Broad Walk Forestside Rowlands Castle
02392631252
https://www.theoctagonparish.org.uk

Christchurch, Forestside, was built in 1852 by Charles Dixon, a wealthy Victorian philanthropist and the owner of nearby Stansted House, to serve his estate workers and the village of Forestside. The parish was formed from parts of Stoughton and Up Marden, and has now been combined with them again as part of the parish of the Octagon. The church is of flint masonry with Caen stone dressings. The East window is a Jesse Window with an unusual dragon in the bottom right hand corner, whose origin is unknown. The heads on the chancel arch are a young Queen Victoria and a Bishop of Chichester, possibly St Richard. The adjoining school has been closed for many years and is now a private house. 

The chapel at Stansted House is no longer open for regular public worship but is used occasionally for special services and for the blessing of civil marriages conducted in the house. For more information about the chapel, click HERE.

The church is open for quiet contemplation at all times.

For more information about the history and architecture of this church, click HERE.

One mile east of Walderton (on B2146). Stoughton Chichester
02392631252
https://www.theoctagonparish.org.uk

This is the largest church in the Octagon parish. It is a little-changed 11th century building, and more ambitious in size and style than the typical downland churches. The windows and transept arches were changed in the 12th and 13th centuries, the bell tower raised over the south transept in the late 14th century. The chancel eaves were lowered, possibly in the 17th century, and there was 19th century restoration to the chancel roof, floor, stained glass, and nave pews.

A restored 19th Century Willis two manual Organ was installed in 1994. Its pleasant voicing can provide an enlightening and impressive accompaniment to all our Church services and activities, while its appearance and size now blend happily within the Saxon architecture to make a perfect venue to continue the genre of organ recitals, choir and carol concerts already established.

St Mary has a fine ring of six bells. The ring was augmented from five to six and a major refurbishment, including the installation of a new bell frame, was undertaken in 2007. The Friends of St Mary charity was set up in 1978 to provide funds for the fabric of the church.

For more information about the history and architecture of this church, click HERE.

Racton Chichester
02392631252
https://www.theoctagonparish.org.uk

St Peter, Racton with Lordington is a small 12th Century downland church with a seating capacity of about 60. It contains significant monuments to the Gounter family who owned Racton Manor opposite (now demolished).

Music is played on a fine example of a French Alexandre Harmonium.

Sunday services are attended by a small number of loyal worshippers, with numbers significantly increased at Easter, Harvest Festival, Carol Services, Christmas Day and Octagon services. The church is used for Baptisms, Weddings and Funeral Services as required.

Lifts to all services are offered to residents of Lordington Park Nursing Home.

For more information about the history and architecture of this church, click HERE.

Breakneck Lane, Walderton, PO18 9ED
(023) 9263 1321
thebarleymow.pub

An attractive country free house situated in the centre of this picturesque village, so popular with walkers, cyclists and visitors to the South Downs National Park. Much of this cosy traditional pub caters for diners, but drinkers are mos...

Stoughton, PO18 9JQ
(023) 9263 1433
hareandhoundspub.co.uk

A traditional country pub in a beautiful setting it is an ideal base for walking. The large dining room serves fresh local produce in comfortable surroundings with an open fire in winter. There is a separate public bar with pictures of vint...