Midhurst is a very pretty old market town at the western end of the Sussex Weald, close to the South Downs, the Surrey Hills, and the fantastic naval museums of Portsmouth. With its incredible historic architecture, including 106 listed buildings encompassing Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architectural styles, charming surrounds, and great collection of restaurants, the best places to stay in Midhurst are all ideal for a county escape. Our favourite properties include an impressive old inn, dating from 1430, and a family friendly country house hotel just outside town.

Almost every house on Midhurst’s charming market square dates from the 16th century, but Midhurst’s oldest structure is probably the Norman Castle at St. Anne’s Hill, or the parish church of St. Mary, which dates from around 1120. Just across the River Rother, the grounds of the Cowdray estate has the ruins of the Tudor main house — as well as a golf course, fishing opportunities, and clay pigeon shooting. Arundel (a short drive to the south) has an impressive cathedral, and a rather lovely castle. You’re also not far from Chichester, with its beautiful cathedral, Petworth House, and the Roman villas at Fishbourne and Bignor. But it’s also ideally positioned for events at Goodwood, or the Cowdray Estate.

This is a buzzing little town, and the best places to stay in Midhurst are popular year-round hotels. So do your research and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Midhurst

For Families

• Park House Hotel is a charmingly traditional property in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Converted from a lovely country house, this hotel now offers 21 rooms and suites, comfortably decorated in pale neutral colours. The hotel has grass tennis courts, a professionally designed pitch n’ putt golf course, a putting green, croquet lawn, a spa and heated indoor and outdoor pools. There are also wonderful views of the South Downs, a peaceful drawing room, and a friendly restaurant. It’s been in the same family since 1948, and they’ve really honed their craft!

Historic Inns

• The Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa is a character-packed old inn, with a main building, which includes the pub, dating from 1430. Unsurprisingly, the old part of the building is a warren of corridors with creaking staircases and exposed beams, and architecture that doesn’t quite seem to fit together. Admiral Nelson and Elizabeth I are just some of the big name celebs who undoubtedly spent a night here, and the very comfortable ‘Queen’s Suite’ still has a wig closest. The oldest rooms have separate snugs, and carved four-poster beds, but there are some far more contemporary options too, including some good-sized family suites. The spa is in the newer part of the building, the pub is cosy and relaxing, and the restaurant serves Modern British dishes.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Midhurst is just over an hour away from London by road; its closest railway line is in Haslemere, which is about 50 minutes from Waterloo. Haslemere is about 15 minutes away by car or taxi. Portsmouth is probably the closest major centre, about half an hour away by road. Heathrow Airport is the closest international airport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Midhurst, and the whole of the South Downs region, are probably at their busiest during the spring and summer months, between Easter and September. This is the best time for walking the South Downs, and exploring the Surrey Hills. Midhurst is an easy base for attending events at Goodwood, or the polo at Cowdrey, so the accommodation is busy during events as well. Midhurst does make a great country escape in any season though, with a cosy atmosphere come the cooler months, and great opportunities to pick up some good value accommodation.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in West Sussex
• Consider Midhurst’s neighbours: cathedral city Chichester or the pretty market town of Petworth
• Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in West Sussex or the most romantic hotels in West Sussex
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.