Contents Ten great reasons to visit Midhurst n Ten great reasons to visit Midhurst...... 1 n Visit Midhurst...... 3 n Midhurst town map and walks...... 5 Savour... Thrill... n Places to eat...... 7 gourmet food at venues from at the drama of polo matches at n Places to stay...... 9 award winning cafes to fine dining Cowdray Park. n Shopping in Midhurst...... 15 restaurants. Discover... n Wider area map of towns, villages and attractions...... 16 Explore... the heart of the South Downs n The South Downs National Park...... 19 stunning bluebell walks in the National Park and the home of n The National Trust in the South Downs...... 21 woods or the outstanding National the Park’s new Visitor Centre. Trust garden at Woolbeding. n What’s on in and around Midhurst...... 23 Indulge... n Sporting and leisure activities...... 25 Traverse... in a spot of retail therapy in n Just a bit further afield...... 27 the beautiful South Downs Way - Midhurst’s enticing independent n How to get here - Visitor information - Emergency information...... 32 you decide whether it’s a gentle shops - there’s even 2 hours stroll or a high-adrenaline mountain free parking! bike ride! Delight... Immerse... in wine and beer tasting at some of Thank You yourself in the history surrounding the South Downs’ finest vineyards the iconic Tudor ruins of old and micro-breweries. This brochure has been produced by Midhurst Tourism Partnership Cowdray House. with grateful support from: Experience... Enjoy... the tranquility of rare bird watching Photographs kindly shared by the groups to markets, events and festivals on Iping Common. the left, Chichester District Council and the featured attractions. in Midhurst’s Medieval Market Square, surrounded by historic Midhurst Additional photographs with the Town Council kind permission of: Clive Bennett, Tudor buildings. Amanda D’Arcy, Lesley Campbell, Misca Haller and Anne Purkiss For more information please go to individual To advertise on our website or in next attraction websites, visitmidhurst.com or the year’s brochure please email us at: South Downs National Park Visitor Centre. [email protected]
1 Visit Midhurst
Midhurst holds a unique daily essentials but also plenty position at the heart of the of individual and unusual shops South Downs National Park. providing the full range from While historic buildings antique and vintage through to greet you at every turn, a modern and quirky. legacy of the town’s regional importance since the Iron Out and about Age, the modern Midhurst Discover the dramatic ruins offers something for everyone. of Cowdray’s Tudor mansion, surrounded by beautiful parkland, A great base for discovery explore miles of public footbaths, Midhurst makes the perfect place cycle paths and bridleways and, of for a great break – there’s quality course, the stunning, rolling hills of the accommodation to suit all budgets and South Downs. Play golf, try fly fishing a wide range of activities and tourist or go shooting. For dramatic action attractions all within easy reach. without the effort, the regular polo matches are hard to beat! Food and Drink To find out more, read on or go to: The South Downs are fast gaining visitmidhurst.com a reputation for being a foodie’s delight, with plenty of local producers, fantastic vineyards and HERITAGE independent breweries. Making the most of the wide range of local fare FOOD & DRINK on offer are a whole host of inviting places to eat and drink. SHOPPING
Shop WALKING Midhurst is independent to its core. You’ll find not only all your EVENTS
2 Market Square | Cowdray Ruins | North Street | Church Hill 3 MAPS Please note this map is not to scale. WALKING up to 2 hours FREE parking Shopping Trail Historic centre of town
SHOPPING Visitor Information Point Midhurst Town Trail and historic trails Church
HERITAGE Public Toilets Footpath Cowdray Ruins Bus Station / Coach Parking Woolbeding Walk
4 West Street | Glaziers Lane | Wool Lane | North Street 5 Places to eat
There’s an amazing array of Out of Town: places to eat in and around Here the traditional country pub Midhurst. No matter whether really comes in to its own – but you’re after low-key and think beyond conventional English informal or something rather pub grub or gastropubs. Instead smarter, you’re sure to find expect gardens with great views somewhere that fits the bill. of the Downs, cosy log fires in
winter and landlords who keep Park House | Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa In Midhurst: great cellars and serve great food. You will find everything from The farmland of the South Downs al fresco eating in the newly is a fantastic resource so look refurbished Market Square (a great out for plenty of locally sourced place to take a break while walking ingredients on the menus. the Town Trail), cream teas in medieval surroundings and Spanish Locally sourced ingredients are tapas right through to modern also a feature at the award-winning British fine dining. Cowdray Farm Shop & Café on the outskirts of Midhurst. In store There are also a multitude of there is a traditional butchery independent cafés and teashops as serving Estate reared meat, a well as restaurants featuring cuisine comprehensive deli counter with from all corners of the globe. a range of artisan cheeses and a selection of charcuterie.
