Plum Eats
People travel for miles to get there, but just a one-minute walk from Plum Cottage you’ll find the Duke of Cumberland Arms. With its own Trout Pond, award-winning Restaurant, pub garden and lounge bar with scrubbed pine tables, the Duke of Cumberland is the quintessentially characterful country pub with a stunning menu and wine list. Book in advance to eat, or stroll up for a drink anytime. Call to make a reservation on 01428 652280 or just pop in.
Less than a mile away and at the bottom of the hill is Banyan (01428 644090). A far cry from your average curry house, Banyan offers traditional Indian Cuisine with freshly cooked ingredients. During the COVID situation, they’re not open for dining in but they do offer a delivery and takeaway service for an indulgent evening in.
On the same site as Banyan is The Kings Arms Pub (01428 641165), once operated by Marco Pierre White, they serve traditional pub food and drinks in a beautiful 17th century building.
The E. Street Bar and Grill in Petworth offers a sophisticated menu and ambience for a special occasion. Call to book on 01798 345111.
If you enjoy country pubs serving delicious food in pretty rural villages you’ll be spoilt for choice when you’re staying at Plum Cottage! Here are some spectacular options:
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The Noah’s Ark at Lurgashall – 01428 707346
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The Lickfold Inn – 01798 422070
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The Hollist Arms – 01798 861310
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The Horse Guards at Tillington – 01798 342332
Plum Walks
Step out of the door at Plum and you’ll find a network of connecting footpaths crossing the Cowdray and Leconfield Estates giving you the freedom to explore the local countryside.
A short drive away at Elsted you can join the South Downs Way, a 100-mile route across the Chalk Downs that stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne. The section around Elsted is especially pretty and offers as much of a challenge as you require.
For a glimpse into landscaping history you can also explore the undulating parkland of Petworth House as laid out by Capability Brown, and famous for its deer herds.
Here you can find more specific maps and instructions.
Plum Outings
There are some fabulous days out in the area around Plum Cottage and these are some of the things that we love doing.
Midhurst – 3 miles away
A trip to the Cowdray Park Farm Shop in Midhurst is the most effective way to stock the larder with the best local meat and produce. Freshly grown vegetables vibrantly coloured and stacked in baskets compete for your attention with racks of home-grown chutneys and relishes, there’s an Italian deli section, a vast cheese counter and a proper butcher who will recommend the best cuts for your recipes.
Haslemere – 6 miles away
At the meeting point of Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire, is the historic town of Haslemere. There you will find numerous boutiques for clothes and interiors, even a Space NK. Foodies will head straight for West Street to have a look in the Fishmongers and Butchers, the Delicatessen and the amazing Bakery! For an unexpectedly quaint and cute treat, take in the Haslemere Museum. It has remarkable collections of Natural History and Geographical exhibits and is a complete revelation.
Petworth – 7 miles away
In Petworth you’ll find The Hungry Guest, a delicatessen to rival parts of the Harrods Food Hall. Here you can sit on bar stools and eat some of the produce in situ, but the unmissable part is the walk-in, refrigerated Cheese Room with cheeses brought in from all over Europe. Whilst in Petworth take time to explore the numerous antique shops, some of whom will invite you to view even more tempting pieces in their warehouses just out of town.
Chichester – 17 miles away
For a hint of culture, Chichester has a lot! It’s a bit further away and just above the South Coast. A pretty town with numerous interesting shops, but world renowned for its Festival Theatre and the constantly changing exhibitions at Pallant House.
Goodwood House hosts numerous exciting events throughout the year. The Revival and The Festival of Speed are the two major car themed spectacles that include racing, costumes and classics. There is also a glorious golf course and weekend and evening horse racing on the stunningly landscaped racecourse on the top of The Downs. All events for your finest clothes!
Bosham – 17 miles away
If you decide to head Chichester way, do take in the stunning sailing village of Bosham. Built around the pretty bay, it’s the perfect place for lunch in one of the many waterfront eateries, and a walk with an ice cream afterwards is a must. Just remember to watch where you park! The locals are always quietly amused when a visitor leaves their car by the sea wall at low tide, only to find it underwater at high tide