The Blue Ship... The Haven, Billingshurst
Telephone 01403 822709 · Map · Reviews
OS Map : Landranger 187 · Map reference TQ 084 305
Description
The Blue Ship takes a bit of finding but it is worth it. It is in the 'middle of nowhere' and does not seem to have changed much in years [and is all the better for it]. The main bar dates back to the 15th century although the exterior of the pub is Victorian. Hall and Woodhouse beer is served from two hatches straight from the barrel.
Several small inter-connecting rooms, open fireplace with seats inside and nice garden. Good pub food. If you cycled here, it's very tempting to stay here for several beers under the pretence of looking at your map and deciding where to go next!
Pub picture: Sarah Cathie
How to get there
By car
The Haven is a small, quiet hamlet of a few houses, west of Horsham, between Rudgwick and Five Oaks.
Cycling
Cycle to Slinfold, either from Broadbridge Heath along the A264 turning right at the Toyota garage, or along the Downs Link bridleway from Christs Hospital [the bridleway crosses the road at Slinfold].
Turn left from Slinfold towards Five Oaks [a slight climb out of Slinfold] to the busy A29. At this road, turn left and, after 0.5 miles [0.8 km], turn right [signposted for 'The Haven' and 'Lower Lodge shooting grounds']. After 1.3 miles [2.1 km], turn left [signposted 'Garlands, Okehurst'] and the pub is down the lane on the right.
Suggested cycling routes from here
Bridleway just south of the pub, at the end of Marles Lane, takes you back to the A29. Or coming out of the pub, turn right and then take a left turn following sign for Gibbons Mill brings you to another bridleway which connects with the road between Loxwood and Rudgwick.
and/or head towards Rudgwick along the road you came on and take a right before the main A281 [it has a no through road sign] which leads on to a bridleway that connects up with the Downs Link.
Another pub in a southerly direction from here is the Cricketers Arms at Wisborough Green.
Your reviews
The Blue Ship There are 3 customer reviews with an average rating of
Disclaimer: All reviews and ratings on this website are personal opinions by pub-goers. Horsham Pub Guide publishes comments at our editorial discretion but we are not responsible for comments made [except for comments we make ourselves].
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Found The Blue Ship when taking an elderly relative from Rudgwick for lunch. What a discovery! The atmosphere was just perfect and I can't praise the food highly enough. We will definitely be making a regular trip up from Worthing. Might even visit our relative too! :-)
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Stopped here for lunch during a long cycle ride. Sat in the sunny garden and 'refueled' with baguettes and chips. Friendly and efficient service from the staff. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Older reviews
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I have been drinking at the Blue Ship for 30 odd years so I have a small foundation for my comments. The pub is excellent - I rated it 5 stars then and again now - my only comment being that its beauty has been its timelessness. I miss seeing some of the old furniture and the fresh decoration strangely for me distracts from that timelessness and community. I'm still drinking there and would recommended anyone to pop in for some ale and a warm log fire. Enjoy!
Pub Landlord
Just read comments from March 2010. Facts are I have been landlord here for five years and the previous landlord was here 17 years. We did have the pub redecorated outside in the same colours as it was last decorated some 12 years ago and our customers like it. Perhaps the person who made the comment should get their facts right before commenting.
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Fantastic pub but managers have changed too much, even by re-painting. Keep it simple and respect the past, that is what your customers want.
Pub score 
- No Good · - Excellent