6 Cowdray Farm Shop & Cafe | Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa | Park House | Garton’s Coffee House 7 Places to stay
Midhurst may have played Out of Town: host to Kings, Queens and Indulge yourself at Park House A-list celebrities but there’s Hotel & Spa (complete with accommodation in and golf course and tennis courts) around town to suit budgets or take your pick from country large and small. pubs with cosy rooms and tranquil rural B&Bs. There are In Midhurst: also generous quantities of self- Within town visitors can choose catering accommodation including Park House | Cowdray Golf Lodge from self-catering accommodation a number of cottages on the in elegant Georgian houses and Cowdray Estate. B&Bs hidden away down side- streets right through to luxurious If a gathering of the clan is what accommodation at The Spread you’re after, the area is home to Eagle Hotel, one of the oldest venues ranging from low-key to buildings in town. There are old luxurious where you can host the coaching inns, studio apartments ultimate party. and boutique hotels. No matter whether you’re travelling alone Alternatively, if a golfing weekend or with the family, whatever your is more your style, you don’t even Cowdray Holiday Cottage | Benbow Pond Cottages idea of a country retreat, you’ll find have to leave the golf club to something that meets your needs. reach your room.
8 Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa | Park House | Cowdray Golf Lodge 9 10
Shopping in Midhurst
Visitors to Midhurst are The Traditional and the Exotic spoilt for choice; just take Take your pick from design a stroll along West Street, classics, contemporary style or Red Lion Street, Church outstanding vintage and retro finds Hill, Knockhundred Row across the full range of homewares, and North Street and fabrics and accessories, or opt for you’ll discover a wealth of unique gifts and furniture sourced independent retailers. from all over the globe.
The result is a vibrant shopping Delicious Delights experience; great quality, fantastic Midhurst boasts a traditional, diversity and establishments that family-run butcher, shops will exceed your expectations at selling real ales and fine wines, every turn. spectacular cakes, inspirational baking supplies and a great The Old and the New delicatessen…. If the many cafés You’ll find women’s fashion and restaurants haven’t already boutiques offering something for dealt with your hunger then these all tastes and budgets as well as a should ensure you’re well-fed and traditional bespoke tailors. There suitably refreshed during your stay! are also jewellers offering the best in contemporary design alongside Four legs as well as two! watch and clock repair specialists There’s no need for your horses where you can often glimpse the or dogs to feel left out either as experts at work. Midhurst also has a number of shops that can provide for their If you’re inspired by the every need. environment to walk or cycle in the area, there are shops who can equip you for that as well.
14 15 HASLEMERE Liphook Plaistow Ifold The wider area, Black Down Liss Northchapel Fernhurst towns, villages
Milland Kirdford Lurgashall Wisborough Balls Cross Green and attractions Henley Billingshurst PETERSFIELD Rogate < Hinton Ampner Iping Woolbeding Lodsworth Common Trotton Stedham Hollycombe Steam Collection Nyewood Woolbeding Gardens Stedham, Iping Tillington Butser Hill and Trotton MIDHURST PETWORTH Common Lurgashall Winery Elsted Midhurst Common Fittleworth South PULBOROUGH Upperton Vineyards Harting Treyford Bepton Heyshott Petworth House and Deer Park Harting Cocking Graffham Down Duncton RSPB Pulborough Brooks Heyshott Down Bignor Roman Villa Compton Chilgrove Bignor Storrington Arundel Castle and Gardens West Marden Charlton Singleton Bury Amberley East Dean RSPB Pagham Nature Reserve West Dean Stoughton Bignor Hill RSPB Medmerry Reserve, Bracklesham Fishbourne Roman Palace Kingley Vale GOODWOOD Eartham CHICHESTER: Pallant House Gallery, Havant Lavant Halnaker Otter Gallery, The Novium, South Downs Funtington Fontwell Westbourne Boxgrove Planetarium, Chichester Festival Theatre, Tangmere Chichester Cathedral, Chichester Canal, Emsworth ARUNDEL CHICHESTER Tourist Information; Oving Lyminster Chidham Fishbourne Tangmere Military Aviation Museum Hayling Thorney Island Island Apuldram Goodwood: Goodwood House, Bosham Littlehampton Goodwood Racecourse, Goodwood Motor Circuit, Cass Sculpture Foundation Itchenor
Bognor Regis Weald & Downland Open Air Museum South Downs Way West Wittering Sidlesham West Dean College & Gardens Pagham East Wittering Serpent Trail Stansted Park Stately Home Bracklesham Countryside sites Uppark House and Garden South Downs National Park Hinton Ampner
Selsey Railway stations Please note this map is not to scale and all locations are approximate.
