Top 6 Castles around Cocking

The Cowdray Heritage Ruins are one of England’s most important early Tudor houses and Cowdray is known to have been visited by both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. In September 1793, whilst undergoing repairs and refurbishments for the impending marriage of the 8th Viscount Montague, a devastating fire took hold and most of the property was destroyed. The Kitchen Tower is the only part of the mansion to remain intact. https://www.cowdray.co.uk/historic-cowdray/

Midhurst is a historic market town, parish and civil parish in West Sussex. It lies on the River Rother 20 miles (32 km) inland from the English Channel, and 12 miles (19 km) north of the county town of Chichester. The town has a history that dates back to the Saxon times, and has been the site of a castle, a monastery, a royal residence, and a parliamentary borough. The town is also known for its association with the Cowdray Estate, which includes the ruins of the Tudor Cowdray House and the famous polo club. Midhurst is a charming and picturesque town that offers a wealth of attractions, activities, and amenities for visitors. You can explore the town’s heritage by visiting the parish church of St Mary Magdalene and St Denis, the Norman St Ann’s Castle, the Old Library, and the South Pond. You can also enjoy some retail therapy by browsing the independent shops, galleries, and markets along the town’s streets. You can sample some delicious food and drink at the various pubs, cafes, and restaurants in and around the town.

In view of the South Downs sits Midhurst, a town rich in architectural history with Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings all through the streets. You might also notice the yellow painted wnidow frames on houses in the town and the surrounding area. These properties below to the Cowdray Estate and a visit to the Cowdray Farm Shop and Cafe to the north of the town is well worth it. The town also boasts two ruined castles, Cowdray Castle and a motte and bailey castle on St Ann's Hill. HG Wells attended Midhurst Grammar School and returned to teach there as an adult. 'The Invisible Man' is set in the town. Look out for the blue plaque showing where he worked in a chemists.

You will find this quaint little castle off the beaten track at the top of the park. It is occupied, so don't stray too close.

Petworth is a village that plays host to the 17th-century stately home Petworth House and its magnificent deer park. The famous landscape architect Lancelot 'Capability' Brown designed the grounds. Whilst the pleasure gardens and house require advance booking, the 700-acre (283 ha) park does not. Here you can see the largest fallow deer herd in England.

Uppark House is a magnificent stately home perched high on the South Downs ridge. The Grade I-listed property dates to the 17th century and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Uppark is in the care of the National Trust. Entry cost £5 for adults, £2.50 for children, £12.50 for families, and £7.50 for a one-adult family. For more information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark-house-and-garden.