Explore the history of Sullington - Walking Tour
Sullington Manor Farm, Sullington Lane, Storrington, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 4AE
Sullington is an ancient, medieval farmstead surrounding a former manorial chapel with Saxon origins. Sullington Manor Farm is becoming a rare example of once typical farmsteads on the spring line of the north scarp of the South Downs. Rarer still are relatively unimproved examples where the history can be read from the architecture. Public open days are infrequent.
Just six owners over the last 800 years means a number of tenant farmers. Tenanted farms tend to change slowly as the landlord doesn't want to reduce his income by spending on the property and tenant farmers often could not afford to spend on improvements, doing a lot of the work themselves. The medieval manor covered an area 4 miles x 2.5 miles which reduced over the years until the Kittle family bought what was left, now called Sullington Manor Farm, in 1952. Anna, the fourth generation, farms in conjunction with her parents.
The land at Sullington is mixed; a Saxon legacy. What was most likely the Lord's demesne, south of the former manor house can grow arable crops. The steep sloped, nutrient poor, species rich soil is ideal for livestock. We are a beef farm replenishing the thin chalk soils with natural manure: an echo of the medieval system of livestock on the hill and folded overnight on crops. Limited cropping now provides for the cattle in a closed ecosystem. Like many relatively small farms we have diversified & former agricultural buildings have new lives.
Timings
- Thursday 17 September:
- 1400
- Friday 18 September:
- 1400
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1400
- Sunday 20 September:
- 1400
Location & directions
Sullington Manor Farm, Sullington Lane, Storrington, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 4AE
- Directions:
- Sullington Manor Farm is just east of Storrington. Turn into Sullington Lane from A283 and follow the lane to the end, continuing on the road when it bends sharply to the left. Meet for the walking tour at St Mary's church, Sullington Lane, Storrington RH20 4AE. Parking is alongside the church on the roadside.
- Contact on day:
- Gail Kittle
- Telephone number:
- +441903745754
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Please email or telephone to book a place on the walking tour.
- Booking contact name:
- Gail Kittle
- Booking telephone number:
- +441903745754
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.sullingtonmanorfarm.co.uk
- Booking opens:
- 01 Jun 2026 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 19 Sep 2026 12:00 PM
Accessibility details
There are opportunities to sit during the tour but participants should be prepared to walk/stand for 700 yds. Walking sticks and sitting sticks advised, if required. Ramps for steps are available, please advise if required on booking. Additional exhibition in the cafe at The Old Workshop on site. Please allow additional time if you wish to study the exhibition.
Additional information
A textile exhibition by 'Curious Threads' will be taking place in the cafe in The Old Workshop from 17 - 27 September 2026. The exhibition is free of charge and all are welcome. The cafe is open for brunch, lunch, teas, coffees and cakes from 10am - 4pm.
- Max number of people:
- 20
- Estimated duration:
- 0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
