Pictures of Midhurst

About Midhurst

Popular small market resort town whose beautiful 19th-century church stands close to the banks of the River Rother, on which the town stands.

Midhurst is an enchanting example of the perfect English market town, it has cherished properties from all periods including stunning half-timbered houses dating back to Tudor times. Walking the atmospheric streets was like stepping back in time, and the houses close to the river near the church make a lovely back-drop for the constant parade of graceful swans and ducks to be seen in the waters of the Rother.

This is one of Sussex's most stunning regions with little 'gems' of villages strung out like pearls dotting the downs. The downs form a dramatic setting for some of England's finest historic houses, Petworth, Uppark, Parham and the great castle of Arundel are all within easy driving distance. For romantic ruins, where better than the Gothic beauty of Cowdrey Park, here you can wander the delightful ruins and watch a polo match. It is the Mecca of all polo enthusiasts, often attended by the British Royal Family. At the centre of Midhurst lies a reminder of the days when it was only possible to travel by horse or coach and horse - both the Spread Eagle and the Angel Hotels are former coaching inns with well preserved timber-frame and many original features. The picturesque church of St.Mary Magdalene and St.Denys dates back to the 13th-century, it has an historic interior, is surrounded by a beautiful churchyard covered by centuries old graves, from which glorious views extend over lush green pastures of the fertile Rother valley.

H.G.Wells, scientific writer and storey teller had important family connections with Midhurst, his maternal Grandfather was born here and his Mother was a maid and housekeeper at nearby Uppark. He himself worked as an apprentice at a local chemist shop, which bears a commemorative plaque, he also attended evening classes at the local Grammar school, where he later returned to teach. H.G.Wells is known to have said 'all my memories of Midhurst are of sunshine, it was a happy place for me' a fine testimony to an equally fine town.

Here the visitor will find much of interest and beauty, the countryside has great wooded commons and gentle winding lanes, trout filled streams, and picturesque villages. In this delightful region Midhurst makes an inspired choice for a few days exploring the pleasures of the past where almost everything is linked to antiquity.