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Cowdray: a fortified medieval house and part of its landscaped grounds

8 ha

📷 Chris Downer · Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0

Plan your visit

BirdsHeritageWildlife
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome8 ha

Getting here

50.98797, -0.73130

Open directionsv
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Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🐦73+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Woodpigeon and Robin
  • ✦Historic character is a year-round quality here — summer brings its own atmosphere to the setting
  • ☕Walled Garden Tea Room — makes this an easy full-day family visit without needing to pack food

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome
CaféParking· PaidToilets

Best for

12 activities

Bird watching

Birds — Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird +70 more · last seen 2026; Deciduous woodland — woodpeckers, warblers and woodland birds

Free

Heritage

Grade I listed building: THE RUINS OF COWDRAY HOUSE; Historic site with public access

Free

Wildlife

Birds — Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird +70 more · last seen 2026; Deciduous woodland priority habitat

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — Azure Damselfly, Beautiful Demoiselle, Emperor Dragonfly +26 more · last seen 2026; Semi-improved grassland — butterflies and wildflowers

Free

Picnic day out

café, toilets, car park

Free

Family friendly

café, toilets

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

7 signed routes nearby · 18 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
South Downs WayWalking route160 km
Named routeLength 160 kmNational walking route
Sussex Diamond WayWalking route97 km
Named routeLength 97 kmRegional walking route
New Lipchis WayWalking route
Named routeRegional walking route
Woolbeding, River Rother and Midhurst Walk, South Downs WestWalking route4.8 km

Woolbeding Estate is a countryside gem, near Midhurst. Take in the beauty of the parkland. Follow the River Rother, edged with ancient trees. Pass a poplar plantation & hear the sounds of the weir before returning to the main street for its cafe's & pubs.

Named routeLength 4.8 kmDuration 01:30Round tripLocal walking route
Woolbeding Landscapes Walk, Sussex WestWalking route8.8 km

This is a gentle circular walk taking in wildlife, riverside views, and wide open landscapes. Easy going underfoot, some stiles and slopes.

Named routeLength 8.8 kmDuration 02:30Round tripLocal walking route
🚴

Cycling

4 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
National Cycle Route 228 Pulborough to Petersfield (proposed)Cycling route
Named routeRef 228National Cycle Network
Bepton to MidhurstCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Stedham to MidhurstCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
National Cycle Route 288 Cocking to Midhurst (Proposed)Cycling route
Named routeRef 288National Cycle Network
🚵

Mountain biking

1 signed route nearby

Signed route nearby
South Downs WayMountain bike route
Named routeRef 89National Cycle Network
🐴

Horse riding

4 public paths nearby

Public paths
The Wharfbridleway · 250 m
Public pathbridlewayLength 250 mPath type: residential
King John's Walkbridleway · 866 m
Public pathbridlewayLength 866 mPath type: bridleway

Wildlife to spot

Photos

Cowdray Castle

📷 Chris Downer · Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0

Cowdray Castle

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Weather for this location

Next 14 days

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Nearby places

Useful places within 5 km

🦉IPING COMMONNature reserve4.2 km→🌱The Walled GardenUrban park100 m→✦COWDRAY HOUSEHistoric site1.3 km→✦Midhurst CastleHistoric site400 m→✦Motte and bailey castle on St Ann's Hill, MidhurstHistoric site400 m→✦KING EDWARD VII HOSPITALHistoric site3.4 km→