In and around Midhurst we are spoilt for choice throughout the year. There are loads of places to visit, there’s heaps of stuff to do, and there’s also all the space, and the time, you need for you to relax, escape and unwind – in the cosy comfort of boutique pampering or in the beauty of the meadows and hills of the endless rolling countryside.
Whether you trying to ‘keep them all entertained’, or simply get away the options are endless, here are some for you to explore. But if you’re looking for events to go to, then visit our What’s On pages, full of all the stuff that makes life fun, cool and engaging in and around Midhurst.
OF COURSE….. START BY EXPLORING THE OLD TOWN
THEN THINK ABOUT…… SOME FOOD PERHAPS?
VISITING THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK VISITORS CENTER
Midhurst is the Home of the South Downs National Park Authority and is also right in the centre of the South Downs National Park. Base yourself in Midhurst and explore the whole park, but first explore the SDNP Interactive Map Here:
Visitor Map – Maps South Downs Home | Zesty
THE COWDRAY ESTATE AND POLO CLUB
Midhurst is the Home of British Polo and the the Cowdray Estate which hosts it. Throughout the town the summer month are alive with grooms, players, spectators, and the sights and sounds of the high energy, high stakes, High Goal game. You can discover all about the game and all that Cowdray has to offer here:
https://www.cowdray.co.uk
THE NATIONAL TRUST’S PROPERTIES AND LANDSCAPES
The ‘National Treasure‘ that is The National Trust has some of its finest buildings and landscapes around Midhurst. Whether you’re normally the first to finish the tour or the last one round you can pick your destination of choice here:
Search | National Trust
This is Woolbeding Gardens.
Also very popular is Petworth House and Gardens
FOREST ENGALND’S FOREST WALKS AND ADVENTURES
If you are a lover of British Forestry ‘Forestry England’ have Site and Activities near by, you can explore them here:
Find a forest or woodland | Forestry England
This is the bike park at Rogate Woods
HOT AIR BALLON RIDES ACROsS THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK
Take a Hot Air Balloon ride over the beautify West Sussex countryside, from Fernhurst or Petworth
Locations – Hot Air Balloon Rides Near Me | Virgin Balloon Flights
Horse Riding, Accommodation and Natural wellbeing retreat
Horse Riding for all abilities and much more besides at Westerlands. Escapes in the beautiful South Downs National Park. No noise, no distractions, just you and your four-legged friend enjoying the peace, seeing the wildlife and immersed in nature:
Horse Riding in South Downs National Park, West Sussex — Westerland
Shooting Days
Discover a passion for Country Pursuits with professional tuition and bespoke shooting experiences Here:
Hownhall Shooting
Bird Watching and Naturalist hot spots
Midhurst’s quiet location and position on migratory routes, as well as the diversity of habitats (a meeting point of the river rothers tributaries, ancient woodlands, open parkland and pastures, heathland and scrub and farmland with hedgerows) makes it an exceptional location for bird watchers and naturalists. For the latest bird news and sites to visit see here: Midhurst Birdwatching Site – BirdGuides Whenever you visit our natural environment, leave no trace.
Various Locations either walking or driving
Deer Farm Experience, Restaurant and Shopping:
Get close to our herds of majestic red, white and sika deer. Let your children loose in our Adventure Playground. Explore the Farm Trail and take a break by the river. See the local produce in our Farm Shop and Deli. Join us for a meal. Or simply stop by for a coffee and a cake. You’ll play a part in reviving the glorious heritage of Harting in the South Downs National Park.
In spring and early summer you may see calves, born, like Bambi, with large white spots as camouflage against predators in the wild. During most of the year, you’ll note that our hinds and stags lead separate lives, the males sticking together in loose bachelor groups.
Whenever you visit, you’ll be in the heart of the South Downs National Park, surrounded by lush farmland stretching down to the banks of the River Rother. If you’re feeling energetic, follow our trail and take a riverside stroll. If not, simply find a serene spot to admire the deer.
Fly Fishing Day Tickets and Experiences.
Cowdray has excellent fly fishing opportunities on the River Rother near Midhurst, West Sussex. The river is stocked regularly with Brown Trout and there is a healthy population of wild fish.
The fishing season runs from 3rd April to 30th September. Tickets are valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
Foraging Experiences
Led by the Cowdray Estate Forager George, the recipient will discover plants, herbs, fungi, and natural medicines native to the local habitats. They will learn how to identify, gather and use these wild ingredients sustainably, helping them feel more at home in the natural world and in tune with the abundance each season offers.
Spa, Hotel Treatments and Pampering
Relax, train, excel and exhale. Midhurst has numerous options for sport, training, relaxation and pampering. As well as the town centre boutiques, and the Cowdray Therapy rooms we have two hotels with spas.
Get active….
The Grange Community & Leisure Centre
State-of-the-art gym, two squash courts, health suite to help you relax after your workout, the sports hall hosts hockey, netball, badminton and five-a-side football sessions, amongst others.
It is also home the Midhurst Library and we offer event hire .
For More detail’s Click Here
There’s an indoor climbing wall at Midhurst Rother College that’s open to the public and suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced.
Yoga, Pilates and meditation classes are also available at Cowdray Hall – a range of beautiful rooms away from the bustle of busy daily lives.
A little luxury
Alternatively, you could see bad weather as the perfect excuse to just be good to yourself – with a beauty treatment or a spa day at one of the hotels such as The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa or Park House & Spa.
Or try sampling some of the outstanding local wine with a tasting at Upperton Vineyard and Stopham Estate.
Get out and about….
Play championship golf at Cowdray Park Golf Club (children most welcome on the practise tee for lessons or just for fun).
Discover the challenge of clay pigeon shooting with lessons suitable for the novice or accomplished shot (all equipment provided).
Experience the beauty of the River Rother while fly fishing – day tickets are available for visitors (from the Post Office in Midhurst and Easebourne Stores) and lessons can be arranged with Cowdray Park’s resident ghillie.
Walk, cycle, ride….
Alternatively walk the South Downs Way or discover the freedom and exhilaration of exploring the area by bicycle or on horseback. You could even try your hand at a spot of hot-air ballooning. Follow these links to find walking and cycling routes. For riding call 01243 530460 or 07876 560050 to arrange hacks or lessons.
The home of British polo
Cowdray Park Polo Club is recognised worldwide as the home of British polo. The season lasts from late April until September and the highlight is the Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship, held through June-July. Spectator entry starts from just £13.50 / person (U12s free).
