One of the best ways to see the Halnaker Tree Tunnel in West Sussex is by following the Halnaker Windmill Trail.
This scenic circular walk not only takes you through the iconic tree tunnel but leads to the historic Halnaker Windmill and Boxgrove Priory, making it an appealing trail for photographers, nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
The Halnaker Tree Tunnel is particularly stunning in autumn, when the golden canopy creates an almost magical atmosphere. This is a popular time for photographers to visit, hoping to catch it in all its seasonal glory. Although I’m no expert photographer, I was keen to visit on our recent trip to Chichester. It is one of England’s most famous tree tunnels and one of the top natural landmarks in West Sussex.
Keep reading to discover more about our circular walk along the Halnaker Windmill Trail and why this is one of the best walks in West Sussex.
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Where to start the Halnaker Windmill Trail
- Distance: 5 miles/8km
- Type of walk: circular
- Time: approx 1.5 hours
- Ascent: 300 feet/91 metres
- Difficulty: moderate, flat but eneven terrain, kissing gates, 1 hill
Our walk to the Halnaker Tree Tunnel and Windmill starts in the little village of Boxgrove, just 4 miles north east of the city of Chichester. After an early stop for breakfast in Chichester and a visit inside the stunning cathedral, we drove to Boxgrove.
The Halnaker Windmill Trail starts in the north end of the car park at Boxgrove Village Hall. The postcode for the car park at Boxgrove Village Hall is PO18 0EE.
From here the Halnaker Windmill Trail is well signposted all the way. (Thankfully – as even I couldn’t go wrong on this route!) After crossing the road, the walk starts by skirting the open fields of the Tinwood Estate.
Click here for the Halnaker Windmill Trail leaflet and map.
If you want a shorter walk, you can park in the layby by Warehead Farm. However, this is a busy farm entrance and there are only a few parking spaces.
The walk to the Halnaker Tree Tunnel
After a short walk, you’ll reach the entrance to Warehead Farm. From here, follow the path up Denge Lane taking the right fork onto Mill Lane and continue along the track leading to the famous Halnaker Tree Tunnel.
The walk to the Halnaker Tree Tunnel is straightforward and doesn’t take long.
The Halnaker Tree Tunnel, located on Mill Road, is a stunning natural archway formed naturally as trees on either side of the track grew together over time. The historic path was once part of the Roman road spanning 57 miles between London and Chichester.
Over centuries of use, the route has deepened into a sunken track, known as a holloway, and is now considered one of the most beautiful tree tunnels in Britain.
Although, the Halnaker Tree Tunnel is especially picturesque in autumn, it remains a scenic walk throughout the year.
As one of the most iconic photo spots in West Sussex, it’s a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers alike. However, weekends can get busy, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
We visited early in October, and we were incredibly lucky with the weather, which helped make it a fantastic day out. If you can, try to visit during the quieter weekdays or get up early and go!
The walk to Halnaker Windmill
Once you’ve passed through the Halnaker Tree Tunnel, the path continues north towards the Halnaker Windmill. From here, the windmill is clearly visible sitting atop Halnaker Hill, so simply follow the track upwards to reach it.
The walk up to the windmill is the only steep section of the trail. However, don’t worry, it’s a short climb that only takes about 10 minutes. The effort is well worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the top.
Halnaker Windmill has a magnificent position overlooking the South Downs National Park.
This historic windmill has been an important part of the landscape since its original construction in the 16th century as part of the Goodwood Estate.
The current four-storey structure, which dates from the late 18th century, is now a Grade-II listed building. Although it ceased operating as a working mill after being struck by lightning in 1905, West Sussex County Council has since restored it, preserving its charm for future generations.
Although visitors can’t enter the windmill itself, you can walk around its perimeter and enjoy the stunning views across the surrounding countryside.
History enthusiasts might enjoy a short walk to the other side of the hilltop, where they can see the remains of a WWII structure. This site, the base of a radio direction-finding station used by the RAF during the war, is also a listed building.
Tinwood Vineyard
Once you’ve seen the Halnaker Windmill, retrace your steps down the hill and around the field. At this point you can return the way you came. However, if you’re following the full Halnaker Windmill Circular Trail, bear left at the road and continue following the trail signs.
The Halnaker Windmill Trail will now lead you across the picturesque Tinwood Vineyard, a charming spot known for producing fine English sparkling wine. If you’re interested, you can book a tour of the vineyard to learn more about the wine-making process, or treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon tea.
For those wanting to extend their visit, Tinwood also offers luxury lodges where you can stay overnight.
Click here for prices and availability of Tinwood Vineyard Lodges on Booking.com
Boxgrove Priory
Finally, following the signposts on the Halnaker Windmill Circular Trail will lead you around a field to the historic Boxgrove Priory. We took a shortcut through the back of the graveyard to reach the ruins of the priory. However, if you continue to the end of the hedgerow, you’ll find a short path that leads to Church Lane.
Boxgrove Priory, founded in the 12th century, was established when the Saxon church and its lands were given to the Abbey of Lessay in Normandy by the Lord of Halnaker. The Benedictine priory was not large, and the ruins you see today in the farm courtyard are from its 14th-century Guest House.
After a quick walk around the ruins, we were warmly welcomed into the Church of St Blaise. On the left-hand side of the church doors, you’ll find remnants of the priory walls.
Boxgrove Priory is managed by English Heritage, and admission is free.
Boxgrove Man
If the name Boxgrove sounds familiar, it may be because of the famous discovery of Boxgrove Man, or at least his remains! In 1993, archaeologist Mark Jones uncovered bones belonging to Boxgrove Man in a gravel pit at Boxgrove. Later, the archaeology team also found flint tools and animal remains, further adding to the site’s historical significance.
The remains are over 500,000 years old, making Boxgrove one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain. In fact, the shin bone and two teeth discovered here represent the earliest evidence of human occupation in Britain. While you can’t enter the excavation site itself, it’s fascinating to know that you’re walking through such an important part of our ancient history!
Refreshments in Boxgrove
This lovely country pub dates from 1815 and still has a cosy, traditional feel. It has a good size beer garden. It is advisable to book if you want to eat at the weekend.
Our final stop of the morning was at Boxgrove’s charming pub, the Anglesey Arms. The pub has its own car park, though it’s just a five-minute walk from the Village Hall car park, so we left our car there and walked.
Dating back to 1815, this lovely country pub retains a cosy, traditional feel, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. It also has a spacious beer garden, perfect for relaxing after a walk.
They offer a good choice of British classic dishes, but you should book ahead if you want to eat, especially at the weekend.
Know before you go
Getting to Boxgrove
Boxgrove is in the South of England, on the edge of the South Downs National Park.
From Surrey, you can take the A331/A286,. This pretty route leads through the Surrey Hills and South Downs National Park. The drive takes just over an hour.
From London, you can drive on the A3 or A24 and it will take about 1.5 hours.
If you are coming by public transport, the nearest train station is Chichester, 4 miles away. You can then take the number 55 bus, which will connect visitors with Halnaker and Boxgrove
Accommodation in Boxgrove
There are several cosy self-catering accommodations in Boxgrove. Click here for prices and availability.
If you prefer staying in a hotel, you could try the Goodwood Hotel or one of the hotels in nearby Chichester
Have you been to the Halnaker Tunnel? We’d love to hear your comments below.
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