Old Orchard, Amberley

About this property

Situated just a few minutes walk from the South Downs Way, Old Orchard offers a relaxing stay with the benefits of all modern facilities, but remains central to the old picturesque village of Amberley where time has stood still

Amberley is one of the most beautiful of downland villages nestling under the South Downs and overlooking the Amberley Wildbrooks on the banks of the River Arun. Old Orchard is nicely central to the village and offers modern and very comfortable accommodation on the one level that is so nicely presented. Also having a low front door threshold it is suitable for people with restricted mobility or for young children.

The popular village tearooms and the traditional village store are within 100 metres, and the village pottery is only a two minute stroll away.

The accommodation is completely private set in an enclosed garden and is bright and airy throughout. The large kitchen and dining area opens out into a small garden room which combine to make a lovely bright social space. The kitchen is fully fitted and has a full size hob and oven, dishwasher, microwave, fridge and freezer. The living room with its woodburning stove also overlook the garden and is furnished well for your relaxation and comfort. The two bedrooms are at the front of the accommodation. One is fitted with a double bed while the second has twin beds. Both bedrooms overlook the pretty front garden that offers a blaze of colour through the season. There is also a day bed that is only suitable for a young child in a small room off the hallway which enables the accommodation to sleep a young family with a maximum of five people including any babies. The family bathroom is fitted with a bath and also a separate shower cubicle.

As well as being a haven for wildlife, the gardens offer a magnificent range of colour throughout the year, changing from a carpet of snowdrops, through daffodils, to the brightly coloured summer perennials. The view to the South Downs as you leave the garden is quite exquisite.

There is also a private garage for guests to use either for secure parking for one car, perfect for Goodwood, or to store bikes.

Amberley and beyond

Amberley is at the foot of the South Downs and is noted for its many thatched cottages. It is a village that has managed to retain its character and appeal over the centuries and it will delight. The River Arun with its tidal plain cuts through the South Downs at Amberley. The South Downs Way crosses the river beside the village where a walk either east or west will soon present you with stunning Downland views and total seclusion.

The tidal river plain north of the village forms the Amberley Wildbrooks — a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its wildfowl and maintained by Sussex Wildlife Trust. The rspb reserve at Pulborough Brooks neighbours Amberley where many viewing areas and special paths are provided to fully appreciate the wildlife that is resident here.

Only a mile away is the Amberley Working Museum which was used as a set location for the James Bond Film ‘A View to a Kill‘. It is a 36 acre open air museum set into a chalk quarry and is dedicated to the industrial heritage of South East England. Depending on the timing of your visit there are many themed events so it is worth taking a look to see what is on.

Two miles to the east Parham House and Gardens is an imposing Elizabethan house facing the Downs. The rooms are graced with fresh flowers cut daily from the four acre walled garden. The main rooms are the Great Hall, Great Chamber and the Long Gallery which at the top of the house does leave a tremendous visual impression.

Five miles downstream from Amberley immediately south of the Downs you come to Arundel, a historic market town dominated by the symbolic castle and the rising spire of the cathedral. If you fancy making your visit a little different why not catch the train one stop down the line and come back on the river, but do allow plenty of time.

The town offers a plethora of craft and antique shops as well as restaurants and tearooms. A trip to Arundel would never be complete without visiting the castle. The seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, Arundel Castle has been seasonally open to visitors for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England and to climb the 131 steps to the Keep to take in the views is worth the effort.

Places to visit

Amberley Working Museum

Parham House and Gardens

Bignor Roman Villa

What's on

Goodwood Festival of Speed — June

Sussex Game & Country Fair, Parham — June

Arundel Festival — August

Local shop — 50 yards Amberley

Nearest supermarket — 3 miles Storrington

Nearest restaurant — 0.5 mile Amberley

Local pub — 0.25 mile Amberley

Mainline rail service at Amberley for services to Gatwick Airport, London Victoria and Portsmouth

Nearest airport — 35 miles Gatwick Airport