Steyning is a beautiful historic market town tucked away in the heart of the South Downs in West Sussex.
With more than its fair share of timber-framed charm, visitors will enjoy seeking out historic features in Steyning’s High Street, lanes and twittens whilst taking in the town’s picturesque surroundings.
The town is full of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and wine bars and is surrounded by some of the South Downs’ most beautiful walks.
Steyning is perfect for a day trip or a longer stay with some excellent options for accommodation and things to see and do. The river Adur runs nearby and the ruins of Bramber castle are just a mile away.
And it’s pronounced ‘stenning’ not ‘staining’…
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for qualifying purchases. More info: disclosure.
What to see and do in Steyning
Discover the best things to do in Steyning, as well as where to eat, drink and stay with tips from our local expert, Lydia Mae.
A brief history of Steyning
Steyning, West Sussex is first mentioned in the legend of St Cuthman who settled and founded the town’s first church.
Steyning has been passed back and forth over the years. In 1047, Edward the Confessor gave Steyning’s church and manor to the Benedictine monks at Fécamp in Normandy.
Shortly after, Earl Godwin, Harold’s Father, took it back but then, after Harold was killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, it was returned to the monks. William the Conqueror officially signed a charter in 1085, confirming Edward’s original gift.
History is everywhere in Steyning, with many storied buildings, 125 of which are either grade I or II listed. I’d love to know the tales that lie behind the doors and windows.
By the 18th Century Steyning was an important town on the coach route between Brighton and London. Two inns from the period still survive today, The White Horse and The Chequer Inn, and for many centuries a livestock market was held in the High Street.
For more information on the history of the town, visit the Steyning museum which is free to enter. You’ll find it in Church Street and it’s well worth visiting. Note that it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except bank holidays.
Stroll around historic Steyning
A wander around the charming cottages is one of my favourite things to do in Stetyning. History lovers will enjoy exploring the ancient buildings which can be seen all around the old part of the town. Look out for street names like Mouse Lane, Dog Lane and Sheep Pen Lane.
This walking trail by Visit Steyning will help you explore some of the historic highlights of the town. Don’t miss the medieval hall houses, Saxon Cottage, Brotherhood Hall and the workhouse cottages.
If you head to the Post Office (also the tourist information office) look out for the Green Man face carved into a beam.
Explore Steyning High Street
All the way along Steyning High Street you’ll find an incredible range of independent shops and eateries. From gift shops to antiques, books to jewellery and toys to clothing the shops provide something for everyone and perfect for finding something unique.
I will highlight a few of my personal favourites but there are many more to choose from and I will provide a list at the end.
Steyning Bookshop is now into its 40th year and this family owned bookstore is a must visit. Not only is it a shop but a real hub of the community, providing many book groups and author events.
Since acclaimed children’s author Julia Donaldson moved to Steyning in 2015, the bookshop hosts many signings and book readings with her. Signed copies of her books are available to purchase in the shop and we often find Julia visiting the bookshop along with other local authors and illustrators.
A little further down from the bookshop, you will find LydiaMae. A small gift/art shop full of unusual greetings cards, art prints and gifts created by Lydia and printed from her original gouache illustrations.
Discover her original paintings, including the popular mini framed pieces, perfect as a unique gift or to keep for yourself. They’ll fit into any space and are easy to pack if travelling light. Be warned, it’s all so lovely that you won’t be able to resist a purchase.
Alongside Lydia’s own work, she stocks products from other local artisans and vintage items, and is committed to sustainability.
Heading back up the high street, you’ll come across a gorgeous children’s and baby shop. Imogen Ruby is perfect for finding a unique piece for the child(ren) in your life. The family run shop stocks a wide range of environmentally friendly baby and children’s clothing, toys and reusables.
Right up the top of the high street is Miller Phoenix Home. Owned and run by Emma, a coastal inspired maker, the shop has an array of beautiful products from handmade ceramics and jewellery to gifts and homeware.
In the middle of Steyning High Street, next to the 18th century clock tower, step through a small doorway and you’ll find yourself in Cobblestone Walk. This award-winning shopping village is packed full of little shops and chalets housing a collection of local makers, artists, businesses and services. Wander through to discover some unique treasures and be sure to stop for afternoon tea.
More shops in Steyning
Antiques and vintage furniture:
Gifts:
Clothing:
Check out the St Andrew’s and St Cuthman’s church
Legend has it that back in the 8th or 9th century, St Cuthman, a Saxon saint, was pulling his sick mother in a handcart when the rope snapped. He believed this was a sign from God that they should settle here. He built, St Cuthman’s, a wooden church on that very spot.
