Open Weekend at the Fernhurst Furnace

2026 Open Weekend - 12th and 13th September 10:30 - 5:00

Our Open Weekend is held as part of UK Heritage Open Days.

Entry and Parking is FREE - All donations are welcome

Step back to a time when Fernhurst produced cannon, right here in the West Sussex countryside; our open event in September is the perfect opportunity to discover history hidden in the woodland.

This year there will be hourly guided tours of the furnace site, with live archaeology underway (we’re exploring a part which has never been excavated), expanding on the wonderful items we found digging out the casting pit last year.

The site will be alive with the usual local crafts and curiosities, with food and - most importantly - a rural beer tent. Something for all the family.

The Sealed Knot will be providing splendid entertainment with their Civil War skirmishes and musket firing demonstrations.

More updates are available through our Facebook page

Our site is entirely rural, it may be unusable for people who cannot walk - or ride - on uneven ground - contact us to discuss your circumstances.

Dogs on a lead are most welcome. Please be mindful of musket and cannon firing, which can spook animals.

The weekend is entirely organised by volunteers; if you’ve enjoyed the event please consider supporting us .