17 The South Downs National Park
From rolling hills to bustling common. Heaths are great places to market towns, the South visit with dogs but with animals out Downs National Park’s grazing and ground birds nesting landscapes cover 1,600km2 don’t forget to take the lead. of breathtaking views and hidden gems. Midhurst Taste the National Park nestles in the heart of the The National Park is increasingly National Park and is the being recognised for the high- home of the South Downs quality, sustainable food produced Centre – the perfect place to in its landscapes. With over 20 plan your adventures. vineyards and more than 50 breweries, dairies creating over 80 Stunning Heathlands regional cheeses, Southdown Lamb, The town of Midhurst is surrounded Sussex Beef and superb fish from by some of the best lowland the Sussex and Hampshire coastal heath in the country. This gentle waters, this is a real foodie haven. landscape is home to sand lizards, Dartford warblers and nightjars. In Plan your epicurean adventures at spring it’s bright with yellow gorse southdownsfood.org where you’ll but come high summer the purple find hundreds of local food and farm heather takes centre stage. But shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés, look closer and you’ll start to notice vineyards, breweries and food many other plants – bog cotton- producers eager to share a range grass, orchids, sundew and the of delicious produce grown, reared, amusingly titled sprawling dodder. caught and made in the area.
Iping and Stedham common are both easy to visit on foot or by bus WILDLIFE from Midhurst. Stretch your legs further with a walk to Ambersham WALKING
18 © images courtesy of SDNPA 19 The National Trust in the South Downs
The National Trust cares for wonderful walking destinations. over 15,000 acres of the Head out along the River Rother, South Downs, protecting through Woolbeding Parkland and landscapes and wildlife into the countryside. Woolbeding alongside houses and Gardens lie at the heart of the gardens rich in history estate, a horticultural jewel packed and colour. with floral borders and follies.
West of Midhurst is Uppark – a Nearby Harting Down nature Georgian mansion packed with reserve offers skylarks and carpets beautiful furnishings. Seek out the of pyramidal orchids. The site is incredible 18th-century doll’s house, steeped in history – there’s an Iron and relax on lawns overlooking the Age hill fort and the remains of a South Downs. ‘Below stairs’ you’ll Napoleonic war telegraph station find Victorian servants’ quarters, on Beacon Hill. once home to a young HG Wells
Woolbeding Gardens | Harting Down Gardens Woolbeding and inspiration for his Gothic horror, Just 30 minutes away you’ll find The Time Machine. Hinton Ampner. The wonderful gardens are filled with scent and To the north is magnificent 17th- colour, feature a delightful walled century Petworth House and Park, kitchen garden, quirky topiary, acres with its world-famous art collection of bluebell woods and panoramic and fascinating historic kitchens. 2016 views over ancient parkland. In the commemorates the 300th anniversary house you’ll discover intimate rooms of Petworth Park’s famous designer, filled with beautiful collections. ‘Capability’ Brown, celebrated here by intriguing exhibitions, films, themed Go to nationaltrust.org.uk/southdowns walks and talks. for more ideas on great days WALKING The chalk grassland, ancient woods out with the and heaths around Midhurst are National Trust. HERITAGE
20 Uppark House and Garden | Hinton Ampner | Petworth House 21 What’s on in and around Midhurst
27th March 16th June 26th September Cadbury Easter Egg Trail Sussex Day Mosaic Making Woolbeding Gardens Celebration Walk Fishbourne Roman Palace Tillington to Easebourne 28th March 8th October Easter Surprises 17th June Italian Market Fishbourne Roman Palace Colour in the Garden Midhurst’s Market Square Woolbeding Gardens 9th April 8th – 9th October Italian Market 23rd – 26th June Autumn Countryside Show Midhurst’s Market Square Festival of Speed Weald & Downland Goodwood House 23rd April 24th October Polo Season begins 17th July Roman Army Week Gold Cup Polo Final Fishbourne Roman Palace 30th April Cowdray Park Cowdray Ruins 29th October open for season 26th - 30th July Museum at Night Cowdray Park Glorious Goodwood Fishbourne Roman Palace Goodwood Racecourse 31st April – 1st May 26th – 27th November Medieval Midhurst 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August Christmas