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About Amberley
Amberley is a quintessential English village, nestled within the South Downs National Park. Known for its thatched cottages, chalk paths, and sweeping views of the Arun Valley, it offers a unique blend of natural charm and historical depth. Amberley is more than a historic village — it’s a living landscape. Our community is surrounded by chalk hills, the Amberley Wildbrooks and the gentle curves of the River Arun.
Landmarks of Distinction
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Amberley Castle: A fortified manor dating back to 1103, now a luxury hotel. Its medieval walls and working portcullis are iconic features — proudly represented in our website favicon.
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St Michael’s Church: A 12th-century Norman church with a tranquil churchyard and commanding views. Its silhouette, alongside the castle, forms the visual heart of our village identity.
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Amberley Museum: Celebrating local industry and crafts, the museum showcases a variety of artefacts from vintage vehicles to traditional printing presses — a living tribute to rural ingenuity.
Natural Highlights
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Within the old part of the village, many of Amberley’s iconic flint and thatch cottages date from the 17C - 19C period and lie within a conservation area.
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Amberley Wild Brooks: A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), this seasonal grazing wetland habitat of over 800 acres supports rare birds, invertebrates and dragonflies and 156 species of flower plants. It’s a vital part of our ecological heritage. To see a report on the assessment of Amberley SSSI by Natural England, follow this link:
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River Arun: Flowing alongside the village and with a tidal flow up to Pulborough, the river is a lifeline for local wildlife and a peaceful setting for walkers and artists alike.
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South Downs Way: This national trail offers panoramic views from the chalk escarpment, with access to ancient woodlands, open fields, and hidden valleys, offering walkers and cyclists access to some of England’s most scenic landscapes.
Conservation
Amberley is not only rich in history but also a beacon of environmental care. Our community-led conservation efforts aim to protect the village’s unique character, biodiversity, and natural beauty for generations to come.
Areas in and around Amberley are noted for their special attributes. The Wildbrooks is part of an internationally designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a European-level designation for habitats and species that are rare or threatened. In addition to the conservation area and SSSI area, Arun Valley has a RAMSAR & Special Protection Area status. RAMSAR and SPA sites are wetlands of international importance, particularly for wildfowl - see the page Protected Areas for maps of the sites
Conservation Partners
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Amberley Society: Since 1977, we’ve worked to preserve Amberley’s heritage and landscape through research, advocacy, and community engagement.
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Amberley Parish Council: The Greener Amberley Strategy, focused on biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable land use was originated by the Council.
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Amberley Museum: Set in a reclaimed chalk quarry, Amberley Museum is actively restoring chalk grassland habitats with support from the Nature Recovery Award
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South Downs National Park Authority & Sussex Wildlife Trust: Collaborating on habitat restoration, species protection, and nature education.
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RSPB Manages sections of the Wildbrooks as part of the Arun Valley Special Protection Area (SPA), this site complements Pulborough Brooks with its floodplain wetland habitat.
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An area of 200 acres is a nature reserve managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
For Visitors
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For information for visitors including links to the Village Shop, pubs, free car parking and nearby attractions go to For Visitors
or click on one of the following for specific information
Plan Your Visit
Amberley village has its own free car park and is also served by its own railway station, with direct links to London and the South Coast. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, the village offers a peaceful escape steeped in history and community spirit.
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