Things To Do
in Southwater
Southwater is a village located in West Sussex, England. It is known for its picturesque surroundings, including Southwater Country Park with its tranquil lake and scenic walking trails. The village offers a range of amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and a leisure center, making it a convenient place to live.
Southwater also has a strong sense of community, with various events and activities organized throughout the year to bring residents together.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at Southwater Country Park. Enjoy the peaceful lakes and scenic trails surrounded by lush greenery.
Visit the Southwater Leisure Centre for a fun-filled afternoon of swimming and sports activities. Grab a light lunch at the café within the centre.
Wind down with a picnic at the park as the sun sets. Share stories and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by nature.
Explore the historical features of the local area, including St. Mary’s Church. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and learn about its rich history.
Head to the nearby Horsham Museum to delve deeper into local culture and history. Their collections showcase the evolution of the surrounding area.
Visit a traditional pub for dinner to experience local cuisine. Relax with a local ale while soaking in the charming atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close-knit community with a friendly atmosphere
- Access to beautiful countryside and outdoor activities
- Good local amenities including shops and schools
- Well-connected to larger towns and cities like Horsham
- Quiet and peaceful environment, ideal for families and retirees
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Dependence on nearby towns for extensive shopping and dining
- Potential for higher cost of living compared to some surrounding areas
- Limited public transport options which can make commuting challenging
- Possibility of rural isolation for those without a car
Best Activities in Southwater
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A scenic park offering walking trails, fishing lakes, and picnic areas. It's perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, and family outings.
Enjoy horseback riding through the beautiful countryside surrounding Southwater. There are local stables that offer guided rides for all skill levels.
Southwater features several cycling trails that cater to both beginners and experienced cyclists, allowing for enjoyable rides through picturesque landscapes.
Explore the local flora and fauna on nature walks. There are several designated trails that showcase the area's natural beauty and wildlife.
With various parks and wetlands, Southwater is an excellent location for bird watching, offering opportunities to observe a wide variety of bird species.
Participate in geocaching activities around Southwater. This family-friendly treasure hunting game is a fun way to explore the outdoors.
Enjoy a relaxing day with a picnic in one of Southwater’s beautiful parks or open spaces, perfect for families and friends.
Tours
Uncover the best of Southwater with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Southwater
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic park featuring a large lake, woodlands, and open spaces, perfect for capturing stunning nature shots and reflections.
The village centre offers an array of picturesque spots with modern architecture and community art, making it ideal for urban photography.
Capture the charm of vintage steam trains against the backdrop of the beautiful English countryside.
Offers panoramic views of the golfing landscape and surrounding areas, perfect for expansive shots.
A tranquil woodland area that provides beautiful trails and natural light filtering through trees, ideal for nature photography.
Food in Southwater
Southwater Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic dessert consisting of a suet pastry filled with butter and sugar, topped with a whole lemon and steamed until the lemon becomes soft and releases its juices. Rich and utterly indulgent.
Must-Try!
A rustic meal featuring cheese, pickles, bread, and sometimes cold meat. It's a hearty and satisfying option that epitomizes traditional British pub food.
A unique treat crafted from locally grown lavender, providing a refreshing and aromatic twist to the classic dessert.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Southwater better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held on the first Saturday of each month, this market is a showcase of local produce and artisanal goods, offering a wide array of delectable street food options alongside fresh ingredients for home cooking.
Just a short drive away, this market is a hub of diverse international cuisines, hosting an exciting range of food trucks and stalls for an immersive street food experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Southwater and the wider UK, politeness is highly valued. Always greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning,' and use 'please' and 'thank you' when interacting with others.
The British are famous for their queuing culture. Always wait your turn in line, whether you're at a shop, bus stop, or event, and respect the personal space of others while waiting.
Acknowledge personal space when engaging with others. It’s common for people to maintain a comfortable distance, so be mindful of not standing too close during conversations.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Southwater with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Southwater
Ensure a smooth experience
In Southwater, as in much of the United Kingdom, tipping is generally not compulsory but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill if service is not included. In bars, patrons may round up their bill or leave small change. Tipping taxi drivers is also customary, usually rounding up to the nearest pound. In hotels, it is common to tip porters and housekeeping staff.
Payment methods in Southwater are diverse, with cash, credit, and debit cards widely accepted. Contactless payments and mobile payment apps are popular for convenience. Many businesses prefer card payments due to hygiene considerations, a trend that has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. ATMs are available for cash withdrawals, although the use of cash has declined in recent years.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Southwater.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is considered one of the best times to visit Southwater due to mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Visitors can expect pleasant weather, ideal for exploring local parks and enjoying outdoor activities.
Summer (June to August) brings warm weather, making it perfect for family outings and festivals. Expect longer days and a vibrant local scene, with outdoor events and more tourists, though it can be busier.
Autumn (September to November) showcases stunning fall foliage in Southwater. The temperatures are still enjoyable, and it's a great time for hiking and visiting local farms. Expect fewer crowds compared to summer.
Winter (December to February) typically sees colder weather, and while Southwater can be quieter during this time, visitors can enjoy cozy local pubs and holiday festivities. Expect occasional frost and shorter days.
Southwater at Night
Hiking in Southwater
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park with woodlands, lakes, and walking trails suitable for all levels of hikers. It's a great spot for families and offers picturesque views of the surrounding area.
An 8-mile circular route that combines art with nature, featuring various sculptures along the way. The trail offers a unique hiking experience through woodlands and open fields.
Located a short distance from Southwater, this area offers a variety of trails through mixed woodlands and stunning views across the surrounding countryside, making it perfect for nature lovers.
A beautiful nature reserve with well-maintained trails ideal for hiking. It offers opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
A long-distance trail connecting Guildford and Shoreham-by-Sea. The route offers scenic views of the countryside and is suitable for both hikers and cyclists.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Southwater through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Southwater by plane.
Located approximately 28 miles southeast of Southwater, Gatwick is the second busiest airport in London and offers flights to destinations worldwide.
Approximately 39 miles northwest of Southwater, Heathrow is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world and serves as a major international gateway.
Located around 45 miles northeast of Southwater, London City Airport primarily handles flights to European business destinations.
Situated about 60 miles north of Southwater, Luton Airport serves as a base for several low-cost airlines and offers a range of international flights.
Located approximately 65 miles northeast of Southwater, Stansted is known for serving low-cost carriers and is a hub for international travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Southwater, composed of individuals of British descent.
Includes individuals from other European countries and those identifying as White but not British.
Includes individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, or other Asian descent.
Comprises individuals of African, Caribbean or other Black descent.
Includes those with mixed heritage from different ethnic backgrounds.
Consists of individuals who do not fall into the above categories, including various ethnicities and nationalities.
The Soul of Southwater
Discover the essence of Southwater through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played team sport in Southwater, with local clubs and leagues for various age groups.
A popular summer sport in the area, with several cricket clubs and amateur teams.
There are local rugby clubs that participate in regional leagues, attracting a dedicated following.
A popular sport among women and girls, with local teams and competitions.
There are several tennis courts and clubs available, promoting both competitive and social play.
Local events and training sessions are held for various age groups, encouraging fitness and competition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Southwater.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Southwater provide a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring that plant-based eaters can indulge in the local culinary delights.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find numerous establishments offering gluten-free menus or adaptable dishes to accommodate their dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Southwater with these cultural adventures.
