Cowdray House

Intriguing place, a lot of different things to see and do here. The ruins are what catch your eye from the road and they are quite spectacular up close too. There's a cafe and farm shop, both of which were typical as to what you'd expect but very good all the same. The outstanding feature of Cowdray (and the real reason you have to stop here) is the walled garden. This is a magical setting, one that's unsurprisingly frequently booked for group teas/wedding-houses/etc - stumbling across it was like walking through a portal into a perfect fairytale/Alice in Wonderland style garden.

We were staying in Midhurst and we used the riverside walk many evenings, either starting at Cowdray and walking along the riverbank, then up to castle mound and along the Wharf to the lake, and from there back into town - or reversing the walk and ending up at Cowdray. It is a pleasant 40 minute walk in the countryside. It is unfortunate that the ruins open only for group tours as they look so romantic. But we did also walk around the estate buildings and visited the walled garden. Given that it is attended by only a few volunteers as found it interesting and colourful. One entire length is trellis covered by free-blooming Buff Beauty roses.

The most gorgeous venue and perfect day . Jan and her amazing staff made our day the best ever . Jan has been brilliant from start to finish . Can't wait to go back for a cream tea soon. Thanks Andie and Jon .

Stopped on way to Midhurst for a break really enjoyed it walked our dog and will certainly go back for a further visit next time

I was surprised to discover entry to the ruins is currently by guided tour only (I believe due to some instability?) and unfortunately there were no tours on the day we visited. It’s also unfortunate information panels can only be accessed from inside the ruins. However, we wandered round the exterior and then the walled garden, where there’s a lovely tea room serving drinks, cake and scones - the laid back chap running it was extremely pleasant. I think the tea room is just a sideline from hosting larger events such as weddings etc. Flower borders around walled garden are looking rather overgrown and in need of attention - the wasps were also a nuisance. Parking is a short walk away at the bottom end of Midhurst and free for the first hour (we paid 70p for 3hrs as we wanted to look round the town). Be warned, the ticket machines are the most user unfriendly I’ve ever come across and require the patience of a Saint and much head scratching!

Such a favourite of ours to lunch here when we are in Petworth visiting my Aunt. You are always guaranteed a super lunch, no matter what you order, served by delightful staff and are able to eat in a fantastically clean, bright restaurant. Keep up all the good work.

Before reading this, please note that I did not stay at the cottages in October 17, that was my booking date for a stay this summer, but I was forced to insert a date prior to leaving the review. I have stayed in three of the Cowdray Cottages previously, but not this year, and usually return every other year. Lovely location and cottages, but all stays were not problem free, and this year I feel I need to share the potential risk of booking them. On the last evening of our last stay there a couple of years ago, we had an outbreak of insects in the bedroom. It got so bad that I tried to contact the out of hours duty officer number, but with no reply I had no choice but to leave a voice message. We had to move all belongings out of the bedroom and bathroom and into the lounge, and still unable to make contact for assistance, by 9pm we had no choice but to pack up. It was really too late to find alternative accommodation, which is what I’d hoped the emergency number would have assisted with., so we drove the long journey home, arriving at 5am. I accept that these things happen and sometimes unavoidable, and it was very hot weather at the time. However, the most unacceptable part was not being able to contact anyone at all from Cowdray. The office was closed, and the out of hours number was the only one we were given. Later, I was advised that the out of hours phone did not ring and there was no message, even though the voicemail system advised me who I was calling. It was assumed there must have been a phone problem. However, this did not put me off returning to this lovely area, and I booked one of the cottages 9 months ahead of time for an event I was attending, paid the deposit for a stay this summer, and then purchased the event tickets. Disappointingly, almost 3 months later I received a letter returning my deposit and cancelling my booking “as a result of exceptional circumstances”. Perhaps there was a problem with the cottages, and was it fixable in the coming months? They would not enter into any explanation whatsoever. Their terms and conditions listed examples include the usual things, act of God, war, fire, flood, disease … but actually … absolutely any reason whatsoever will allow them to cancel a booking without any explanation. And they clearly do. I really struggled to find alternative accommodation due to event season, and ended up much further out of the area than I wanted to be. We did however visit Benbow Pond with a picnic one day, and I do say, it is very lovely there. The cottages were still there and inhabited. I also noted that there was a big polo event going on at Cowdray Park at the same time as our own event. Who knows if that may have had any bearing on the cancellation .. we’ll never know. But please just be aware that your booking can be cancelled without even an email or discussion.

As a long standing member of the Polo Club I was appalled at the scrum in the stands. In former days members were able to enjoy the final without an endless stream of people marching up and down the stands spilling drinks as they went. Constant interruptions of people wanting to get in and out of the row.... Dogs that have to be passed up and down to owners. Constant chatter. Constant people standing in front of one so that one is unable to follow the game. It has become one big social event with no common courtesy. Surely during chukkas people should be restrained from returning to the stands. Movement of people in the stands during chukkas should be stopped. Everywhere else people are requested not to go backwards and forwards during performances. Why should polo be any different? The semi-finals are also going the same way... If really interested in high goal polo I suggest that all the other matches leading up to the semi-finals and the final are far more interesting for those solely interested in the game.

