What’s On This August
Explore the best of West Sussex and discover the top events at Cowdray Estate and beyond this August. Are you looking for somewhere to stay?
The fields across West Sussex are painted in deep golds, inviting long, unhurried days out in the country air. Whether you’re looking to lose yourself in a sea of locally grown wildflowers, track shooting stars across a historic deer park, or dance into the twilight hours, we have curated the ultimate guide to the month ahead.
COWDRAY WOOD-FIRED PIZZAS
Every Friday and Saturday | 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Cowdray Farm Shop and Café
Kickstart your summer weekends with a relaxed evening at the Farm Shop. Enjoy authentic wood-fired pizzas handmade on-site using the finest ingredients from the estate. It is an ideal way to enjoy a warm evening with friends and family in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Summer Fungi Forager’s Picnic
15th August, 10:30 am to 2 pm | Cowdray Estate
Immerse yourself in the ancient art of gathering with Cowdray’s resident expert forager. This guided, slow-paced walk around the tranquil waters of Benbow Pond introduces you to the early late-summer fungi, wild salads, and native botanicals hidden within the estate. The morning concludes with a beautifully curated outdoor picnic, celebrating rich, wild flavours and seasonal estate produce in the sunshine.
The harvest hoe down
15th August, from 6:30pm | Cowdray Maize Maze
Dust off your leather boots for an evening of authentic country music, rustic food, and open-air fun. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the estate, the Harvest Hoe Down features a live performance from one of the UK’s leading barn dance bands, keeping everyone moving well into the night. Expect local cider, a roaring atmosphere, and a rodeo bull for those feeling particularly adventurous.
The (almost) Complete History of Britain
20th August, 6:30pm to 8:30pm | Cowdray Ruins
Gather your favourite picnic blanket and find a spot on the lawns of the historic Cowdray Ruins for an evening of open-air theatre. The critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company are bringing their brilliantly eccentric, fast-paced performance to the estate, charting the entire history of Britain in under two hours. Expect plenty of live music, interactive moments, and a delightfully tongue-in-cheek look at the past, all set against one of West Sussex’s most atmospheric backdrops.
Meteor Shower Guided Walk
12th August, 8 pm to 10 pm | Petworth House
Pack a wool blanket and a flask of something warm for an ethereal night in Petworth Deer Park. Led by the estate's conservation experts, this guided twilight walk invites you to look for the park's secretive nocturnal residents before settling down under an unpolluted Sussex sky to witness the peak of the spectacular Perseids meteor shower.
MAIZE MAZE AND FLOWER PICKING
Finishes August 23rd | Cowdray Farm Shop
A celebration of seasonal simplicity, the Maize Maze returns with an "Around the World" theme for 2026. Wander through the towering corn or spend a quiet hour in the flower picking patch, where you can gather a bespoke bouquet of sunflowers and dahlias to take home.
Expressions in Blue
Throughout August | Petworth House
For a dose of stately artistic inspiration, head to the magnificent galleries of Petworth House. This summer, the property is hosting towering ceramic sculptures by the renowned artist Felicity Aylieff, beautifully contrasted against the historic state rooms and rolling parkland. Families can enjoy the curated Adventures in Blue Summer Trail, whilst Fridays bring drop-in creative art workshops inspired by Turner’s legendary residency.
Whether you spend your days uncovering the finest corners of our West Sussex neighbours or simply resting under the canopy, we wish you a beautifully slow and sun-drenched August.
