bells, Bolney – Monday 28th July at 7.30pm!

✨ £5 per team member
👥 Max 6 per team
🥜 Peanuts & nibbles included
🏆 Prize for 1st place

Expect laughs, brain-teasers, and that unmistakable Posh Bob charm. It gets busy, so book your team in now!

#PubQuiz #Bolney #TheEightBells #PoshBobIsBack #QuizNight #SussexPubs #LocalLegend

FIRST SUNDAY LUNCH TOMORROW, and a few food photos on the move.

🍽️ Our First Sunday Lunch Menu is Here!
Come and enjoy a proper roast at your cosy village pub, The Eight Bells, Bolney.
All our meats are locally sourced, and we’re serving sirloin of beef cooked pink – the good stuff!

Choose from classics like pork loin with crackling, chicken supreme, or our vegan beetroot wellington – plus starters, puds and plenty more.

📍 Sunday 29th June
🕐 Served from 12pm until 5pm.
Book your table now!

#SundayLunch #BolneyPubs #SussexFood #RoastDinner #EightBellsBolney #LocallySourced #SirloinRoast

📍 You’ll spot us now – no more hiding behind that old sign!

🍴 We’re open every day serving up seriously tasty food, all made from scratch by our lovely kitchen crew.

🕰️ Food service:
• Lunch & dinner Tues–Fri
• All day Sat & Sun (until 5pm on Sundays)

🍻 Pop in for a pint, grab a plate, and tuck into something delicious – it’s what we do best!

#LocalPub #FreshFood #MadeFromScratch #SussexEats #FoodieSpot #WeekendPlans #PubGrub #TheEightBellsBolney

NOW OPEN FOR DINING
Join us at The Eight Bells for both lunch and evening service,
featuring our main seasonal menu and a rotating selection of fresh daily lunchtime sandwiches all served with fries.

📍 Bolney, West Sussex
🍽️ Bookings recommended · Walk-ins welcome

🍽 NEW MENU LAUNCH! 🍽
We’re thrilled to unveil our first menu since reopening, available from Tuesday 24th June at The Eight Bells, Bolney.

Crafted from scratch by our talented kitchen brigade, this menu celebrates fresh, local produce and seasonal flavours – from pub classics and vibrant salads to indulgent mains and decadent desserts.

🧀 Sussex cheeses,
🦐 seafood chowder,
🍫 sticky toffee pudding,
🍔 Trenchmore Wagyu beef burger…
and so much more!

📍 Join us for a taste of something special.

#EightBellsBolney #BolneyEats #SussexDining #SupportLocal #NewMenu #FarmToFork

🛻 BOLNEY PRAM RACE – THIS SATURDAY! 🛻
📅 21st June 2025 | 📍 Rawson Hall, RH17 5PF

We are sponsoring the event raising money for good causes. Join the fun with 5 races, inflatables, food, music, stalls, a rodeo bull, and more at Bolney’s biggest village event of the year! 🎉

🎶 AFTER-PARTY at RAWSON HALL – featuring SMALLTALK live and delicious Thai street food from Tiny Thai!

Then stroll down to The Eight Bells, Bolney for a proper pint and a relaxed village pub welcome. 🍻
We’ll be open and ready for you!

#BolneyPramRace #VillageLife #RawsonHallAfterparty #TinyThai #SmalltalkBand #EightBellsBolney #SussexPubs

📰 Everyday papers, freshly laid out
Daily newspapers are always waiting on the table—ready for you to sit back, relax, and catch up with the news over a coffee or a beer.

📍 The Eight Bells, Bolney
#EightBellsBolney #DailyRead #CoffeeAndNews #SussexPubs #VillageLife

🍺 NEWBREW 4%. Now Pouring at The Eight Bells, Bolney! 🍺

Crafted with British malts, hops, and a unique yeast, NEWBREW is a full-flavoured, clean Bavarian-style lager.
✨ Light on fizz with a refreshing finish and a subtle hint of Saaz hop.

📍 Only available at The Eight Bells, Bolney – come try it while it’s fresh on tap!

#NewbrewLager #EightBellsBolney #SussexPubs #BavarianStyle #SessionLager #LocalBrew #OnlyAtTheBells #BolneyBeer

🍻 FIREBIRD – WORK ETHIC (5% NEIPA) now on draught at The Eight Bells, Bolney! 🍻

A hazy, juicy New England-style pale ale brewed just down the road in Rudgwick, Sussex.
Packed with tropical fruit flavours and a smooth, easy finish, it’s made using English malts and locally sourced ingredients.
Expect bold hop aroma without the bitterness – a proper Sussex pint, freshly poured.

