Come along for a beautiful walk along an ancient path through a fairytale tree tunnel and up to a historic windmill with views for days across the English countryside. We will start in Boxgrove and travel through fields and the must-see tree tunnel before arriving at the Halnaker Windmill. The whole route is less than 2 miles each way, though you can extend to see the 12th century Boxgrove Priory as well for closer to a 5 mile loop.
Tree Tunnel and Windmill History
The tree tunnel looks like it was formed by faeries. It is an ancient track, but it’s thought to have once been part of a Roman road between Chichester and London. Centuries of passing feet have worn the track down. You don’t have to travel far before it feels like the sides of the path and tree branches are curling up and over you.
The 18th century Halnaker Windmill has not operated since it was struck by lightning in 1905. However, it was restored in 2019 so you can see it intact today. You can also see the remains of a World War II station that was used to intercept radio transmissions. If you look closely, you may also spot a strange depression in the ground that is actually part of a Neolithic period earthwork! A human shin bone estimated to be 500,000 years old was found not far from here.
How to Visit
Boxgrove
We started our walk at the Boxgrove Village Hall. This spot is easy to find and has plenty of free parking. I was worried that this walk might be crowded on a beautiful Spring Sunday. We instead found ourselves alone at times, even in the picturesque tunnel.
Tinwood Estate
From the Boxgrove Village Hall, head out the end farthest from the Hall and across the road. You can follow the path along the road or take a slightly longer route around a field. Either way, you will soon find yourself passing among the grapevines of Tinwood Estate.
When you reach the edge of the vineyard, you’ll exit one of many kissing gates you’ll see today. Turn right on the narrow road and continue a short way to another footpath sign. You’ll know you’re headed the right way if you see the fantastic bird condo. Back on the path, you’ll cut across some more farmland.
Wareham Farm
You will next come out to the road again. Cross carefully to Wareham Farm. There is a small lay-by here for parking as well. It is very small though. Be mindful not to block the farm if you do park here. Turn right up the lane and look out for my dream home.
Mill Lane Tree Tunnel
From here, you’ll start heading into the tree tunnel. It gradually builds and becomes more dramatic as you go. Visiting in the spring was lovely as the trees are all leafing out and we spotted ferns and bluebells climbing the sides of the path.
Halnaker Windmill
You’ll exit the tree tunnel near the base of the Halnaker Windmill hill. It’s a steady, but relatively gentle climb for less than half a mile. On our visit, the hill was covered in rapeseed blooms. It was a massive blanket of yellow.
The area surrounding the windmill is perfect for a picnic. We shared sandwiches and took in the views that seemed to last forever. From here you can see Chichester at a distance, and even as far as the ocean.
Return back to Boxgrove along the same route. We obviously benefited from a beautiful day, but this was one of my favourite UK walks so far. We did not get a chance to visit Boxgrove Priory on this visit, but will definitely include it next time.
If you’d like more information, I was inspired to visit by this post on Sussex Bloggers. You can also learn more from the West Sussex County Council. Tinwood Estate looks like a worthwhile visit as well, if you’re going to spend some time in the area – check them out here.
