Westbourne’s history goes back to the Domesday book of 1086. The the village is north of Southbourne, NW of Chidham and east of the river Ems, the traditional border between Hampshire and West Sussex. Sitting on the southern edge of the South Downs National Park the village gets its name from its position on the Ems, a seasonal ‘bourne’ and chalk stream that flows into Chichester Harbour at Emsworth.
Follow the 2km of mobile QR code trail signs and the Google map to discover the history and heritage of Westbourne and its village life, buildings, church, river Ems and three lovely local pubs.
Westbourne was renowned as a market town centred around The Square. Although it has fewer shops now than there were a hundred years ago, Westbourne retains a vibrant commercial centre, boasting a selection of village shops and pubs, a garage and a local school. St. John the Baptist parish church, with its 18th century spire, is easily visible from all approaches and still plays an integral part in local village life.
St John the Baptist Church
The Square Westbourne
The White Horse Pub
The Stag’s Head Pub
The Lamb Inn
The River Ems
Westbourne Scouts
River Street Watermills
Westbourne Hall
Cricketers Pub
Westbourne Workhouse
Whitechimney Row
East Street
Mill Lane
Westbourne Road
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Did you know?
Westbourne was once famous for its sheep, cattle and pony trading and reached the height of its prosperity in the late 1600’s, during the reign of King Charles II.