Capability Brown's parkland walk

Sussex

A clump of trees stand on top of a grassy hill as the sun shines through the branches at sunset in Petworth Park — Sunset in the park at Petworth House and Park, West Sussex | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Enjoy a 3-mile (4.8km) walk through the 700 acres (2.8sq km) of parkland sculpted by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, with breathtaking views over the park to distant hills towards the South Downs.

Near to

Petworth

Start point

Petworth Park, North car park, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 9LS. Grid ref: SU966239.

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)

Short trail

DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Duration1 hour 30 mins to 2 hours 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*Gentle route with ascents. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**For further details, please see section marked Access.
***For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Petworth Park, North car park, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 9LS. Grid ref: SU966239.
Stage 1
From the car park, emerge from the trees into the park and take the path west to the view at the top of the hill. This hill and the woodland at its top are called Half Moon Piece.
Stage 2
Continue west along the grassy track down past the Shepherd’s Pond, restored in 2020 during lockdown. Then follow the path up towards a cottage in the wall called Shepherds Lodge.
Fallow deer
Our resident herd of fallow deer can often be seen in this northern section of the park to the south of the area you have just walked. During the day, this is a bit of a refuge for them away from the busy paths. Brown planted the tree lines along the edges of the parkland in order to both hide the walls and road, whilst also connecting the trees with surrounding landscapes, making the park appear more extensive.
Spot the fallow deer in Petworth Park | © National Trust/Christina Beckett
Stage 3
From the Shepherds Lodge take the stone path heading south, there will be a grass path heading up the hill on your right after around 100m. Following this path up to the top of Monument Hill. If you need a breather, there is a bench on the path to your left, the route continues at the second left hand turn. This is the highest view in the park at 410ft (125m) above see level.
View of Petworth House
Though the stone road is now below Monument Hill, Brown’s driveway originally came up the path you have just walked and skirted the edge of the hill. This was to enact the first reveal of the Petworth House from the parkland. You will notice that when you look to the House, you cannot see Petworth town; a deliberate part of Brown’s efforts to make you think the House is in the midst of its own estate.
Stage 4
Follow the path that contours around the bowl of the hill (called The Concave) and descend the steep hill back down to the stone road. At the stone road, turn right towards Snow Hill.
Stage 5
One you reach the top of Snow Hill, cross onto the grassy path to take you towards the boathouse. Walk down the hill, turn left at the crossroads where stone meets grass paths by a young walnut tree. Follow the grass path on the left to the copse enclosed by metal railings and turn left following the railings. A path will open onto the hill above the enclosure, take this and head up onto Arbor Hill.
The parkland and Upper Pond near Petworth House | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
Stage 6
At this point you will be stood on the ‘saddle’ between Arbor Hill and Lawn Hill. When looking north up the park, Arbor will be on your left and Lawn will be behind you to your right. Take the path north heading downhill towards the Lower Pond.
Arbor Hill
Whilst walking down the path, look left at the hill. You may notice that the slope of this hill is a little unnatural. One technique Brown used was to carve hills to make them concave in shape, this manipulation of the aspect of the hill changes its prospect and makes the hill appear taller from both above and below. By planting trees atop the hill, this further cements the visual effect.
Enjoy far-reaching views beyond the Park | © National Trust/Bryony Young
Stage 7
As you reach the Lower Pond, walk around the pond and along the track that leads north to finish your walk at the car park.
End point
Petworth Park, North car park, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 9LS. Grid ref: SU966239.
Trail map
Capability Brown's Parkland Walk Map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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