The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Southwater
4.5
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6,397
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Family friendly hiking trails around Southwater offer diverse landscapes and accessible paths within the West Sussex countryside. The region is characterized by extensive woodlands, open meadows, and gentle terrain, providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor adventures. Southwater Country Park serves as a central hub, featuring a lake, woodlands, grasslands, and a section known as "The Quarry." Many routes also follow the tranquil River Arun, offering pleasant riverside walks.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Southwater
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Southwater Country Park – Southwater Country Park Lake loop from Southwater, a 2.6 miles (4.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 4 minutes to complete. This easy path circles the lake within Southwater Country Park on level, surfaced ground.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Christ's Hospital School – Bax Castle Pub loop from Christ's Hospital, an easy 3.0 miles (4.9 km) path. This route leads through local woodlands and offers gentle terrain suitable for families.
- Local hikers also love the Soil Gill – Freeman's Wood loop from Southwater, a 5.9 miles (9.5 km) trail leading through woodlands and open fields, often completed in about 2 hours 25 minutes.
- Hiking around Southwater is defined by extensive woodlands, open meadows, and the meandering River Arun. The network offers options for various ability levels, including many easy and moderate family friendly routes.
- The routes in Southwater are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. More than 5000 hikers have used komoot to explore Southwater's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
35
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
41
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
19
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
18.3km
04:51
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Great pub with excellent food, fireplace and welcoming staff.
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Southwater Country Park was formed after the closure of the brickworks and quarry in 1981. The area is now a thriving wildlife and leisure area with woodland, grasslands and a lake. There are children's playgrounds, a beach for paddling, watersports, fishing, bike trails and a café.
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Wonderful dinosaur themed park that is along the cycle route and trackway way, sells hot food and ice cream so well worth taking a break here.
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Plenty of benches & food & drink in main centre nice place to have a break on the downs link
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This pub can be accessed from the main road or from the Downs Link bridleway. There’s a good pizza menu for anyone looking to refuel.
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Was a railway station on the Steyning Line which served the village of West Grinstead. It had a goods yard with a cattle loading bay and facilities for handling horse boxes. With the hunt kennels and national stud based in the area, the station saw substantial horse traffic The station closed as a result of the Beeching Axe in 1966 and now forms part of the Downs Link footpath.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Southwater?
Southwater offers a great selection for families, with over 40 hiking trails. More than half of these, 23 to be exact, are rated as easy, making them perfect for all ages and abilities.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family-friendly hikes in Southwater?
The trails around Southwater feature diverse and generally gentle terrain. You'll find extensive woodlands, open meadows, and tranquil riverside paths along the River Arun. Many routes, especially within Southwater Country Park, offer level, surfaced paths suitable for pushchairs and younger children.
Are there many easy routes suitable for families with young children or pushchairs?
Yes, Southwater is excellent for families with young children or pushchairs. Many routes, like the shorter Southwater Country Park – Southwater Country Park Lake loop, feature level, surfaced paths. The area's gentle terrain and well-maintained trails make it very accessible.
What interesting sights or natural features can we discover on family hikes in Southwater?
You can explore a variety of natural features. Southwater Country Park itself boasts a lake, woodlands, and grasslands, home to diverse wildlife. Some trails follow the meandering River Arun, offering tranquil riverside views. You might also encounter historical sites like West Grinstead Station or enjoy viewpoints like Shipley Windmill on longer routes.
Are the family-friendly trails in Southwater suitable for dogs?
Many trails in Southwater are dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along. Southwater Country Park is a popular spot for dog walkers, but always remember to keep dogs under control, especially near wildlife or livestock, and clean up after them.
Are there options for circular family walks in the area?
Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly routes in Southwater are circular, making them convenient for day trips. For example, the Soil Gill – Freeman's Wood loop offers a pleasant circular walk through woodlands and open fields.
Where can we find refreshments or a pub lunch near the family-friendly hiking routes?
Southwater Country Park has a café, and you'll find other options nearby. For instance, The Milk Churn Coffee Shop is a great spot for a break, and some routes, like the Christ's Hospital School – Bax Castle Pub loop, pass by local pubs perfect for a family lunch.
Is parking readily available for family hikes in Southwater?
Yes, parking is generally available, especially at popular starting points like Southwater Country Park. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for parking information, but the area is well-equipped for visitors arriving by car.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails in Southwater?
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Southwater, with an average score of 4.49 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful environment, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse scenery, from tranquil lakes to charming woodlands, making it an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Which family-friendly routes offer a good mix of scenery and accessibility?
For a great mix of scenery and accessibility, consider the Southwater Country Park – Southwater Country Park Lake loop, which is easy and offers lovely lake views. Another excellent option is the Soil Gill – Freeman's Wood loop, providing a pleasant journey through woodlands and open fields.
Are there any longer, more challenging family-friendly options for older children or more active families?
For families seeking a longer adventure, the Southwater Country Park Lake loop from Christ's Hospital offers a moderate 10 km hike. If you're looking for a significant challenge, the St Mark's Parish of Holbrook – Woodland Trail With Stream loop is a demanding 23 km route, suitable for very fit families.
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