Small Dole Area Guide

Small Dole is a village in the Horsham District of West Sussex. It lies on the A2037 two miles south of Henfield. In the late 1970s the Church of England altered its ecclesiastical parish boundaries, transferring Small Dole from the parish of Upper Beeding to the parish of Henfield. It is a fairly affluent area with a sense of community.

Essentially a small rural community in the heart of the West Sussex countryside closely associated with and partly within the South Downs National Park. The village setting is much valued, set within farmland, ancient woodland, nature reserves, and the historic common. It includes Oreham Common and the listed Woods Mill, (Sussex Wildlife Trust) and a Scout campsite. Green spaces, including high quality agricultural land within and on the western side of the village are protected as an important amenity for the community, for walking the South Downs and surrounding area and for providing habitats for significant flora and fauna including some less common species.

The larger easily accessible towns and villages surrounding the area, such as Henfield, Steyning and Upper Beeding, support the village of Small Dole with all the facilities and requirements it needs. Small Dole relies on the schools, medical centres and leisure facilities provided in these neighbouring areas.

Property

According to the Architects Journal, the world famous French architect Le Corbusier planned to build a house for his English friend Paul Bowlard in the village in 1936. Unfortunately the Planning Authorities did not want a modern house built in the village, and permission was refused.

The property market in Small Dole has had a steady increase over the last few years and accelerating growth. Properties include detached houses, semi-detached and terraced homes as well as apartments and bungalows.

Education

Small Dole is in the catchment area for Steyning C of E, Upper Beeding Primary and St Peter’s C of E primary in Henfield all of which are excellent. Secondary schools include Steyning Grammar, independents Hurstpierpoint College and Lancing College, Burgess Hill Girls School, St Paul’s Catholic College and Warden Park Secondary Academy in Cuckfield

Shopping

A village pub, a shop / post office and a village hall, all provide a focus and a service to the community.

Small Dole has a significant business community providing local employment, with industrial sites at Mackley’s (in the centre of the village), Golding Barn and in farm outbuildings at Sreatham Lane; also many small businesses operating from private houses and some market gardens.

Then Henfield, Steyning and Brighton provide some amazing shopping opportunities outside of the small village convenience store.

Entertainment

Along with good eateries, festivals, country walks and a share in all that nearby Henfield, Steyning, Bramber and Upper Beeding have to offer; Small Dole has its fair share of things to do.

A Sports field in the centre of the village provides the local community with a flat area for local sports activity, and is also the site for an annual village fete. It also has a children’s play area and skateboard ramp.

The Small Dole Horticultural Society holds an annual summer show featuring flower and vegetable competitions with entertainment including a band, dog show and various side shows selling cakes, holding cookery classes and floral arranging, all raising money for charities.

There are lots of local and area trails and walks including the Small Dole Circular, a 10.1 kilometre loop trail located near Henfield. This trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips.

The village has its own skatepark made up of wooden ramps on a tarmac base. The skatepark features a back and forth run with quarter pipes and flat banks either side of funboxes, as well as a mini ramp. Keen skateboarders will find this a perfect place to practice their sport. There is also an indoor ski centre, Moving Mountains, in Mackley Industrial Estate and Hillside Scout campsite

The Fox provides good quality 'Pub Grub' at sensible prices and supports local suppliers and Tottington Manor is a short drive away.

Travel

Sitting on the A2307 to Henfield or Upper Beeding communications links from Small Dole are very convenient and easy. A short drive connects Small Dole to the A23 to Brighton (18 minutes) and the south or to Gatwick Airport and London via the M23 north. The A27 to Shoreham, Worthing and southwest towns are close by via the A283. Main line trains to London and Gatwick Airport can be accessed in Hassocks, Brighton or Shoreham and there are regular bus services to the main towns surrounding.