Market Midhurst’s Market Square Summer Fun Activities Weald & Downland Weald & Downland 1st – 2nd May December Food & Folk Festival 5th – 7th August Midhurst Christmas Fishbourne Roman Palace Weald & Downland Chilli Fiesta Street Party - see & Gardens West Dean visitmidhurst.com for date 6th - 8th May Midhurst’s Market Square, Explore... our magnificent Petworth Park Antiques 20th – 21st August West Street and town centre collection of early mosaic and Fine Art Trail Vintage & Steam Festival floors and discover the unique story of the largest Petworth House Weald & Downland Roman home in Britain. For updates and additional 14th May 19th – 29th August events please go to: Follow... in the footsteps International Polo Match MADhurst – the Midhurst of our Roman ancestors. Cowdray Park Music and Arts Festival visitmidhurst.com Wander around Britain’s Midhurst first garden, the lavish 19th - 21st May centrepiece of the Palace. May Festival 29th August More information Goodwood Racecourse MADhurst Carnival also available at: Join... our activity days Procession throughout the year; from 4th - 5th June Midhurst cowdray.co.uk enlisting in our Roman Heavy Horse Show nationaltrust.org.uk Army to trying your hand Weald & Downland 26th – 28th August southdowns.gov.uk at Archaeology! Bank Holiday Weekend goodwood.co.uk 10th – 18th June at the Races westdean.org.uk South Downs Walk Goodwood Racecourse wealddown.co.uk Winchester to Eastbourne discoverpetworth.org 9th – 11th September festivalofchichester.co.uk PO19 3QR 01243 785859 Goodwood Revival madhurst.co.uk www.sussexpast.co.uk Goodwood Motor Circuit sussexpast.co.uk
22 23 Sporting and leisure activities
Outdoors Indoors Play championship golf at Cowdray The newly built Grange Centre Park Golf Club (children most offers squash and badminton welcome on the practise tee for courts, drop-in exercise classes lessons or just for fun). Discover the and a well-equipped gym. There’s challenge of clay pigeon shooting an indoor climbing wall at Midhurst with lessons suitable for the Rother College that’s open to the novice or accomplished shot (all public and suitable for all levels equipment provided). Experience from beginner to advanced. Yoga, the beauty of the River Rother while Pilates and meditation classes are fly fishing – day tickets are available also available at Cowdray Hall – a for visitors (from the Post Office in range of beautiful rooms away from Midhurst and Easebourne Stores) the bustle of busy daily lives. and lessons can be arranged with Cowdray Park’s resident ghillie. For more information please visit Alternatively discover the freedom individual attraction websites. and exhilaration of exploring the For riding call 01243 530460 or 07876 560050 to arrange area by bicycle or on horseback. hacks or lessons. Polo at Cowdray Park | Riding Fishing Clay Pigeon Shooting Midhurst - 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 FISHING / RIDING through June-July. Spectator entry starts from just £5/head (U12s free). EVENTS
GOLF / CYCLING
24 Cycling | Cowdray Park Golf Club 25 Just a bit further afield
Midhurst makes a superb base and South Downs Planetarium. for exploring the wider delights Catch one of Chichester Festival of the area. Take a day-trip and Theatre’s world-class productions you’re sure to find something in their newly refurbished theatre. to please everyone! Outstanding Coastline Heritage and Gardens For a change in scenery, why not Tour magnificent historic buildings explore our magnificent coastline? (and their surrounding grounds) Take to a boat to discover the including Petworth House, Arundel delights of Chichester Harbour Castle, Chichester Cathedral, or investigate the RSPB nature Goodwood House and Stansted reserves around Wittering, Selsey House or be inspired by the and Bracklesham Bay. amazing gardens at West Dean. Horses and Horsepower Picturesque Villages Thrill at the thunder of hooves, Petworth | Chichester | Weald & Downland Open Air Museum Petworth | Chichester Weald Take a turning off the main roads the roar of engines and incredible and explore the road-less-travelled! aerial displays at one of Goodwood’s Along the way, discover the many many internationally-renowned charming villages that surround events. There’s the Festival of Speed, Midhurst, all of which have their Goodwood Revival and Glorious own special charms – including Goodwood to name just a few. award-winning village shops and SHOPPING breweries and a multitude of Art and Antiques wonderful country pubs. Head to Petworth and delight in Petworth House’s outstanding HERITAGE Travel through culture, collection of Old Masters, then time and space wander around the glorious WALKING Discover the many specialist gardens and the Deer Park before museums and galleries the South discovering the many antique shops CULTURE Downs has to offer, including Weald and independent retailers for which and Downland Open Air Museum, Petworth is so well-known. See EVENTS Fishbourne Roman Palace, Pallant discoverpetworth.org for more info. House Gallery of 20th Century Art, Cass Sculpture Foundation, For more ideas go to: Tangmere Military Aviation Museum visitsussex.org
