What’s On This May
Explore the best of West Sussex and discover the top events at Cowdray Estate and beyond this May. Looking for somewhere to stay?
As the spring warmth settles over the South Downs and the bluebells reach their peak, May in Midhurst and Petworth brings a vibrant mix of heritage, sport, and seasonal indulgence. From the opening of the high-goal polo season to sunset concerts in grand state rooms, here is what to look out for this month.
FIELD TO FORK FORAGING: SPRING
Saturday 2 May | 10:30 am to 2:00 pm | Benbow Pond, Cowdray
Join Estate Forager George for a day of discovery as you learn to identify and gather seasonal salads, fungi, and vegetables. Guests will harvest and prepare these wild treasures before enjoying a curated picnic feast in the heart of the Sussex countryside. £75 pp
murder at the ruins
Monday 4 May | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm | Cowdray Ruins
Test your detective skills at the iconic Tudor ruins in this interactive mystery experience for ages eight and up. Explore the historic grounds and gather clues from witnesses to solve a captivating whodunit while enjoying the spring sunshine. £10 – £20 pp
THE WALLED GARDEN WEDDING OPEN DAY
Sunday 10 May | 11:00 am to 3:00 pm | The Walled Garden at Cowdray
Explore one of the estate’s most romantic settings during its peak May bloom. Meet expert suppliers, enjoy food tastings, and wander the historic gardens to find inspiration for your own special celebration or simply enjoy the floral displays. Free
family foraging
Saturday 23 May | 10:30 am to 1:00 pm | Cowdray Farm Shop & Café
A fun, immersive tour of the estate designed for families. Children can learn to identify wild foods and medicinal herbs, including natural remedies for stings and grazes, while exploring the diverse habitats and hedgerows with an expert guide. £20 – £37.50 pp
THE TRIPPETTS CHALLENGE
Wednesday 6 to Saturday 16 May | Cowdray Park Polo Club
The high-goal season officially begins as world-class teams compete for the prestigious Trippetts Challenge. It is the perfect time to enjoy a pitch-side picnic and witness the speed and skill of top-tier polo in a relaxed, social setting. Check the website for fixtures.
WINE AND CHEESE EVENING
Thursday 21 May | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Ambersham Clubhouse
Indulge in an evening of local viticulture as Master Sommelier Laura Rhys presents award-winning Gusbourne wines. These are perfectly paired with artisanal Sussex cheeses from the Cowdray Farm Shop, all set against the backdrop of the South Downs. £40 pp
Find out more
PETWORTH pROMS
Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 May | 7:20 pm to 9:45 pm | Petworth House
Enjoy an evening of classical music with intimate mini-concerts held across four magnificent state rooms. Featuring talented musicians from the Royal Academy of Music, this event offers a unique way to experience the house and its history after hours. £39 pp
Whether you’re drawn by the thunder of hooves on the polo pitch or the quiet lure of a wild garlic forage, May in West Sussex offers a rhythm for everyone. We look forward to seeing you under the canopy soon.
