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Cowdray House on the Cowdray Estate in West Sussex, is an extraordinary place to stay. The estate is home to the Cowdray family, and is world-famous for being the center of British polo. The estate has welcomed royalty from all over the world, including our Queen and Prince Philip.
The house is beautifully suited to entertaining of the highest manner, and welcomes both private and corporate guests.
There are 22 bedrooms in Cowdray House, all en-suite, and accommodating up to 44 guests. Each room is very well appointed and most overlook the gardens and rolling serenity of the South Downs.
The reception rooms include a dining room (seating up to 60), a library, morning room and drawing room. Both the drawing room and library open onto the front terrace – perfect for drinks before dinner. There is also the magnificent Buck Hall, with its lofty vaulted ceiling and minstrels’ gallery – the hall can seat up to 150 guests to dine, and 300 for a cocktail reception. It lends itself to all sorts of occasions, from sporting banquets to weddings to charity evenings, and the minstrels’ gallery can be put to full use with some jolly modern minstrels.
The house also has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an all-weather tennis court, croquet lawn, and the most fabulous private bowling alley, for high-stakes competition.
The house sits in 110 acres of parkland and private gardens. There’s plenty of space for the greatest of splendid marquees, allowing for up to 600 guests.
Edmund’s Choice of Extraordinary Feature
“Polo is known as the ‘Sport of Kings’, and the Cowdray Estate is the home of British polo. Staying at Cowdray House gives you the chance to learn more about such a fantastic, glamorous world, and during the summer season, guests are invited to stomp the odd divot between chukkas.”
About the Estate
Cowdray Estate offers outstanding country sport, as well as polo, including golf, fly-fishing and shooting. Guests can book lessons and hire suitable equipment (and ponies) for each sport.
There are several farms on the estate (and a farm shop, with deli and butchery), and other venues that welcome guests in various capacities (Capron House, Cowdray Hall and Cowdray Golf Clubhouse and Lodge. There are also the exciting art exhibitions, going on in the Tower Room, in the ruins of the Cowdray Tudor mansion).
Guests can lose themselves in the woods and valleys of the estate, or book wild-life tours, and learn how to tickle a brown trout.
There is additional accommodation at the Golf Lodge, which sleeps 16, and four pretty estate cottages, which sleep 13. Across the Estate, over 70 people can be accommodated overnight.
About the Location
The Cowdray Estate is very close to the Goodwood Estate, and both overlook the South Downs.
It takes about an hour and forty minutes to drive from central London, or you can take a train to Haslemere Station (about 15 minutes by taxi to Cowdray).
Weddings at Cowdray
You can be married in both Capron House and Cowdray House, or at the golf club. There is a team on site to help you marshal troops to plan your day.
Photographs can be taken at the romantic ruins of Cowdray’s Tudor mansion, a short drive from the House.
REVIEWS
Because they are selling their souls. In actively promoting a sand quarry in our National Park, on Common Land is nothing short of disgraceful. I am not alone in never, ever using Cowdray again if they continue in this dreadful manner. Shame on them. So much for an holistic estate!
For a company that supposedly prides itself on its holistic ethos you have a funny way of going about things! Between rents so high locals can no longer afford them, jobs being given to non local companies, the high street emptying due to high rents and now your latest endeavour...destroy the woodland, pollute the environment and build quarries for sand extraction that are almost the size of Midhurst itself...it really looks like you’d rather destroy the town than nurture it! It seems you’ll only be happy when you have squeezed every single penny you can from the town and left it a soulless over polluted waste ground! When you except grants for building a wildlife corridor only to turn it into a sand quarry. When you protest fracking outside your house because it’s bad for the environment..ie it doesn’t look good from your windows...and then destroy the environment in Midhurst...well I guess if that’s what you call a holistic approach to business I’d hate to see what you’d do if you were cut throat!
In recent years Cowdray have become increasingly less and less interested in the local community and the environment and more focused on financial gain. They seem to have forgotten what it takes to be a landowner and how their actions impact on the lives of local people. My immediate experience has been to watch the degradation of Bepton Down, a designated SSSI which is a unique area of chalk grassland near Midhurst. More recently they have proposed a 75 hectare quarry on the edge of Midhurst in an existing wildlife corridor. This comes after the family opposed fracking near their home in Fernhurst. Double standards if ever you’ve seen it. The Cowdray website states that they take an holistic approach to the land - but destroying natural habitat, taking 4,000,000 tonnes of sand out of the ground, with an estimated 440,000 lorry journeys + pollution is NOT holistic. I cannot recommend Cowdray.
If Cowdray say they are a Holistic Estate which cares about the land, then why are they actively promoting quarries to excavate 4 million tonnes of sand over 75 hectares of National Park land? The destruction of wildlife habitats and the woods and heathland they enjoy will remain for decades. Not to mention the noise and air pollution from the heavy machinery and HGV vehicles in the surrounding towns/villages of Midhurst, Bepton, Minsted, Stedham, Trotton, Rogate and Woolbeding (National Trust).
We had a wonderful 2 days at Cowdray Park for a team event - gorgeous rooms, beautiful food, plenty of space and entertainment for the group in such a stunning settling. Highly recommended.
This is a review of the winter fair held at Cowdray Park. We travelled a long way to get to the Fair as it had been recommended. The Brocante fair is held in two smallish marquees so was not as big as we expected. The access was difficult given that it had rained so bring wellies to walk from the parking to the marquees as it was very muddy. To access the loos you also need to come out of the fair and then walk across a muddy field to some portaloos. The food options were extremely limited but we were given a good recommendation for a local pub. The size of the fair was disappointing given the entrance fee and more thought should be given to how to make the visit worthwhile. It is probably very nice for locals but not so good if you have travelled a long distance.
This is a nice place to walk in the autumn, in lovely surroundings with a lovely walled garden.we walked up to the old castle,which is a nice place to sit.
Stayed in Heathend cottage for 4 nights and found it very comfortable, quiet and clean, apart from a brown stain on the second bedroom carpet. Someone had clearly tried to clean it without much success, dog are allowed in the cottages so this could have been the problem. We went to the Cowdray cafe each morning for breakfast, which was excellent. The whole Cowdray estate is a lovely area and we would love to return sometime in the future.
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
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