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A mini guide to
Midhurst and Petworth: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Cowdray Ruins by event only
The Cowdray Heritage Trust says the ruins are closed for general visits but open for heritage events and guided tours. Check the events page.
Book Woolbeding Gardens
Pre-booking is required for everyone, including National Trust members. The gardens reopen on 15 April 2027.
Petworth: allow time to walk
The National Trust says it is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the car park to the house; last admission to the house is 3pm.
Start at the South Downs Centre
The centre in Midhurst has leaflets on walks and places to visit, OS maps and staff who can help plan your visit.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Midhurst and Petworth?
Midhurst and Petworth is in The South Downs, England. Petworth House and its deer park, the Cowdray ruins, the Weald & Downland Living Museum and Bignor's Roman mosaics. Nearby stops and stations include Midhurst bus routes, Haslemere, Chichester.
How long do I need in Midhurst and Petworth?
Two days to see the houses, the museum and a walk. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Petworth House and Park, Cowdray Ruins, South Downs Centre. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Midhurst bus routes (Stagecoach 60, 70 and 1); Haslemere (Trains to London and Portsmouth); Chichester (National Rail station). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 11 places to eat and drink in and around Midhurst and Petworth, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 3 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Midhurst and Petworth accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Midhurst and Petworth
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Petworth House and Park
Late 17th-century house with Grinling Gibbons carvings and many Turner paintings, in a Capability Brown deer park with fallow deer.
Cowdray Ruins
Ruins of an early Tudor house visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, gutted by fire in 1793; open for events and tours.
Weald & Downland Living Museum
Open-air museum at Singleton with more than 50 rescued historic buildings, traditional crafts, farm animals and a mill pond.
Photo credits
- Devil's Jumps: Simon Burchell, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Petworth House and Park: Donar Reiskoffer, CC BY 3.0, source
- Cowdray Ruins: Charlesdrakew at English Wikipedia, Public domain, source
- Weald & Downland Living Museum: Adrian Cable, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Lewes and the Seven Sisters: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring The South Downs