The church was replaced in the 12th century and was much larger than the church we see now. The oldest surviving part is the chancel arch, and the nave arcade which display carvings of zigzags and scallops to more unusual, decorative designs.
St Cuthman can be seen in three stained glass windows in the church; as a shepherd, a builder and with his poor mother in the handcart. There’s a sculpture of St Cuthman near to the church.
The church is usually open 7 days a week 9am to 5pm in summer (or until 4pm in winter) although it may be closed for weddings or funeral services.
Take a hike
Steyning sits in beautiful countryside near the River Adur and is close to the South Downs which makes it an excellent spot for walkers.
The tree-topped Chanctonbury Ring is nearby and Shoreham-by-Sea is a four-mile hike or bike ride along stage 6 of the Downs Link which follows the route of a disused railway.
Things to do nearby
Explore Bramber
The village of Bramber is just one mile from Steyning and home to the ruins of Bramber castle, one of twelve castles in Sussex, although there’s very little left of the castle the village is worth visiting.
St Mary’s House and Gardens in Bramber is a Grade I Listed medieval building dating back to 1470. The timber-framed house is packed with interesting features.
St Nicholas church in Bramber was originally built as the chapel to the castle and is the oldest Norman church in Sussex.
Where to Eat and Drink in Steyning
Steyning has a variety of cafes, pubs, restaurants and wine bars. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a slice of cake and a cuppa there are plenty of options to choose from.
Chez Joel is a lovely French deli, café and bistro run by Sarah that serves freshly prepared cooked breakfasts and lunches from 8.30am Mon-Sat and wonderful home cooked French dinners Thurs-Sat from 7pm. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
A cute and cosy café with seating inside and out, Victoria’s Sponge is famous for its wonderful cake selection and friendly atmosphere. Also serving breakfast and lunch, it’s a perfect place to stop and it’s open 7 days a week.
Chanctonbury Wines is lovely wine shop and bar run by a local couple that also serves charcuterie and cheese boards 12 noon – 9pm Wednesday-Saturday.
Particularly popular for a pre-dinner drink in a relaxed setting. Of course, don’t forget to choose a bottle to take home from over 200 wines and beers to pick from.
For pub grub check out The Star Inn, Chequer Inn and The White Horse, all popular choices for food and drink. They are spread out along the High Street so why not visit all three as you wander from one end of it to the other?
There is also a lovely independent Italian restaurant, Mamma Mia if you fancy an excellent authentic Italian meal.
Monthly farmers markets are held on the first Saturday each month in the central high street car park.
Events in Steyning
Steyning hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From antique fairs, Vintage Revival, Country Fair and Steyning Arts Trail to re-enactments at Bramber castle there should be something to pique your interest.
Steyning at Christmas is held on the first Sunday in December and numerous craft and holistic fairs are held in the Steyning centre
Also check out the Steyning Downland Scheme to join any of their nature walks/activities, also held regularly throughout the year for adults and children in the beautiful Steyning countryside.
Where to Stay in Steyning
Steyning offers a variety of accommodation options, here are a few of my recommendations
Rosebud cottage is a quaint 1860’s cottage located just around the corner from the high street and also within a very short walk to the South Downs footpaths.
Pepperscombe Farm offers cosy cottages, shepherds hut, horsebox and yurt on a farm on the outskirts of picturesque Steyning town and direct access to the South Downs National Park.
Springwells House is a charming graded Georgian Historic House with individually furnished ensuite bedrooms. Located at the foot of the South downs and a very short walk to eateries in Steyning.
How to get to Steyning, West Sussex
By Car
Steyning lies to the west of the A283 just 4.5 miles from the A24 and 4 miles north of the A27. There’s plenty of free parking in the town. It’s six miles north of the coastal town of Shoreham-by-Sea.
By train
The nearest train station is 4.5 miles away at Shoreham-by-Sea with trains from Brighton, London and Portsmouth. From there the number 2 bus will take around 20 minutes or take a taxi, there’s a rank at the station.
By bus
The number 2 bus runs from Brighton via Shoreham-by-Sea (High Street) See bus timetable
By foot or by bike
Steyning is easily reached from the South Downs Way, Monarch’s Way or the Downs Link Path.
I hope you’ve found lots of things to do in Steyning that will help make your visit extra special. Let us know if we’ve missed any of your favourites and we’ll add them in.
Pin it for later…
Suzanne Jones is owner and editor at Hello Sussex which was founded in 2017. When she’s not exploring Sussex or writing about it you’ll most likely find her, camera in hand, enjoying coastal and countryside hikes across the county.
Suzanne is also travel writer and content creator at top travel blog The Travelbunny which she founded in 2011.