All about Adhurst

The Lubbocks can trace their roots in Adhurst Estate back to the 1860s when John Bonham Carter bought the estate. As befits such a splendid setting it has been a venue for grand Victorian parties, shooting weekends, cricket and theatrics through the ages and is now the home of sustainable pleasure and relaxation. The estate is 500 acres of farmland, amenity woodland, river habitat, workshops, houses, cottages and a couple of wishing wells.

Environmental policy

Adhurst is part of the newly established South Down National Park but was protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beforehand. The amenity woodland is maintained by the on-site woodsman who has been living and working in the woods for 50 years. Thanks to his work over the years parts of the wood are verging on arboretum status with many rare specimens.

Wildlife

A land that time forgot... Fascinating mushrooms, mosses and insects that are rarities elsewhere thrive here, while deer, kingfishers, badgers and owls are all common sights. You can make a game of spotting the tiny little frogs that live here, there are that many. Keep a special look out for giant slow worms too, perfectly harmless despite their menacing name. It is also worth going on a small trek to the old sawmill to find one of the tallest examples a Sequoia (redwood tree) in the UK.

Getting there

Adhurst Wood, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 5AD

By train

The nearest train station is Petersfield - from Waterloo station in London or from Portsmouth. Collections from the station can be arranged.

By car

Take the A3 from London, exit for Midhurst A272. As you leave the mortorway you will reach a roundabout where you take the first left and continue straight (PASSING along the way the turning on the right for the A272 Midhurst) and continuing a further few metres until you reach Adhurst Farm on your left. We are one hour from London. The post code is GU31 5AD.

Things to do

Things to do at Adhurst

You're already in your own private corner of The South Downs National Park and you can join the Way that runs between Winchester and the white cliffs of Eastbourne. There's a shorter walking trail along the River Rother through the woods, a zip wire for more high-octane thrills, a tennis court available for use and various options for horse riding. Also not to be missed is Petersfield market days of Wednesday and Saturday morning.

Butser Ancient Farm

Outdoors & active

Just a mile away along the footpaths is Durleigh Marsh Farmshop Pick-Your-Own. So many things to harvest with your own hands including blueberries, plums, flowers, herbs and of course, strawberries.

Butser Acient Farm is the world famous open air laboratory for Prehistoric and Roman agriculture and building techniques. A fascinating ancient technology 'themepark' with bookable events and courses.

Explore the spiritual site of Cittaviveka Buddhist Monastery at Chithurst.

It's free to watch the polo at Cowdray and there's also clay pigeon shooting, a restaurant and a farm shop.

Places to visit

Hollycombe is the largest traditional fairground in Britain with original steam powered 'white knuckle' rides and a small engine railway.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum is a superb collection of historic buildings and offers a chance to try Medieval village life for the day.

Watercress Steam Railway

Take the Watercress Steam Railway for a nostalgia trip to Alresford, one of the most charming town in England with clothes and sweetie shops, and back again.

The National Trust have Uppark House, Hinton Ampner House and Petworth House nearby.

Festivals

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Goodwood has a wide range of festivals such as Goodwood Revival, Festival of Speed and Vintage Goodwood, but also holds music, vintage clothing, organic food, and sculpture events throughout the year.

Eating & drinking

Eating & Drinking at Adhurst

The running of the estate means that there is usually some very local mutton and venison while pheasant can also be added to the diet. Make sure you ask for the estate honey and arrange a bee-keeping weekend if you want to learn all there is about looking after a hive. Meanwhile, a walk-in hen house will soon be ready for guests to gather all your own eggs.

The Harrow Inn, Steep

Pubs & restaurants

The Harrow Inn, Steep (1 mile). Highly recommended by the Lubbocks, it's also a winner of Alastair Sawday's Authentic Pubs Award and named "Unspoilt pub of the year" in the 2008 Good Pub Guide.

The Queens Head, Sheet (0.6 miles). The local! Family run pub and restaurant that does fantastic antipasto.

JSW, Petersfield (2 miles). Michelin starred chef Jake Saul Watkins serves modern British dishes in his stylish yet simple restaurant.

All about Adhurst

The Lubbocks can trace their roots in Adhurst Estate back to the 1860s when John Bonham Carter bought the estate. As befits such a splendid setting it has been a venue for grand Victorian parties, shooting weekends, cricket and theatrics through the ages and is now the home of sustainable pleasure and relaxation. The estate is 500 acres of farmland, amenity woodland, river habitat, workshops, houses, cottages and a couple of wishing wells.

Environmental policy

Adhurst is part of the newly established South Down National Park but was protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beforehand. The amenity woodland is maintained by the on-site woodsman who has been living and working in the woods for 50 years. Thanks to his work over the years parts of the wood are verging on arboretum status with many rare specimens.

Wildlife

A land that time forgot... Fascinating mushrooms, mosses and insects that are rarities elsewhere thrive here, while deer, kingfishers, badgers and owls are all common sights. You can make a game of spotting the tiny little frogs that live here, there are that many. Keep a special look out for giant slow worms too, perfectly harmless despite their menacing name. It is also worth going on a small trek to the old sawmill to find one of the tallest examples a Sequoia (redwood tree) in the UK.