26 Fishbourne Roman Palace | West Dean Gardens | Tangmere Military Aviation Museum 27 28 MTP Upper Deck.pdf 21/01/2014 12:50:45
AMBERFOLD Two self-catering suites situated in beautiful heath and woodland landscapes. upper Heyshott, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 0DA deck 01730 601101 | amberfold.com C LUXURY SERVICED APARTMENTS ROTHER COTTAGE Very comfortable B&B in quiet area, we also welcome campers. M Dodsley Grove, Easebourne, West Sussex GU29 9AB 01730 812093 | rothercottage.co.uk | campinmygarden.com Y Situated above Seven Fish CM in North Street, Midhurst, Upper Deck comprises two stylish, fully serviced, MY REVAMPS one bedroom apartments, with stunning CY Vintage/pre-loved clothing, jewellery, furniture, bric-à-brac. views over Cowdray ruins & surrounding Mon to Wed 10am - 2pm | Thurs to Sat 10am - 5pm
CMY meadows providing all the amenities North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9DN | 07806 653863 you enjoy at home and expect on your K travels. MADhurst - 20th – 29th August 2016 Upper Deck @ Seven Fish Canteen Bar & Grill, Midhurst’s Festival of Music, Art, Dance and Drama North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex. GU29 9DJ. Festival Finale - Bank Holiday Monday 29th August t: 01730 817749 or 01730 716289 Carnival procession, family fun day and concert beside the Cowdray Ruins. e: [email protected] madhurst.co.uk | twitter.com/Madhurst1 | facebook.com/MADhurstFestival www.upperdeckapartments.co.uk
WEDDING AD:Layout 1 17/9/10 14:51 Page 1
A unique & romantic Wedding Venue set within the beautiful The Grange grounds of Cowdray Park your community and leisure centre • Four court sports hall For further details and brochure or to • Fitness room arrange a visit please call or email • Two squash courts • Dance studio • Bar/cafe • Multi-purpose community hall • Community rooms • Sauna, Steam room & Spa • Chichester District Council customer service centre • West Sussex County Council help point • Registrar office • Library
For full calendar of events go to: www.westgateleisure.co.uk The WalledThe GardenWalled at CowdrayGarden Wedding at Cowdray / Events Venue Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9AL Bepton Road, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9HD Tel no: +44(0) 1730 816881 T: 01730 816841 E: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.walledgardencowdray.com
30 31 How to get here Visitor information Emergency information
How to get here Midhurst visitor information
Midhurst lies on the iconic A272 visitmidhurst.com between Petersfield and Petworth. South Downs Visitor Centre Situated between Guildford and Opposite North Street Car Park the south coast it’s just over an hour away from London - by train Monday to Thursday 09.00 - 17.00 from Waterloo to Haslemere (then Friday 09.00 - 16.30 taxi or No 70 bus) or by car via (check website for Saturday opening hours) A3 and A272. Buses also connect 0300 303 1053 to Petersfield Nos 91/92 and to southdowns.gov.uk Chichester No 60. The Grange Leisure Centre For further information go to Bepton Road (brochures available) traveline.info or Google Maps postcode GU29. Monday to Friday 07.00 - 23.00 Saturday 07.30 - 19.30 Emergency information Sunday 09.00 - 19.30
Doctor: Wider area visitor information Riverbank Medical Centre 01730 812121 Chichester Tourist Information Centre: The Novium, Tower Street, Nearest hospital: Chichester PO19 1QH St Richard’s A&E, Chichester 01243 775888 01243 788122 visitchichester.org Vets: Woodlands 01730 814321 Parking and coach parking Springfield 01730 816833 See town map on page 5.
32 MTP A5 Advert 2014.pdf 21/01/2014 11:50:10
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Seven Fish, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9DJ t: 01730 716280 e: [email protected] www.sevenfish.co.uk