The Ferryman's Rest, Bury

About this property

One of the finest Sussex settings for a rural holiday, beautiful river walks and fine downland views to enjoy right from the doorstep

The Ferryman’s Rest stands at the point of the old passenger ferry that once crossed the River Arun giving early travellers a route to the village of Amberley. This is a most delightful setting next to the river providing glorious walks along the river bank and fabulous views that take in the line of the South Downs in this most picturesque part of the National Park.

Attached to the owners’ beautiful manor house this studio accommodation is presented to an exceptional standard and is completely private for guests. The feature log burning stove is of great appeal giving a real cosy feel in winter while in the summer the studio has a fresh and cool feel.

The kitchen is neatly offset from the main room and although not comprehensively equipped the two ringed hob and microwave oven is sufficient for light meals, however, we reckon many guests will want to sample the wonderful choice of local country pubs that are all within ten minutes drive.

There is a king sized bed and a modern wet room shower room. Outside there is a small private patio.

Bury and beyond

The cottage is at the end of a quiet village lane that leads to the river from the heart of Bury village. Bury is one of four very picturesque villages that sit below the scarp slope of the South Downs close to Bury Hill. West Burton is a mile to the west, with Bignor and Sutton villages just a couple of miles further west. There are fine local pubs to be found as well, the Squire and Horse at Bury is just a ten minute walk up the lane.

Footpaths climb to the Downs from West Burton, however, if you are feeling less energetic there is a car park at Whiteways by Bury Hill or you can take the lane to the Downs from Bignor village and park at the top beside the South Downs Way. This is where Stane Street, the Roman road crosses the South Downs en route towards Eartham and Chichester. From here there is a choice of good walking, east, west or south.

The village of Bignor is closely linked to the Romans. Here you will find the Roman Villa, a home and farm with world class mosaic floors that was a significant settlement in the 3rd Century AD. We include a link to Bignor Roman Villa under “Places to visit” on the website.

The historic market town of Petworth is five miles to the north and is best known as the location of the stately home Petworth House and deer park which was landscaped by Capability Brown. The house and its grounds are now owned and maintained by the National Trust. The magnificent country house contains an internationally renowned art collection with numerous works by Turner. Petworth itself was immortalised in his paintings.

The town is full of quaint houses and cottages, many within their own courtyard settings. They are interspersed with antique shops and tearooms so it is worth taking the time to browse having visited Petworth House.

Three miles to the south, Arundel is dominated by the symbolic castle and the rising spire of the cathedral. It offers a plethora of craft and antique shops as well as restaurants and tearooms. It’s a great place to wander and just enjoy its hospitality.

Arundel Castle is the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and is set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens. The castle has been seasonally open to visitors for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England and is home to priceless works of art in stunning rooms. Climbing the 131 steps to the Keep, which dates from the 11th century to take in the views over Arundel and The South Downs, is definitely worth the effort.

This is just a flavour of what there is nearby. To the east there is Amberley Working Museum and the small community of Houghton on the River Arun. The Ferryman’s Rest is also exceptionally well placed for all the events hosted at Goodwood each year. A short drive further on is the cathedral city of Chichester. In fact nothing is really that far away.

Places to Visit

Bignor Roman Villa

Amberley Museum

Arundel Castle

Petworth House

What's On

Arundel Festival - August

Goodwood Festival of Speed - July

Local shop — 1 mile Bury

Supermarket — 4 miles Pulborough

Restaurant — 1 mile Houghton

Pub — 1 mile Bury

Mainline rail service at Pulborough for services to Gatwick Airport and London Victoria

Nearest airport — Gatwick 35 miles