Whilst visiting friends in the area we decided to spend an afternoon at Cowdray Park, the first bit of good news is that the entry and parking are free. The second piece of good news is that the cafe is reasonably priced and serve up some great food. We took the walk down to the ruins of old Cowdray House, it s a nice 15-20 minute walk past the polo fields sown to the ruins. It is a shame that they are gated off and one cannot get to close to them, but I suppose if it is falling down and dangerous its fair enough. Visitors can still walk all the way around the ruins and there are some great photo opportunities. The bonus at the ruins is there is another cafe and a walled garden to explore, again entry is free and the walled gardens are quite awesome. It was a lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon and I would recommend it to all, but I would not go on a weekend in August as I imagine it will be packed

Having taken time out for the Cowdray Polo matches, I strolled round the grounds and park during the match intervals. This is a very well maintained and kept park. Strongly recomend to watch the cricket, stroll or picnic. Doug

Having taken time out for the Cowdray Polo matches, I strolled round the grounds and park during the match intervals. This is a very well maintained and kept park. Strongly recomend to watch the cricket, stroll or picnic. Doug

While visiing family in Fernhurst, we stopped for tea & cake at the café in the walled garden next to Cowdray Castle, in Midhurst, West Sussex. Really lovely setting, with the dog being allowed inside the café. Also, the old castle of Cowdray is worth spending a little time walking around.Show less

Well we were going to go to Woolbeding Garden but they were fully booked and I am glad, otherwise we might not have discovered this delightful walled garden and cafe which was so peaceful and secluded. Delightful tea and cake served by a charming gentleman.

I run the Bodhimaya retreats at Cowdray and can't recommend the House and the Estate enough. The setting is beautiful, the rooms are designed to an incredibly high standard and the service is always faultless. Cowdray is the perfect English retreat.

I recently attended a Bodhimaya detox retreat held at Cowdray Estate. The house and the grounds are simply stunning. Before the retreat I also visited the farm shop, Cowdray Hall and the cafe, all of which were wonderful. Cowdray is one of the only Estates in the UK run with such a deep commitment to holistic principles. I can't recommend this place enough.

Im the co-founder of Bodhimaya Wellness Retreats and we regularly run retreats at Cowdray. We hire several Estates and large venues around the world and I have to say this is our favourite place to run retreats. The ethics of the Estate and their commitment to holistic principles really come through in every aspect of the work they do - the farm shop, the house, the hall and every other aspect of the Estate. Our guests are very discerning and have very high expectations both in terms of service and luxury; Cowdray House does not disappoint. The level of luxury, comfort and style is unsurpassed. Whether for retreats or corporate events, you simply can't find a better venue.

Im the co-founder of Bodhimaya Wellness Retreats and we regularly run retreats at Cowdray. We hire several Estates and large venues around the world and I have to say this is our favourite place to run retreats. The ethics of the Estate and their commitment to holistic principles really come through in every aspect of the work they do - the farm shop, the house, the hall and every other aspect of the Estate. Our guests are very discerning and have very high expectations both in terms of service and luxury; Cowdray House does not disappoint. The level of luxury, comfort and style is unsurpassed. Whether for retreats or corporate events, you simply can't find a better venue.

cowdray hunt regularly breaks the law by chasing and killing foxes on cowdray land. no matter how wonderful your wellbeing and mindfullness courses are or how eco friendly your shop products are this is illegal, inethical and a very poor example for an influential land owner to set. retrain your hounds or better still stop hunting all together.

I love this place. My nan used to be Lord Cowdray's chief house maid and lived in an apartment in the main house, so we had many childhood holidays here. And it's where my mom grew up. Back here with the family for my mom's 80th birthday. The north wing holiday accommodation is fabulous. It's such a beautiful area, especially this autumn.

Come here for years to watch and help with the polo with the kids. Lord cowdrey is a lovely fellow indeed as is the estate. And everything in it. :-)

The 16,500 acre Cowdray Estate, with offices in the tiny village of Easebourne, surrounds the town of Midhurst. Approaching from the east along the A272 road several miles from Easebourne, Benbow Pond, is a very welcome journey-break. Lying in a sheltered valley it has a wood to the east and the 16 acre John Cowdray Arboretum to the west. Inland from the pond is a quiet and very beautiful valley where trees of great age dot the grassy hillside, having been left undisturbed for centuries. The oldest is the Queen Elizabeth Oak which is about 1000 years old. Queen Bess is thought to have sheltered under it when she visted Cowdray in 1592. Benbow has a small metalled car park – it’s free - and a further grassy area edging the pond which together take about 30 cars If you want to walk your dog and stretch your legs the main ride on the same side as the arboretum takes you, after 300 yards, to the Midhurst Way – look for the swing gate on the right hand side - Steward’s Pond, the Queen Elizabeth Oak and the newly planted avenue of lime trees. Alternatively you can go straight up the slope from the Benbow Pond, inland, for a longer circular walk. It’s all quite open and easy to find your way: paths are signposted The Cowdray Holiday Cottages are tucked away behind the trees, with complete privacy, to the east of the pond and have their own short access drive. Most folk seem content to sit by the pond and enjoy the bird life: swans, ducks, geese, moorhens, seagulls and even cormorants. Some birds are so tame they’ll eat out of your hand. If you want a rustic table and seats for a picnic, walk up the first ride in the arboretum, westwards, for 50 yards to the centre point – see picture. This is a wonderful place to bring children, a grassy wonderland full of small trees of many varieties, colours and shapes. The views are in all directions and breathtaking. Remember to bring your camera. I’ve been coming here for a long time witnessing all the seasonal moods and never get tired of it. I don’t think you will either.

Absolutely Beautiful ..

Extraordinary , truly wonderful