Ardingly is a parish of most attractive wooded scenery in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Village sign was erected as a memorial to Viscountess Wolseley, and marks the site of the original toll-gate.
St. Peter’s Church is c1330, with a massive tower and well-timbered south porch added later. In the Church there is an effigy of a priest in vestments, five good brasses and ancient stairs can also be found. The Congregational Church 1886 (founded c.1814) is the only continuing one in Mid Sussex.
There are three Public Houses, The Oak Inn dating back to also the 17th century, The Gardeners Arms, also 17th century and the Ardingly Inn (B&B). There is a restaurant, The Avins Bridge, which also offers accommodation.
Ardingly is also home to Wakehurst Place which has been described as one of the most beautiful gardens in England, and is known as ‘Kew in the Country’. The Millennium Seed Bank, an international seed conservation project, is being built here.
Ardingly College, a public school, has a noble chapel. Ardingly also boasts the South of England Showground and Ardingly Reservoir, which boasts an activity centre for water sports and is a conservation area supporting a large variety of bird life.
