Around Bignor's Roman remains
Recommended by
Our view
"A villa, illustrating the talent and enterprise of the Romano-British people, lies close to the start of this superb downland walk."
Walk directions
From the car park, where there’s a large wooden signpost and information board, follow the tarmac lane down towards Bignor Roman Villa. The lane descends through the woodland, passing a bridleway on the right as it bends left. On reaching Bignor village, pass a farm and bear briefly right and then left to take the road ahead, signposted ‘Sutton and Duncton’. Pass a telephone box, and on the right is the picturesque Yeoman’s House. To visit the Roman villa, turn right along the access road here, continuing along a footpath. On reaching the drive turn left to the entrance.
Retrace your steps to the Yeoman’s House and bear right along the road. The road bends left and passes the Parish Church of Holy Cross. A yew tree, so familiar to country churchyards, can be seen in the corner. Follow the lane, ignoring a left turn, as it descends steeply through the trees and then climbs between high hedges towards Sutton. Pass the village sign and follow the road as it bends left by a bridleway running off to the right. Walk into the village.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Downland and woodland tracks and paths, country roads
Landscape
- Rolling countryside and well-wooded slopes
Dog friendliness
- Quiet lanes with little traffic. Parts of walk follow tracks and paths where dogs can run free. No dogs on villa grounds
Parking
- Bignor Hill free car park
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
Bignor is most famous for its Roman villa situated just outside the village, a vineyard planted on the slopes below. From here the eye is drawn south towards the northern escarpment of the South Downs and Bignor Hill, which rises to 738ft (225m). From this lofty vantage point there are excellent...
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Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Divided from East Sussex back in 1888, West Sussex has a variety of landscapes and coastal scenery, but it is the spacious and open South Downs with which the county is most closely associated. There are plenty of walking routes in the South Downs National Park, cycling routes by the sea or visitors can explore the pretty town of Arundel with its historic castle and buildings.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
The White Horse Inn
The White Horse Inn is a beautifully restored 18th-century building is the heart of the village and South Down's National Park. The beds are handmade in Dartmoor and have deep, lavender...
THE PIG-in the South Downs
Located in a rural area within easy reach of the town centre, THE PIG in the South Downs is a Palladian-style Georgian house that's been sympathetically renovated and extended. The cont...
Amberley Castle
Amberley Castle is idyllically set in the Sussex countryside, and boasts 900 years of history. The battlements – complete with mighty portcullis; one of the few in Europe that still wor...
Avisford Park Hotel
A private boarding school in a previous life, Avisford Park retains loads of original features including the names of all the head boys engraved on the cedar wall panels in the main res...
The Swan Inn
The Swan Inn in Fittleworth is a beautifully restored country inn where heritage meets modern comfort. Inside, you’ll find inviting spaces full of character, stylish bedrooms with thoug...
The Town House Restaurant with Rooms
This is an elegant, Grade II listed Regency building overlooking Arundel Castle, just a short walk from the shops and centre of the town. Bedrooms and public areas retain the building's...
Arundel River Cottage
Arundel River Cottage is an immaculately presented river front cottage with a dedicated parking space. It's within easy walking distance, along flat ground, of Arundel centre and Arunde...
Arundel River Cottage
Arundel River Cottage is an immaculately presented river front cottage with a dedicated parking space. It's within easy walking distance, along flat ground, of Arundel centre and Arunde...
Places to eat nearby View all
