What’s On This September
Explore the best of West Sussex and discover the top events at Cowdray Estate and beyond this September. Are you looking for somewhere to stay?
September settles quietly across the South Downs. Summer crowds recede, leaving crisp morning light and exceptionally warm coastal water. Estate woodlands yield the first wild mushrooms of the season, while local kitchens turn their focus toward the harvest.
Here is what to see, taste, and experience across Cowdray, Goodwood, Petworth, Midhurst, and surrounding estates this September.
Cowdray X Floris Scented Afternoon Tea
13th September, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm | The Walled Garden, Cowdray Estate
A sensory collaboration between the estate and historic perfumer Floris London. Set within the historic stone walls, pastry chefs translate scent notes of bergamot and cedarwood into a refined menu served alongside bespoke botanical teas.
estate mushroom foraging
26th September, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm | Cowdray Estate
A guided walk through estate woodland focused on the safe identification of autumn fungi. Led by Cowdray’s resident forager, the session offers a practical introduction to wild mycology during peak season.
Goodwood revival
18th to 20th September, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm | Goodwood Motor Circuit
The premier historic motor racing event returns to the circuit. Expect wheel-to-wheel vintage racing and period aviation set against the backdrop of the Sussex hills.
The Woodcote, Chichester
Make the most of alfresco dining. Located near Chichester, The Woodcote delivers precise, produce-led British cooking in an understated setting. The kitchen focuses on hyper-seasonal Sussex ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms, making it an essential table for lunch or dinner.
Gusbourne harvest and tasting
Selected dates through September, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm | Gusbourne Estate
A behind-the-scenes look into English winemaking during peak harvest. Walk the vines, sample ripening fruit, and enjoy a tutored tasting highlighting Gusbourne’s single-vineyard West Sussex vintages—sourced from chalk soils near Goodwood—paired with a three-course seasonal lunch.
September Evening Dining: A Taste of Cowdray
27th September, 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm | Cowdray Farm Shop & Café
A four-course dinner celebrating the launch of Cowdray’s seasonal estate cookbook. Executive Chef Ben Jupp crafts a menu centred on wild estate venison and local harvest produce, paired with welcome drinks from Gusbourne.
Expressions in Blue
Throughout September | 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.
As twilight pulls in earlier each evening, September invites a slower pace but encourages you to make the most of outdoor living. Whether spent at the tasting table or along the tide line (West Wittering is only 40-minutes away), these quiet weeks capture the essence of early autumn on the South Downs before the cooler months sweep in.
