Life on the Estate
The monthly journal is a chance to reflect on life on the Cowdray Estate throughout the year. It gives a snapshot of on what’s gone on in the last month and also a glimpse behind the scenes of the day to day running of a busy country estate in all the seasons from the depths of winter to a hot summer’s day.
Looking back on
December
December is a fabulous time on the Estate. Cowdray Ruins provided a picturesque backdrop for December holiday fun, the Farm Shop is filled with festive treats and the Forestry team have been putting up Cowdray Christmas trees across the Estate.
Looking back on
November
Christmas is approaching and the Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle team have been getting ready for the festive season. Cowdray Golf has hosted its first Night Golf event with golfers teeing off using glow in the dark balls, and the forestry team have also been busy taking advantage of any dry spells to continue general upkeep of the extensive woodland.
Looking back on
October
Autumn on the Estate brings a transformation of the countryside. The lush greenery of summer gives way to vibrant hues of gold, amber and deep red. Cowdray embraces this special time of year with a celebration of Autumn including Apple Day and Run the Seasons. There has also been a Wedding Showcase, the first in a series of Evening Dining events, and art workshops and tours at Cowdray Ruins.
Looking back on
September
The Maize Maze finished at the very start of September. Over 10,000 visitors enjoyed exploring the maze as well as making the most of a range of events including Run the Maze, cinema nights and Heritage Days. The apple harvest took place in September and the new Cowdray Ruins Visitor Centre has opened its doors.
Looking back on
August
Cowdray’s Maize Maze has been open through-out August. Located on the Cowdray Estate, overlooking Lawns polo fields and Cowdray Ruins, the maize maze has been a great success attracting visitors of all ages from far and wide.
Looking back on
July
The final of the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup took place on Sunday 21st July with Dubai clinching victory in front of thousands of spectators. There is plenty going on across the Estate with golfers enjoying the Par 3 course and runners participating in the last Run the Season Race.
Looking back on
June
Polo is in full swing on the Estate in June. The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup started on June 25th, and at the end of the month the Midhurst Town Cup took place. With fabulous matches to watch and plenty to do on the side lines there is no better way to spend a summer's day. All the games open to the public.
Looking back on
May
The sun finally came out in May, just in time for The Walled Garden Wedding Open Day in the middle of the month. The Farm Shop was also filled with local, seasonal produce and there is much activity across the Estate getting ready for summer events.
Looking back on
April
Spring is here. Daffodils, tulips and blossom are all out across the Estate. It has been a busy month with Cowdray Golf reopening after an extensive improvement project, the Estate hosting the Spring Run the Seasons race and a successful Gun Dog Challenge at the end of the month.
Looking back on
March
For the first time in over a decade a team from Parks and Gardens, Farming and Forestry have been laying hedges on the Estate. Hedge laying is an ancient rural craft which rejuvenates an aging hedge by cutting almost all of the way through the stem and laying the hedge over.
Looking back on
February
New appointments, a well-attended Farm Shop dining dinner, planting trees, digging ditches and building new benches from Cowdray timber ready for the general public to enjoy picnics and pizzas outside are a few of the events that have taken at Cowdray this February.
Looking back on
January
After the buzz of Christmas, wintry January has settled in. With challenging weather ranging from frosty temperatures to fierce storms, the New Year has started with plenty going on.
