Butser Ancient Farm

Archaeology walk: Saxons in the South Downs

Join Butser Ancient Farm interpretive staff and explore the Saxon landscape around Butser Ancient Farm.

We visit the important site of the 7th Century Church Down Saxon settlement, 10th Century Chalton village, and Harold Godwin’s St Hubert’s Church at Idsworth. You’ll also have the chance to see the reconstructed Saxon buildings at Butser Ancient Farm. Enjoy a wonderful walk through the borderlands of the West and the South Saxons, 5 miles distance, 400 years in time. Medium difficulty.

10am – Arrive at Butser Ancient Farm and view the reconstructed Saxon buildings.

10.30am – Depart Butser Ancient Farm and drive the short distance to St Hubert’s Church Idsworth to start the walk. We will then begin a circular walk from the church up to Church Down to see the original site of the Saxon village, from which the evidence for Butser’s Saxon buildings is drawn.

12.30pm – arrive back at St Hubert’s Church with a chance to see the church and the wall paintings from the 1300’s. You’ll then have the option to return to Butser Ancient Farm for the rest of the afternoon.

This is one of a series of guided walks throughout 2019 exploring the landscape around Butser Ancient Farm, led by Butser staff. Walkers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, carry water, snacks and sunscreen, and tell the walk leader of any special medical requirements. The walks include hills and stiles, and may be some distance from roads. These walks may be too demanding for children but dogs on leads are welcome.

Ticket price includes entry to Butser Ancient Farm and a hot drink from the café.