Cowdray ruins and St Ann's hill
Distance:
<5 miles. 1-2 miles
Location:
West Sussex
Type:
Easy
Duration:
0.5-1 hour
Getting here
By bus: There are regular services to Midhurst, visit www.traveline.info/se
Points of Interest
The magnificent Cowdray ruins dominate the water meadows in the thriving market town of Midhurst and were visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Their existence today, thanks to restoration following a devastating fire in 1793,
give many clues to life in Tudor times.
Today, the distinctive yellow window frames seen on some buildings is the signature colour of the Cowdray Estate.
Directions
- From the bus stop near to the North Street car park head through the gate towards the Cowdray ruins across the causeway. Make a short detour here to take in the ruins or to visit the beautiful Walled Garden (free) and cafe.
- Just before you get to the river bridge turn right and follow the field edge with the river on your left until you get to a kissing gate (Note: cattle are sometimes grazing here).
- Enter the woodland and either climb the steps straight ahead (or continue to the left along the river until you reach an open area and follow the path uphill to the right) to St Ann’s hill where, if you look carefully, you will find the remains of an Iron Age fort and a Norman castle. Modern day Midhurst developed around this site.
- Below the remains go through the gate and down a side street, called St Ann’s Hill, into the market square where you can still see the old stocks. There are many historic buildings to admire including the church, originally part of the castle, and the Spread Eagle hotel, one of England’s oldest coaching inns.
- Turn right and follow the pavement around past the old Town Hall to the high street where you turn right to return to the start.