Welcome to The 'Six Villages'

Welcome to The 'Six Villages'

The Six Villages in West Sussex – Barnham, Eastergate, Westergate, Walberton, Fontwell and Yapton – offer an idyllic blend of rural charm, heritage and proximity to the South Coast. Nestled amid rolling countryside and farmland, these villages are rich in history, with multiple references in the Domesday Book and numerous heritage buildings including Barnham Court, the Norman church in Barnham, the 12th century church in Yapton, and Regency-era Aldingbourne House in Westergate.

Schools and Colleges

Despite their rural setting, the Six Villages are well served by primary and secondary schools. Top-rated primaries include Barnham Primary School, Yapton CE Primary School, Walberton and Binsted CofE Primary, and Eastergate CofE Primary School. For secondary education, St Philip Howard Catholic School is particularly sought after, with Ormiston Six Villages Academy, Felpham Community College and The Regis School providing additional options. Independent education is available at The Amicus School, Slindon College and Great Ballard School.

Local Attractions

Community life in the Six Villages centres around village halls hosting clubs, societies and events for all ages, from craft fairs to music nights and yoga. Local highlights include John Baker’s Grade II listed mill in Barnham, Fontwell Park Racecourse, Denmans Gardens at Westergate, and the historic swing bridges in Yapton. Nearby attractions include Arundel Castle and Cathedral, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, and Elmer Beach.

Shopping Facilities and Restaurants

Barnham, Eastergate and Walberton each offer convenient shopping and dining options. Notable pubs and restaurants include the Murrell Arms in Barnham, the Wilkes Head in Eastergate, and The Holly Tree in Walberton. The Barnham Trading Post combines a general store, furniture shop, Post Office and café. Each village also has local convenience stores, with a Little Waitrose located in the Shell station at Fontwell. A wider retail choice is available in Bognor Regis, Chichester or Arundel.

Property Types

Property in the Six Villages ranges from historic cottages and farmhouses to modern developments. Walberton features heritage homes, manor houses and Victorian villas, while newer developments include Avisford Grange, Ryebank Gate, Sylvan Meadows, Saint Georges Park, Foxhills and Daffodil Gardens. Large family homes on generous plots, bungalows, and chalet-style properties offer a mix of rural charm and contemporary living.

Demographics

The Six Villages attract young families, downsizers and retirees, drawn by the countryside setting yet close proximity to the coast and Chichester. Barnham’s station provides direct links to London, increasing appeal to professionals balancing city work and rural life. The diverse housing stock supports a wide range of buyers, from those seeking historic charm to new-build family homes.

Regeneration and Investment

Barnham, Eastergate and Westergate are part of a masterplan under the Arun District Local Plan 2011-2031. The development will deliver up to 2,300 new homes by 2031, with plans for an additional 2,000 beyond that date. The masterplan includes a new Linear Park with pedestrian and cycle routes, over 100 hectares of public open space, realignment of the A29, two new local centres, improved parking at Barnham station, new schools and additional sports facilities. The evolution of the villages is planned to be gradual and sensitive to their historic and rural character.

Travel Connections

Barnham station provides direct services to London Victoria in as little as 1 hour 28 minutes, stopping at Gatwick Airport, East Croydon and Clapham Junction. Direct services to London Bridge are also available, calling at Arundel, Horsham and Crawley. Road links provide easy access to Gatwick Airport in approximately one hour via the A24/M23, with local connectivity to Chichester, Bognor Regis, Arundel and the South Downs Natio