Living in Steyning

Steyning is known for its strong community spirit and social cohesion, with residents frequently involved in local clubs, societies, and traditions. The town’s community centre and Steyning Library offer regular activities for all ages, including fitness classes, craft groups, and public talks.

The annual Steyning Festival is a cultural highlight, showcasing local talent with music, arts, and food events. A weekly farmers’ market draws people from across the region for local produce, crafts, and friendly conversation.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the extensive green spaces and riverside walks along the River Adur, as well as access to the famous South Downs Way for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Steyning’s compact layout and network of footpaths encourage a sociable, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle.

Steyning is regarded as a safe and low-crime area within West Sussex, with residents typically reporting a strong sense of security and neighbourliness. Crime rates in Steyning remain below the national average, making it appealing for families and older residents.

The town benefits from neighbourhood policing and community watch schemes, contributing to the area's perception as a safe environment. Occasional petty crime such as anti-social behaviour or opportunistic theft is not uncommon, but these incidents seldom affect the town’s reputation.

Impulse for further regeneration and youth projects in Steyning illustrate a continued focus on maintaining safety, helping foster a reassuring atmosphere for all who live and work in the area.

Parking in Steyning is generally manageable, with a mix of on-street parking and free town centre car parks such as those on High Street and Newmans Gardens. Residential streets may require permits in certain areas, though much of Steyning enjoys unrestricted parking, which adds to the appeal for those with cars.

Road access is straightforward, with the A283 providing the main artery through town and linking to both the A27 and the A24 for journeys along the coast or towards London. Congestion is typically limited to peak school and commuter times. The town lies within easy reach of main road routes to neighbouring locations:

• Brighton – approx. 30 minutes via A27 (13 miles)
• Worthing – approx. 20 minutes via A24/A283 (8 miles)
• Horsham – approx. 35 minutes via A24 (17 miles)
• Shoreham-by-Sea – approx. 10 minutes via A283 (5 miles)

Bus services and cycle paths complement road infrastructure, making getting around convenient for both drivers and non-drivers.

Steyning offers an inviting selection of independent eateries, cafés, and classic English pubs. The White Horse, a historic coaching inn, and The Chequer Inn are popular for real ales, hearty food, and community events. The Cobblestone Tea House and Truffles Bakery are local favourites for light bites and cakes.

For those craving international cuisine, several takeaways and restaurants serve Italian, Indian, and Chinese dishes. While Steyning itself is relatively relaxed after dark, the social scene is friendly and welcoming, with live music nights and quiz evenings at local pubs.

Steyning does not have a nightclub or late-night venues, but the vibrant nightlife and dining options of Brighton and Worthing are within easy driving distance, making evenings out easily accessible without sacrificing the town’s peaceful character.

Steyning’s highly regarded primary and secondary schools make it a popular choice for families seeking quality education in a supportive setting. The town has several well-kept parks, such as Memorial Playing Field and Fletchers Croft, which offer playgrounds and open spaces for children.

Childcare provision includes nursery and pre-school options, alongside local childminders. Parents value the sense of safety and the close-knit nature of the community, where friendly neighbours and a visible police presence add to peace of mind.

Family activities include organised youth sports, local walking and cycling routes, craft clubs, and library story sessions, making Steyning an inviting and practical home for families with children of all ages.

Steyning is an exceptionally pet-friendly area, surrounded by vast countryside, dog-walking trails, and open parklands. The South Downs provide miles of accessible paths ideal for walking dogs, while the Riverside Walk and open fields offer varied, scenic outings for pets and owners alike.

The town has several veterinary practices, pet supply shops, and even some local cafés and pubs that welcome dogs with water bowls and treats. Many rental and owned homes are accommodating to pets, reflecting the area’s overall positive attitude towards animals.

Community events often include pet-friendly elements, and plenty of green spaces ensure four-legged family members have room to play and socialise.

Steyning benefits from a well-connected transport network for a rural town, providing routes for both commuters and leisure travellers. Although Steyning no longer has its own railway station, nearby Shoreham-by-Sea station offers frequent services to Brighton, London Victoria, and Portsmouth. Regular local buses connect Steyning to Shoreham, Worthing, and Horsham, making public transport into larger towns straightforward.

The A283 runs directly through Steyning, linking to the A27 coastal road and the A24, which provides a swift route north to Horsham and south to the coast. For air travel, Gatwick Airport is under 40 minutes away by car.

Commute times from Steyning:

• Brighton – approx. 30 minutes by car or bus
• Worthing – approx. 20 minutes by car
• London Victoria – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes by train (from Shoreham-by-Sea)
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 40 minutes by car

For cyclists and walkers, the South Downs Way provides a scenic and practical route towards the coast and inland to East Sussex.

Steyning is noted for its educational provision, attracting families who wish to benefit from quality schooling in a semi-rural setting.

Primary Schools in Steyning
Steyning CofE Primary School is centrally located and widely respected, with a focus on inclusive education and a strong community ethos. Nearby St Peter’s Catholic Primary School in Shoreham is also an option, known for positive Ofsted reports (last rated 'Good' in 2018).

Secondary Schools in Steyning
Steyning Grammar School is a prominent state secondary school, comprising multiple sites within the town, and is one of the oldest state schools in the country. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its last inspection, it also provides a large sixth form attracting students from a wide catchment area. The Sir Robert Woodard Academy in nearby Lancing is another accessible secondary choice.

Colleges & Sixth Forms
Steyning Grammar School’s sixth form offers a broad range of A-levels and vocational programmes, serving as the main post-16 destination for the locality. Worthing College and Northbrook MET in Worthing provide further academic and vocational education options within easy travel distance.

Universities
While there are no universities in Steyning itself, the University of Sussex and University of Brighton are both within a 30-minute drive, making higher education easily accessible to residents.