Midhurst is a town of stories.
Among its ancient buildings, ruined castles, wooded hills and quiet villages lie tales of ghosts and curses, mysterious places and customs handed down through generations.
Some stories are rooted in recorded history. Others have grown through centuries of retelling, gathering new details and meanings along the way. Together, they reveal a fascinating side of Midhurst and the surrounding South Downs.
Whether you’re drawn to a good ghost story, fascinated by the ancient past or curious about the extraordinary traditions of rural Sussex, there’s plenty to discover.
Mysterious Midhurst
Ghosts, hauntings and things that go bump in the Sussex night.
Meet the ghostly bear of Verdley Castle, encounter the spirits said to haunt Midhurst’s historic buildings and discover the strange experiences reported by generations of local residents.
From chilling encounters to wonderfully eccentric tales, explore the town’s mysterious side.
Ancient Midhurst
Prehistoric monuments, forgotten castles and legends writ into the landscape.
Discover the Bronze Age burial mounds of the Devil’s Jumps, explore the remains of Midhurst’s Norman castle on St Ann’s Hill and uncover the extraordinary history of Cowdray.
Here, archaeology, history and folklore meet among some of the most beautiful landscapes of the South Downs.
Customs, Rituals & Living Traditions
Celebrating the seasons, Sussex-style.
From the noisy business of waking apple trees in winter to the flaming torches of Heyshott Bonfire Night, discover the ceremonies and celebrations that have brought Sussex communities together.
Meet the mysterious Christmas Tipteerers, explore May Day customs and rediscover the traditions that connect people with the changing seasons.
Explore Customs, Rituals & Living Traditions
Every landscape has a history. Every community has its traditions. And every old town has a few stories it cannot quite explain.