HISTORICAL PETWORTH TOWN AND

Deer Park Walk By

SIMON BAKER IRONS

February could be perceived as a month of romance with both Valentine’s Day and the appearance of snowdrops, signifying that spring is not far away. This month’s feature is a gentle winter walk through the historic market town of Petworth to the Deer Park at Petworth House. The walk will enjoy the heritage of the town that is a haven for antique lovers and art collectors, then culminate with some fantastic views across the South Downs.

Start the walk from the Petworth Main Town Car Park and cut through to Rosemary Lane, following the wall lined path to the library. Here you can cut through to the Petworth Cottage Museum. The museum is an estate worker’s cottage that has been restored and furnished as it might have been in the early 1900s.

Head along the High Street passing many historical listed buildings to the Market Square.

Petworth has had a market square since at least 1541. Leconfield Hall, which is now a cinema was built in 1794 and stands on the site of a former covered market. A street fair dating back to 1189 in Petworth is still held annually in November.

From the square, walk up Lombard Street to St Mary’s Church. This cobbled road was once the main shopping street for Petworth with haberdashers, bakers, grocers and butchers. Turn right and pass the obelisk gas lamp, that was gifted to Lord Leconfield as a token of thanks for providing the town with gas lighting. Follow the wall to the cow yard of Petworth House. Then head under the cattle tunnel which emerges into the glorious Deer Park. Look ahead and you’ll see the Upper Pond, follow the path towards the Pond and once reached take the path that forks right to the Boathouse. Enter via the archway of this architectural stone feature for great views of the lake towards the South Downs.

From the Boathouse, follow the path that goes around the edge of the woodland. To your right you’ll see a clump of trees on top of a hill, walk to this point for beautiful views across the 700 acres of park. This is also a great vantage point to try and see the many fallow deer that reside here.

Head back to the main track and continue around the pond, from this far side of the lake, you can admire the view across the Upper Pond towards Petworth House; this was one of the vistas of Petworth that artist J.M.W. Turner painted.

Continue following the path around the pond until you get to the Dog of Alcibiades statue, protruding from the water, this is a copy made for the 3rd Earl of Egremont in memory of his favourite canine companion.

Take the path back towards Petworth House where you can visit the pleasure gardens and see many tiny snowdrops beneath the woodland canopy, a charge applies to access the house and Gardens (Members Free). To complete this walk head back through the tunnel to town and enjoy a well-deserved rest and drink in one of the many cafes.

To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram at piertopiertrekking

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