Cowdray Park Polo Club – Ambersham Grounds

Parking facilities are available at the Ambersham Grounds, particularly on match days. While specific details and potential fees are best confirmed on the official Cowdray Park Polo Club website, visitors generally find ample space. Arriving earlier on popular match days is advisable to secure a good spot.

Public transport to the Ambersham Grounds can be limited due to its rural location within the South Downs National Park. The nearest train stations are typically Pulborough or Haslemere, from which you would likely need to arrange a taxi or local bus service to reach the grounds. Checking local bus routes from nearby towns like Midhurst or Petworth is recommended for the most up-to-date information.

Generally, no specific permits are required for walking on the public footpaths and bridleways that crisscross the Cowdray Estate, including areas around the Ambersham Grounds. These paths are open for public access. However, always respect private land signage and stick to designated routes.

While the polo season (spring to late summer) is ideal for watching matches, the shoulder seasons of early spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October) are excellent for walking. During these times, the weather is often pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and the South Downs scenery is particularly beautiful with spring blooms or autumn colours. Winter walks can also be very peaceful, though paths may be muddy.

Yes, the area around Ambersham Grounds offers several family-friendly walking routes. The roads immediately surrounding the polo fields, such as Selham Road, are often quiet and flat, making them suitable for gentle strolls with children. For more adventurous families, numerous public footpaths and bridleways within the wider Cowdray Estate provide easy to moderate walks through woodlands and open countryside, often with minimal elevation changes.

Dogs are generally welcome at Cowdray Park Polo Club – Ambersham Grounds, provided they are kept on a lead at all times, especially during matches and around livestock. This rule also applies to most public footpaths and bridleways on the Cowdray Estate. Always ensure you clean up after your dog to help maintain the beautiful environment.

While the Ambersham Clubhouse offers refreshments on match days, for options outside the grounds, you'll find charming cafes and traditional pubs in the nearby towns of Midhurst and Petworth. These towns are just a short drive away and offer a variety of choices for a meal or a drink after your visit or walk.

The area surrounding Ambersham Grounds offers a range of accommodation options, from charming bed & breakfasts and guesthouses in Midhurst and Petworth to larger hotels and country inns. For those seeking a more rustic experience, there are also holiday cottages and glamping sites within the South Downs National Park. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak polo season.

The Ambersham Grounds themselves are set within the scenic South Downs National Park, offering picturesque views of the polo fields backed by rolling hills. For more elevated viewpoints, exploring the public footpaths and bridleways on the surrounding Cowdray Estate will lead you to various spots with panoramic vistas of the West Sussex countryside. Look for paths that climb gently into the surrounding woodlands for the best perspectives.

The immediate vicinity of the Ambersham Grounds features relatively flat terrain, ideal for easy walks. However, as you venture onto trails within the wider South Downs National Park, you can expect gentle to moderate elevation changes. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, offering varied walking experiences without typically encountering steep, challenging climbs. Many paths follow contours, providing manageable ascents and descents.

Walking trails around Ambersham Grounds vary significantly in length. You can find short, easy loops of 1-2 miles that take less than an hour, perfect for a quick stroll. For those seeking longer excursions, numerous interconnected public footpaths and bridleways allow for walks of 3-5 miles or more, which can take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your pace and chosen route. Many routes can be extended or shortened to suit your preference.