The Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House

A modest brick building tucked away near Pulborough, The Blue Idol is one of England's oldest Quaker meeting houses, dating back to 1688. The name comes from a carved wooden figure that once stood nearby - nothing grand, just a straightforward place of worship that's been quietly operating for over three centuries.

Inside, you'll find simple wooden benches, whitewashed walls, and the kind of austere calm you'd expect from a building designed for silent contemplation. There's no altar, no ornament, no fuss. If you've an interest in religious history or how ordinary people practiced their faith outside the established church, it's worth an hour of your time. The architecture itself tells the story - built when Quakers still faced suspicion, deliberately plain to reflect their beliefs.

It's the sort of place that appeals to walkers exploring rural Sussex and history enthusiasts rather than families after a day out. You'll want to ring ahead regarding opening times and admission - information isn't straightforward to come by. The surrounding countryside around Pulborough is lovely for rambling, and if you're camping at Goweco Glamping or Sumners Ponds Fishery nearby, it makes a quiet detour worth considering.

Don't expect visitor facilities or a café. Go for the genuine article - a working meeting house, not a museum. The landscape around it, rolling Sussex farmland, is often as rewarding as the building itself.