Amberley & North Stoke
Lots of fun on and by the river
A river running through it, a castle, a backdrop of the South Downs… Amberley really does have everything you could possibly want from a Sussex village. On the east side of the village, a slope rises up to Amberley Mount which provides a steep climb up to the South Downs Way To the west and south, you will find the river Arun. You can get closer to the river waterfowl and wildlife at the Wild Brooks. A public footpath runs through this atmospheric area but watch out in winter – it can flood, so pack your wellies! Amberley Castle is now a hotel and restaurant, which also offers afternoon teas. At Amberley Museum, set within an old chalk pit, there is a treasure-trove of old machines and vehicles, many of which you see working. You can take a bus or train ride around the site and it’s a great day out for the whole family. The village also has its own train station, which is on the line between Arundel and Horsham, up to London. If you take the train to Amberley from Arundel you can enjoy scenic views of the Arun Valley from your window seat. Call into the Riverside Tearooms for refreshments, boat hire and mountain bike hire.
This little village just two miles north of Arundel is at the end of a no through road from Amberley Station. Until recently, the St Mary the Virgin church was known as North Stoke Church. In 2007, archaeologists at Kew found a letter dated 1275 from a bishop to King Edward I in the archives. This named the church St Mary. Which is what is has been called ever since. Built in the shape of a cross, the church has been virtually unaltered since Medieval times. On the walls you can see traces of paintings that date from the 14th century.
If you are feeling energetic, you can walk from Arundel to Amberley.
Written by Barb Hogan, Visit Arundel
