Our first HMF outing for the new season is a visit to Petworth House near Midhurst. Set in a 700 acre deer park the magnificent 17th. century house displays the finest art collection held in the care of the National Trust. The gardens were laid out in the 18th. century by the renowned landscape gardener Capability Brown and include Serpentine paths, a woodland walk, an Ionic Rotunda and a Doric Temple. There is a cafe on site which serves hot and cold lunches between 12.00 and 2.30. Unfortunately there isn't a Wetherspoons !
Just outside the main gates to the house is the picturesque town of Petworth which has a couple of interesting looking eateries.
We will set off at 8.30am from Husseywell Cres and there will be a comfort stop on the way; probably The Barn on the A24 which we know well.
Cost is £20 per head for National Trust members and £40 per head for non members. This does include a reduced Group rate.
Lifetime members of the NT can of course take a guest each in for free and I therefore urge as many lifetime members to attend the outing in order to reduce costs for non members.