Living in Rowland's Castle

Rowland's Castle is known for its strong sense of community and active local involvement. The village green is a focal point for gatherings and traditional events, such as the annual summer fete, farmers’ markets, and carol singing at Christmas. Village life centres around long-established groups and societies including gardening clubs, tennis and golf clubs, and art societies.

The countryside surrounding Rowland's Castle provides opportunities for outdoor pursuits, from walking in Stansted Forest to cycling on quiet lanes or exploring the South Downs Way. Children and families make use of local play parks and the community centre, which hosts regular classes and activities for all ages. Local businesses support and sponsor village events, ensuring a welcoming, lively environment, while churches and the parish council provide additional points for community engagement.

Crime rates in Rowland's Castle are consistently low, reflecting its status as a small, rural village. The area is widely considered to be safe, with most incidents relating to minor anti-social behaviour or non-violent crimes. Residents often comment on the peaceful nature of the village, where community awareness and involvement contribute to its secure atmosphere.

Neighbourhood policing teams are active in the area, engaging with residents and attending local meetings. Community watch schemes are also in place, bringing together neighbours to watch out for one another. This collaborative approach fosters trust and ensures any issues are quickly addressed. Rowland's Castle benefits from a strong sense of collective responsibility, which is reflected in its reassuringly low levels of crime compared to larger towns nearby.

Parking in Rowland's Castle is generally straightforward, with most homes offering off-road options such as driveways or garages. On-street parking is available around the village green and near the train station, although it can be more limited during peak times or community events. Resident parking permits aren’t typically needed, which suits the village setting.

Rowland's Castle lies close to major roads, but traffic congestion is rarely an issue within the village itself. The nearby A3(M) and A27 offer convenient access for car journeys to regional cities and coastal areas. The M27 motorway is also within easy reach for longer distance travel to the west.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Portsmouth – approx. 20 minutes via A3(M) and A27 (11 miles)
• Chichester – approx. 20 minutes via B2149 and A27 (12 miles)
• Petersfield – approx. 20 minutes via B2146 and A3 (10 miles)
• Southampton – approx. 40 minutes via M27 (28 miles)

Rowland's Castle offers a traditional village food scene centred around its popular pubs and local cafes. The Castle Inn and The Fountain Inn are two of the most prominent and longstanding pubs, offering real ales, hearty British fare, and community atmosphere. The Robin Hood Inn provides another village favourite, known for its cosy setting and seasonal menus. For those seeking a café atmosphere, Bumblebee Bakery and Café is well-loved for its cakes and afternoon teas.

Takeaway options are more limited within the village itself, but a broader choice is available in Havant or Emsworth, both just a short drive away. Nightlife in Rowland's Castle is peaceful and relaxed, typically revolving around the pubs or occasional live music events. For a livelier scene with bars, clubs, or theatres, residents can head to nearby Portsmouth or Chichester, both of which offer a broader range of night-time options.

Rowland's Castle is seen as a highly family-friendly village. Local schools such as Rowlands Castle St John’s CEC Primary provide a nurturing educational environment, and there is easy access to several respected secondary schools in nearby towns. The village green and various playgrounds offer safe places for children to play, while the surrounding woodland and countryside are perfect for family outings and outdoor exploration.

Childcare options are available locally and in surrounding towns, with several nurseries and childminders serving families. Safety is a major draw, with low crime rates and an active neighbourhood community helping parents feel secure. A wide range of family activities, from sports clubs to seasonal fêtes, ensures that families feel welcomed and engaged in local life.

Pet owners find Rowland's Castle a rewarding and friendly place to live. The abundance of green spaces, from the village green to Stansted Forest and the edges of the South Downs, creates plentiful opportunities for dog walking and outdoor adventures. The village has a local veterinary clinic and several pet shops in nearby towns such as Havant, ensuring access to pet care and supplies.

Many local pubs welcome dogs, and walking paths through woodland and across open countryside are well-used by residents with pets. Housing and local attitudes are typically accommodating towards pets, especially in family homes or properties with gardens. Pet owners benefit from a supportive community and easy access to outdoor areas, making daily exercise and socialisation for pets enjoyable and convenient.

Rowland's Castle has impressive transport links for a rural village, making it popular among commuters. The village is served by its own train station, Rowlands Castle, located on the Portsmouth Direct Line, which provides direct rail services to both Portsmouth and London Waterloo. This easy access enhances the area's attractiveness for those working in the city but preferring a countryside lifestyle.

Bus routes connect Rowland's Castle to nearby towns, including Havant and Chichester, while the close proximity to the A3 and A27 allows fast road travel north towards Petersfield and London, or east and west towards Portsmouth and Brighton. Southampton Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car, and Gatwick Airport is just over an hour’s drive.

Commute times by train:

• Portsmouth – approx. 20 minutes
• Chichester – approx. 25 minutes
• London Waterloo – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

The area’s location at the intersection of Hampshire and West Sussex means residents enjoy good transport flexibility across counties and to the coast as well as London.

The selection of schools in Rowland's Castle is small but offers reputable choices both within the village and in nearby towns, catering for all age ranges.

Primary Schools:
Rowlands Castle St John's CEC Primary School is the main primary school in the village, known for its supportive environment and community engagement. OFSTED rated it as 'Good' in its most recent inspection (March 2017). Nearby, Finchdean Church of England Primary School provides an additional small, village school option.

Secondary Schools:
There are no secondary schools within the immediate village, but several well-regarded options nearby. The Cowplain School in Waterlooville and Oaklands Catholic School in Havant are within easy reach, serving local families. Both are popular choices, with Oaklands Catholic School rated 'Good' by OFSTED (January 2020).

Colleges and Sixth Forms:
Havant and South Downs College (rated 'Good', June 2017) is easily accessible by train or a short drive, offering a wide range of A-levels and vocational courses.

Universities:
Rowland's Castle residents are close to universities in Portsmouth and Chichester, with the University of Portsmouth being approximately 12 miles away, and the University of Chichester 13 miles, both offering undergraduate and postgraduate options.