✨ Available on draught at The Eight Bells, Bolney

#FirebirdBrewery #WorkEthic #HazyIPA #NEIPA #SussexBreweries #EightBellsBolney #DraughtBeer #LocalCraftBeer #BolneyBeer

📣 Father’s Day at The Eight Bells!
This Sunday — Fathers receive a free homemade sausage roll with their pint.

Join us at The Eight Bells, Bolney for a proper pint, a flaky roll, and a great village vibe. 🍺🥐

📍 Bolney · West Sussex
#EightBellsBolney #FathersDayTreat #ProperPub

“Today we met the man who drinks his beer from the bell 🍻🔔”
Legend has it, when the bell rings at closing time… he takes one more sip.

🍻 Now Pouring at The Eight Bells! 🍻
We’re open for drinks only while we put the finishing touches on the kitchen.

🕰️ Opening Hours:
Sunday–Wednesday · 11:30am–10:00pm
Thursday–Saturday · 11:30am–11:00pm

🍽️ Kitchen opens Tuesday 24th June
Bookings will be available online soon—watch this space!

📍 The Eight Bells, Bolney – West Sussex
#EightBellsBolney #BolneyPub #SussexPubs #VillagePubVibes #NowOpen

What a team effort to get across the line!
We’re sure you’ll agree—it’s been a fabulous transformation, bringing The Eight Bells back to life as the cosy, welcoming village pub it was always meant to be.

A special mention to the brilliant builders, and to Ian, Chris, Kate, Katy, Harvey, and everyone else who played a part in the journey. And not forgetting Gemma—whose eye for detail and flair for colour has styled the pub to perfection.

Here’s to the next chapter!

#teamworkmakesthedreamwork #pubreopening #cheersbolney #bolneyvillage #pubrefurbishment

What a first night, thank you Bolney Village. Only just recovered! Apologies if you had to wait for a drink, five behind the bar with reinforcements from big brother @windmilllittleworth. If you want to pop in for a quieter drink things have calmed down a bit now.

The Bells Ring Once Again

— For The Eight Bells, Bolney —

Eighteen months the doors were closed,
The hearth left cold, the ale unpoured.
But Bolney waited, hearts held tight—
For laughter, stories, and firelight.

The sign still swung in Sussex breeze,
Eight bells that whispered through the trees.
A village paused, but spirits stayed,
As dreams of clinking glasses played.

Now timber beams and time-worn stone
Stand proud once more, no longer alone.
The decked terrace in evening glow
Awaits old friends and those we’ll know.

With canapés and wine to share,
The bar once more is full of care.
A pint, a cheer, a heartfelt toast—
To the place we missed the most.

So here’s to tales both new and old,
To memories made and stories told.
The Eight Bells ring, a joyful chime—
The pub is back. It’s opening time.

… every day is a step closer to Friday, super excited!

🍻 We’re Reopening This Friday at 6PM! 🍻

The Eight Bells, Bolney—your cosy, historic village pub—is ready to welcome you back!

Tucked in the heart of Bolney, our lovingly restored pub reopens this Friday at 6pm. Join us for drinks, a warm welcome, and complimentary canapés to celebrate the return of this much-loved local.

Relax in our characterful bar, soak in the atmosphere of our 18th-century pub, or enjoy the evening sunshine on our decked terrace.

Our kitchen opens in two weeks, but you can browse our sample menu and book your table now for lunch or dinner.

📍 The Street, Bolney
🕕 Reopening: Friday at 6pm
🍴 Kitchen opens in 2 weeks – bookings being taken

We can’t wait to see old friends and new faces back at the bar.

#TheEightBells #BolneyPub #VillagePubCharm #PubReopening #HistoricPubs #CheersBolney

… more work in progress, plastering nearly finished. #eightbellsbolney

We got the keys to the pub on Tuesday and have been very busy since, clearing the garden and reconfiguring the large rather soulless dining room. Exciting times, these photos give a taste but more to come… #eightbellsbolney #bringingapubbacktolife #independentpub #bolneywestsussex

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@theeightbellsbolney

The Eight Bells Bolney

Opening Hours

Open everyday for drinks
Sunday to Wednesday
11.30am to 10pm
Thursday to Saturday
11.30am to 11pm

Food
Monday to Friday
12 - 2.45 pm
6 - 8.45 pm
Saturday
12 - 8.45 pm
Sunday
12 - 5 pm

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WELCOME TO THE EIGHT BELLS, BOLNEY

Things to do near The Eight Bells, Bolney

walks