What’s On This April
Explore the best of West Sussex and discover the top events at Cowdray Estate and beyond this April. Looking for somewhere to stay?
April at TreeHouse Retreats is a time of vibrant transition. The South Downs are draped in fresh greens, the first bluebells begin to carpet the woodland floor, and the longer days invite evening drinks on the deck. From high-speed heritage at Goodwood to hands-on craft workshops and Easter celebrations, April offers a wealth of experiences for those looking to immerse themselves in the Sussex countryside.
Here are the key events to plan your spring stay around.
EASTER FORAGING AND EGG HUNT
Saturday 4 April | 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Cowdray Estate
Start the Easter weekend with a unique outdoor adventure. This session combines a guided foraging walk with a traditional egg hunt, making it a perfect way for families to explore the estate grounds. You will learn about the wild foods emerging this season while the younger guests search for treats tucked away in the landscape. £20 pp
EASTER AFTERNOON TEA
Sunday 5 and Monday 6 April | The Walled Garden at Cowdray
Celebrate Easter Sunday or Monday with a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of the Walled Garden. Prepared by Cowdray’s pastry chefs, the menu features seasonal spring flavours and delicate finger sandwiches. It is a wonderfully refined way to mark the holiday before a walk through the estate ruins.
RUN THE SEASONS | SPRING
Saturday 11 April | 9:00 am to 11:00 am | Cowdray Estate
For those looking to embrace the fresh spring air, this trail run offers 5km, 10km, and 10-mile routes across the stunning private tracks of the estate. The course heads out toward Ambersham and Heyshott Common, offering a unique chance to see the South Downs in their early spring glory.
Lunch and Learn: Gut Bacteria and Your Lifestyle
Thursday 16 April | 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm | Cowdray Hall
Align your retreat stay with some expert wellness advice. This "Lunch and Learn" session focuses on the fascinating world of the microbiome and how lifestyle choices impact your health. It includes a nutritious lunch and practical tips to take home, all set within the peaceful atmosphere of Cowdray Hall.
Cowdray Ruins Guided Tour
Saturday 11 April | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm | Cowdray Ruins
Walk through history with a guided tour of one of England’s most important early Tudor houses. You will hear stories of royal visits and the Great Fire of 1793 while exploring the dramatic ruins that sit just a short stroll from Midhurst.
Goodwood 83rd Members’ Meeting
Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 April | Goodwood Motor Circuit
For guests who appreciate heritage and high-octane atmosphere, the Members' Meeting is a highlight of the season. More intimate than the Revival, this event features exhilarating historic racing, high-speed demonstrations, and the famous evening party. It is a world-class spectacle just a 20-minute drive from the estate.
Spring Festival at Petworth House
Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April | Petworth House and Park
Celebrate the arrival of the new season at Petworth’s annual Spring Festival. The gardens come alive with spectacular bulb displays, complemented by a schedule of community art installations, horticultural talks, and craft workshops. Don't miss the Makers Market on the middle weekend for local Sussex treasures.
April stays are about embracing the light. Whether you are here for an active trail run, the thrill of Goodwood, or the meditative stillness of a sound bath, the treehouses provide the perfect vantage point for a Sussex spring.
