Horsham was first mentioned in King Eadred's Saxon Charter of 947AD and many of the shops and houses in the town centre date from medieval times. It is also a modern town with a number of small shops whose high quality local produce varies from antiques to cheese and there is even an aleshop.  Horsham was the birthplace of the poet Percy Shelley, whose family is buried at the 12th Century Parish Church of St Mary's. The revolving Rising Universe water sculpture in the town was inspired by Shelley's famous poem Mont Blanc.

Attractions in Horsham

Horsham Museum: A fascinating museum is housed in a sixteenth century half-timbered building. Exhibits include ceramics, furniture, social life, exotica, costume, local history, plus reconstructed wheelwrights and blacksmiths shop. A saddler's shop, town history, a collection of early bicycles, a gallery on farming life and a display about the poet Shelley that includes many first and early editions are also available.  There are also two beautiful walled gardens to see, and a tourist information centre. 

Open: All year, Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 excluding bank holidays  Address: 9 Causeway, Horsham, RH12 1HE.  Telephone: 01403 254959.

Horsham Park: Set north of the town's main shopping area, on the way to the train station, this 60-acre informal park features pitch & putt, bowls green, tennis courts, children’s play area, the 'Millennium Maze' and a coffee shop. 

The Capitol: The Capitol is Horsham's art centre, featuring a large theatre, 2 cinemas and a café/bar which serves food throughout the day.  Open: 10.00-23.00  Address: North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RG   Telephone: Box office: 01403 750220

Pavilions in the Park Leisure Centre: A superb sports and leisure facility in Horsham Park, including indoor and outdoor all year round heated swimming and leisure pools with water slide, extensive fitness facilities, health suite, multi-purpose hall, children's indoor adventure play area, creche, refreshment facilities and more.  Open: Mon-Sun  Telephone for opening times of specific activities and prices.  Telephone: 01403 219200   Address: Hurst Road, Horsham Park, Horsham, RH12 2DF