Petworth House

The impressive late 17th century mansion is set within a beautiful 700-acre deer park, which was landscaped by the legendary “Capability” Brown.

The house itself is exquisitely decorated and furnished with amazing treasures and works of art; the grand show rooms contain a world famous collection of paintings (the best in the National Trust), which includes works by JMW Turner, Van Dyke, Reynolds and Blake together with intricate carvings by Grinling Gibbons and impressive sculptures.

Across the courtyard in the Servants’ Quarters you can discover what life was like for those “below stairs” in the historic kitchens.

On the last weekend of every month the kitchens are full of authentic sights and delicious smells as costumed demonstrators recreate traditional recipes for visitors to try. Summer is one of the best times of year to visit this enchanting place. The parkland comes alive as visitors discover the lake, picnic on the lawn and play in front of the mansion with stunning views of ancient trees and fallow deer.

The Pleasure Grounds with wild flowers and woodland walks are the perfect place to spend a summer’s afternoon and Petworth’s events programme takes full advantage of this.

In August the grounds open late for magical Open Air Opera performances and a special family performance of The Railway Children. Or for those who prefer an early morning start July offers a rare opportunity to have “Breakfast with the Dawn Chorus”.

It’s easy to see why Petworth became the favoured retreat of JMW Turner, England’s greatest landscape painter.

He was a regular guest of the 3rd Earl of Egremont during what’s known as “Petworth’s golden age” in the 1820s and would have witnessed the grand parties and summer fetes that carry on to this day.

Turner’s paintings (19 in total) can be seen in the house and several are hung to overlook the parkland that inspired them.

A great way to round off your day out is with a visit to the Servants’ Hall Coffee Shop where you can indulge your sweet tooth with a delicious homemade cake or enjoy a home cooked lunch using locally sourced ingredients in the Audit Room Restaurant.

For a spot of retail therapy the Gift Shop offers seasonally inspired gifts and mementos.

Events at Petworth

Breakfast with the Dawn Chorus

Sunday, July 8, 6.30am - 8am.

Meet our Head Gardener to discover the early morning sights and sounds in the park. Coffee and bacon or veggie roll included en route. Meet in Petworth Park car park. Booking is essential on 01798 342207, £15 per person.

Fancy a Cuppa?

Saturday & Sunday, July 28-29, 11am – 4pm.

Discover the delights and history of tea drinking during the Georgian period with costumed interpreters. Normal admission applies.

Open Air Opera

Friday, August 3, 7.30pm
The Barber of Seville.

Saturday, August 4, 7.30pm
Madame Butterfly.

Enjoy a wonderful evening in the Pleasure Grounds, listening to opera preformed by Opera Brava, picnics welcome.

Adult £27.50 (£35 on the gate), children £10. To book tickets online visit www.operabrava.co.uk or call 01444 443000.

Animation Celebration

August 6 ,7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Delve into the world of animation this summer through a range of creative workshops for young people. From stop motion animation to comic strips, caricatures to flicker books, we can help you bring your imagination to life!

Booking essential on 01798 342207.

See website for details of prices and individual workshops Petworth Pirates (family event)

Monday and Tuesday, August 20 and 21, 11am - 4.30pm.

Ahoy there me hearties, come aboard the good ship Petworth for a day of nautical mischief and mayhem.

Normal grounds admission plus £4 per child.

The Railway Children (family theatre)

Friday, August 31, 3pm.

Heartbreak Productions will bring this much loved children’s classic to life in the beautiful Pleasure Grounds.

Adult £12, child £6, family £35.

Booking essential at www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk/ticketsales.

For more information or to see the full events listing visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth.