Archaeological Sites

Archaeology is easy to reach in the South Downs. A short stroll from bustling Petersfield Square brings you to the largest concentration of Bronze Age round barrows in the area on Petersfield Heath. Take a meander round the pond and marvel at all 22 of them, dating from around 2000BC.

Take another Iron Age tour-de-force at the Trundle Hillfort with its astounding views out over Chichester and the coast. This enclosure dates from the 1st millennium BC and has since hosted a church, a WW2 radar systems and regular crowds using the hill as the best seat in the house for the Goodwood races…

Take a stroll through the centuries, all within the confines of the 40 acre Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. Explore 50 perfectly preserved historic buildings, spanning over 950 years.

Cowdray House aka Cowdray Ruins, is a Grade 1 listed building, despite largely being destroyed by a fire in 1793. The house was originally built between 1273 and 1284 and is named after Coudreye, a Norman word for the nearby hazel woods.

For something more medieval, swing by Lewes Priory, site of the battle of Lewes where Simon de Montfort defeated Henry III in 1264. You’ll discover evocative ruins and a stunning memorial to the battle.