The Eight Bells, Bolney — West Sussex
Bolney village from the fields — church tower of St Mary Magdalene above the trees

Explore

Things to do near Bolney

Basecamp for the South Downs and the High Weald — right by the A23 and A272 — there’s loads to do within a short hop of the pub. The standout on our doorstep is Bolney Wine Estate, the village vineyard people often search for as Bolney Vineyard: tours, tastings and a glass among the vines, then lunch, Sunday roast or a room with us on The Street.

Many routes cross farmland — pack boots in wet weather and follow countryside code signs. Here are our favourite ready-made walks and local highlights.

On our doorstep

The village vineyard

Vine rows at Bolney Wine Estate. Photo: Paul Gillett / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0

Bolney Wine Estate (Bolney Vineyard)

The village vineyard on Foxhole Lane — officially Bolney Wine Estate, widely searched as Bolney Vineyard. Tours, tastings and food pairing in the same village as the pub; a natural stop for lunch, supper or a night on The Street afterwards. We pour their wines at the bar.

Bolney Wine Estate

On foot

Walks

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

A woodland footpath through the countryside

Bolney vineyards walks

A local loop through countryside around Bolney Wine Estate — some paths are narrow with stepped sections, a mix of muddy paths, grassy fields, roads and woodland, with kissing gates and a couple of stiles.

Download walk

Big scenery

Viewpoints & South Downs

Ridge walks and classic Sussex views within a short hop of the pub.

The brick arches of the Ouse Valley Viaduct near Balcombe. Photo: Matthew Hoser, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ouse Valley (Balcombe) Viaduct

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

The dry valley at Devil’s Dyke on the South Downs. Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0

Devil’s Dyke & the South Downs Way

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

Looking north from Ditchling Beacon. Photo: Ultra Distance Runner, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ditchling Beacon

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

A short hop away

Gardens, railways & days out

The ruined mansion at Nymans, Handcross. Photo: Stuart Logan / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0

Nymans (National Trust)

Romantic house ruins and famous gardens at Handcross.

The lakeside gardens at Leonardslee, Lower Beeding. Photo: Peter Trimming / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

Picturesque lakeside walks and seasonal colour.

The Italian Garden at Borde Hill Garden. Photo: Josie Campbell / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0

Borde Hill Garden

Historic “garden rooms” with woodland and lakes.

Wakehurst Place mansion, Kew’s wild botanic garden. Photo: DAVID ILIFF, CC BY-SA 3.0

Wakehurst

Kew’s wild botanic garden — 500+ acres and the Millennium Seed Bank.

Steam locomotive 34059 at Sheffield Park on the Bluebell Railway. Photo: BWard 1997, CC BY 4.0

Bluebell Railway

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

Entrance to Washbrooks Family Farm, Hurstpierpoint. Photo: Dave Spicer / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0

Washbrooks Family Farm (Hurstpierpoint)

Animals, indoor/outdoor play and tearoom.

Free-ranging longhorn cattle at Knepp Wildland. Photo: Matt Ellery, CC BY-SA 2.0

Knepp Wildland Safaris

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

Around Bolney

Bolney village from the fields — church tower of St Mary Magdalene above the trees
Vineyard views near Bolney Wine Estate
South Downs hills near Bolney
Historic photograph of The Eight Bells Inn, Bolney
Steam train through the Sussex countryside
Black-and-white photograph of the village street in Bolney