Singleton, Sussex travel guide and Singleton information

Visit Singleton

Singleton is a small picturesque village in West Sussex, just north of Chichester and within the South Downs National Park.

Within the village itself, see the Church of the blessed Virgin Mary - a very old Saxon church dominated by a sturdy square tower and containing Tudor period pews.

Singleton is best known (and most visited) for the 'Weald and Downland Open Air Museum' and the Goodwood Country Park Estate.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum

On the edge of Singleton village, this museum brings together a fascinating and extensive collection of buildings that were falling into disrepair and have now been reconstructed at this site. In total there are about 50 buildings, covering a wide period of history from the 13th to the 19th centuries, in a setting that is further enhanced by farm animals and walks through the extensive countryside setting.

Both traditional cottages and farm buildings are found, many with reconstructed interiors showing what life was like in centuries gone by, and there are too many highlights to mention - the 17th century market hall from Titchfield, Bayleaf farmhouse and the cute Poplar Cottage are among them. The 'reconstruction' of the village is very well implemented and a visit is recommended.

Goodwood Country Park and Goodwood House

To the south of the village of Singleton, Goodwood is perhaps best known for its racecourse. Goodwood Country Park is a pleasant place for walking through peaceful countryside of mixed woodland and fields and enjoying a picnic, while Goodwood House is an impressive country estate where you can visit the sumptuously furnished apartments and admire the collections of art, porcelain and tapestries (limited opening times outside August).

Various well known events are also staged here during the year to disturn the tranquility of the sussex countryside such as the Festival of Speed (fast motor vehicles); Goodwood Revival (racing cars from the 1940's-1950's) and a highlight in the horseracing calendar, Glorious Goodwood. For more events and information see here.

You can find more local travel ideas in the South Downs guide and the