On Friday, together with some journalists and bloggers, we escaped the city to spend an amazing day exploring Cowdray Estate. We were so lucky with the weather – after a cloudy week, the sun emerged just in time for our trip. We discovered a stunning countryside escape perfect for a day trip, holiday or celebration, with a range of activities, accommodation and events venues – and only an hour from London.
Located in the heart of West Sussex, Cowdray is a 16,500-acre estate merging rural tranquillity with modern luxury. A sophisticated take on the traditional country escape.
Centred around the picturesque town of Midhurst, the estate offers activities and facilities enabling guests to tailor-make their perfect bespoke holiday. Clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing and fast-paced polo lessons can all be undertaken on-site, while the 18-hole championship Golf Course boasts spectacular views across Cowdray and the South Downs National Park.
For families willing to embrace a challenge, Bear Grylls’ 24-hour survival weekends explore the estate’s wilder landscapes, teaching the basics of foraging and survival. Meanwhile, couples and friends looking for a quiet weekend away may prefer to visit the dedicated Wellbeing Centre at Cowdray Hall, with yoga, pilates, mindfulness and meditation classes open to locals and visitors alike. Alternatively, guided walks take in acres of farmland, woods and stunning scenery – including views overlooking the Heritage site and visits to the statuesque ‘Queen Elizabeth Oak’, dated between 600 – 1000 years old. Across the estate, elegant accommodation includes self-catered Holiday Cottages and stylish bedrooms and suites, all recently refurbished. The 18th Century Golf Lodge also offers a choice of four ensuite double rooms and two suites, as well as the romantic standalone ‘Bothy’, an intimate hideaway perfect for couples. For families, the Cowdray Suite, with two bedrooms and separate living area overlooking the polo fields, offers the ideal weekend base from which to explore the area. A choice of breakfasts is served in the Clubhouse daily.
Meanwhile, located at the edge of the woods, Cowdray’s Holiday Cottages offer peaceful, private sanctuaries in which guests can relax and unwind. Each cottage features a fully fitted kitchen and sophisticated sitting room, including free Wi- Fi throughout, as well as access to the cottages’ shared garden and ample parking. Guests also receive a Welcome Pack of provisions from Cowdray’s very own Farm Shop & Café, including Cowdray eggs, bread, butter, marmalade, tea and milk. Prices start from £64 per night (low season) for the Holiday Cottages or £80 per night (B&B, low season) for the Golf Lodge bedrooms. Finally, Cowdray’s Farm Shop & Café are a must-visit. The Farm Shop stocks specialist ingredients, local produce, fresh bread and homemade cakes, while the in-shop butchery offers Cowdray’s homemade venison sausages and more.
Next door, Cowdray’s Café serves a range of hearty and healthy dishes and caters to a range of dietary requirements, as well as offering vegetarian and vegan options each day.
For those looking to celebrate a special occasion, Cowdray House itself is a sophisticated and elegant exclusive-use events space, available for private-hire.
