Pubs in Horsham: The Complete Guide to West Sussex's Best Pubs

Horsham, the charming market town in West Sussex, boasts a rich pub heritage spanning centuries. Whether you're a local looking for your new favorite haunt or a visitor exploring the area, our comprehensive guide to pubs in Horsham will help you discover the perfect venue.

Why Horsham's Pub Scene Stands Out

Located in the heart of West Sussex, Horsham combines the best of traditional English pub culture with modern gastropub innovation. The town's pub scene caters to everyone—from families seeking dog-friendly beer gardens to food enthusiasts looking for award-winning Sunday roasts.

Key Features of Horsham Pubs

Traditional Character Pubs: Historic buildings dating back to the 16th century
Dog-Friendly Venues: Many pubs welcome four-legged friends
Real Ale Selection: Strong tradition of cask ales and local breweries
Food Excellence: From classic pub grub to fine dining experiences
Live Entertainment: Regular music nights, quiz nights, and sports screenings

Types of Pubs You'll Find in Horsham

1. Historic Town Centre Pubs

The heart of Horsham features several historic pubs within walking distance of the Carfax and main shopping areas. These venues offer:

Central locations perfect for meeting friends
Traditional architecture and period features
Easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions
Regular events and entertainment

2. Village Pubs Around Horsham

The surrounding villages—including Warnham, Rusper, and Southwater—host some of West Sussex's finest country pubs:

Quintessential English pub atmosphere
Beautiful beer gardens and countryside views
Often family and dog-friendly
Award-winning food menus featuring local produce

3. Gastropubs and Dining Pubs

For food lovers, Horsham's gastropub scene delivers exceptional quality:

Seasonal menus showcasing Sussex ingredients
Craft beer and wine selections
Sunday roasts that draw crowds from miles around
Modern interiors with traditional charm

Popular Features in Horsham Pubs

Dog-Friendly Pubs in Horsham

Many Horsham pubs welcome dogs, making them perfect for post-walk refreshments. Look for venues with:

Water bowls and dog treats
Beer gardens where dogs can roam
Dog-friendly seating areas
Local walk routes nearby (like Warnham Nature Reserve)

Pubs with Pool Tables and Darts

For those who enjoy a game while they drink, several Horsham pubs feature:

Full-size pool tables
Dartboards and regular darts leagues
Friendly competitive atmosphere
Sports TV for major events

Live Sports Pubs

Catch all the big games at Horsham's sports pubs:

Multiple large screens
TNT Sport and Sky Sports coverage
Match day offers and food deals
Great atmosphere on game days

Real Ale and Craft Beer Pubs

Horsham's real ale scene is thriving, with many pubs offering:

Rotating guest ales from local breweries
CAMRA-recommended venues
Craft beer selections
Beer festivals and tasting events

Best Times to Visit Horsham Pubs

Weekend Visits

Fridays and Saturdays see the town centre pubs buzzing with activity. Book ahead for popular dining venues, especially for Sunday lunch.

Midweek Specials

Many Horsham pubs offer midweek deals:

Quiz nights (typically Tuesdays or Wednesdays)
Two-for-one meal offers
Steak nights and themed food events
Happy hour drinks promotions

Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, Horsham pubs host special events:

Summer beer gardens and BBQs
Winter warmers with real fires
Christmas party bookings
Bank holiday entertainment

Getting to Horsham Pubs

By Train

Horsham railway station offers direct services to London Victoria (under 1 hour), Brighton (30 minutes), and Gatwick Airport (15 minutes). The town centre pubs are within 10-15 minutes walk from the station.

By Car

Located just off the A24, Horsham is easily accessible by car. Several pubs offer parking, and there are multiple town centre car parks available.

Walking Between Pubs

The compact town centre makes pub hopping on foot easy and safe. Most pubs are within 10-15 minutes walk of each other.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your pub visit with these local attractions:

Warnham Nature Reserve: Beautiful walks followed by pub lunch
Capitol Theatre: Catch a show then enjoy post-theatre drinks
Horsham Park: Family day out with pub stop
Horsham Museum: Local history tour and pub crawl
Carfax & Shopping: Retail therapy and refreshments

Planning Your Horsham Pub Experience

Food Reservations

Popular dining pubs fill up quickly, especially:

Sunday lunch (12pm-3pm)
Friday and Saturday evenings
Bank holidays
Special occasions like Mother's Day

Tip: Book at least a week in advance for weekend dining.

Group Visits

For larger groups (6+ people):

Call ahead to ensure adequate seating
Ask about group menus and pre-orders
Consider private function rooms for special occasions
Many pubs offer party packages

Special Dietary Requirements

Most modern Horsham pubs cater well to dietary needs:

Vegetarian and vegan options widely available
Gluten-free menus common
Allergen information provided
Willing to accommodate special requests

The Future of Horsham's Pub Scene

Horsham's pub industry continues to evolve while maintaining its traditional character. Recent trends include:

Growth in craft beer offerings
Increased focus on local, seasonal food
Sustainability initiatives
Enhanced outdoor spaces and beer gardens
More diverse entertainment options

Discover Your Perfect Horsham Pub

With such variety on offer, there's a Horsham pub perfect for every occasion. Whether you're after:

A quiet pint in a historic setting
A family meal in a welcoming gastropub
A lively night out watching live sports
A romantic dinner for two
A dog-friendly beer garden on a summer afternoon

Search Flookbook now to explore all the pubs in Horsham and surrounding areas. Filter by features, read reviews, check opening hours, and plan your perfect pub visit.

Explore Nearby Pub Destinations

Planning to explore other areas of West Sussex and beyond?

Pubs in Crawley - Just 15 minutes away, ideal for Gatwick Airport access and town centre pubs
Pubs in Brighton - 30 minutes south, discover the vibrant seaside pub scene
Find pubs near me anywhere in the UK - Use our GPS-based pub finder wherever you travel

This guide is regularly updated to reflect the latest additions and changes to Horsham's pub scene. Last updated: December 2025