The Deer Park at Petworth House and Park

View across Petworth Deer Park, West Sussex, with rolling hills and gatherings of trees in summer leaf — Explore Petworth Deer Park | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

The 700-acre Deer Park at Petworth is one of the finest surviving and unspoilt examples of an English landscape designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Boasting far-reaching views of the South Downs, the historic park is an ideal place to escape the crowds, take an invigorating walk and let the children run wild. Petworth Park is open for you and your dog to enjoy every day of the year.

A historic herd

The magnificent herd of fallow deer have called Petworth Park home for over 500 years; they were reportedly hunted by Henry VIII on his visit to Petworth in the 1520s. Today between 700 and 800 deer grace the parkland. You may be able to glimpse a few as you explore.

Ancient trees at Petworth

Petworth Park is home to an assortment of ancient and veteran trees, some of which are nearly 1,000 years old. Here are some highlights to look out for:

Three ancient oak trees, one of which was a sapling during the Norman conquest of 1066 and is likely older than any of the buildings at Petworth.
The ‘Beelzebub’ oak dates back to 1779 and marked the parish boundary; it has been suggested that its name came from the superstition that land outside the parish was dangerous.
Sweet chestnuts up to 600 years old, some gnarled and twisted from lightning strikes.
A hollow common lime tree, at least 500 years old but able to continue as a hollow shell for hundreds more.

How the Park is managed

The grounds are managed sustainably for wildlife and are protected under a Higher Level Stewardship agreement with Natural England. Please be mindful of the environment and follow the Countryside Code when you visit.

Fallow deer stags at Petworth House and Park, West Sussex — Fallow deer stags at Petworth | © National Trust Images/Adrian Holloway

Spring wildlife in the park

As the leaves on the deciduous trees start to unfurl, young wildlife species also appear in the parkland. From March to June fledgling birds begin to explore the world outside their nest for the first time. You’ll also be able to see the goslings of greylag, Canada and Egyptian geese by the Upper Pond, while in the heart of the park you could see juvenile green woodpeckers and stonechats that are learning to fend for themselves.

In April and May keep your eye to the sky to spot swallows and swifts as they return to Petworth Park all the way from Africa. Insect activity also increases at this time of year, with black-tailed skimmer and broad-bodied chaser dragonflies visible by the park waterbodies. Spring and early summer are also fawn season in the park for the fallow deer, as young are born in June and July.

Please keep your dogs on leads when you visit to make sure the young deer remain safe. Mother deer often leave their fawns alone in the long grass, so if you find one of these hidden on your walk, please give them space.

The sun rises on a February morning over the park at Petworth, West Sussex. The sun can be seen shining through a bare branched tree over the frosty grass of the parkland. — Sunrise in the park at Petworth House and Park | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Water safety

Please refrain from entering the water in Petworth Park. The water quality isn't tested and there is a high risk of waterborne diseases and toxins in standing water. There are also underwater obstructions and no lifeguards to watch over your safety; swimming is not permitted.