Parks, Gardens and Wildlife
If you love the great outdoors or just need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, Petworth has something for everyone. Take a leisurely stroll through the South Downs and admire the local wildlife, or visit the elegant gardens and well-kept lawns of the grand estates nearby.
The South Downs National Park
Spanning across 1,600 square kilometres, the South Downs National Park boasts a wealth of iconic English scenery, from lush hills and rugged heathland to charming woodlands, picturesque villages, lively market towns, white cliffs, and meandering river valleys.
A haven for birds
West Sussex boasts a diverse range of local bird species. Keep an eye out for Peregrine falcons, barn owls, lapwings, nightingales, and wigeons if you’re fortunate. For tips on the best conditions and times of year to spot birds visit the RSPB website.
Petworth House and Park
The moment you lay your eyes on Petworth House and its expansive park, you’ll understand why this scenery captivated English Romantic painters like Turner.
Designed by Capability Brown
The landscape is the work of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, known as the last great English gardener. Capability Brown is responsible for some the nation’s most recognisable and admired gardens including the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth House.
Historic Grounds
Though the park was changed during the Second World War, when it was used for army camps, many of Capability Brown’s signature designs can still be seen, for example in the Rotunda and Doric Temple in the park. In addition to the landscaped gardens there is also a 700-acre deer park. The park has been home to deer for over 500 years, and it is said that Henry VIII used to hunt here.
Nearby Gardens and Wildlife Experiences
Lace up your walking boots and venture beyond the town where you will discover a remarkable collection of grand estates and untamed wild landscapes waiting to be explored.
Classical design meets modern structures
Gifted to the National Trust in 1957, the Woolbeding Estate covers 1102 acres, including 26 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Over the last 50 years the gardens have been remodelled by great designers who have brought to life the lands and created both formal gardens near to the Georgian house and a Pleasure Ground with unique structures, waterfalls and glasshouses.
Cowdray Estate
Just a short drive away from Petworth, you’ll find yourself on the sprawling 16,000-acre Cowdray Estate. Offering a range of unique experiences like fly fishing, wildlife tours, foraging and polo, there’s something for everyone. Wander through the grounds, explore the woodlands, and soak up the history.
Knepp Estate
Further afield towards Horsham, you will find world-renowned rewilding project Knepp Estate. The 3,500 acres of land here is devoted to rewilding native creatures including longhorn cattle, weasels, badgers, foxes, red deer and Exmoor ponies. Knepp’s dynamic, rebounding ecosystem is a story of hope, showing how nature can bounce back if we let it.