10 Reasons to Move to Midhurst, West Sussex

If you’re dreaming of living in a charming, historic market town surrounded by the beautiful South Downs National Park, then Midhurst could be for you!

Midhurst offers a fantastic balance of countryside living and convenience, with attractions such as Cowdray Ruins, Cowdray Park Golf Club, Goodwood Racecourse, and a variety of local shops, cafés, and leisure facilities nearby. The town continues to rank as one of the best places to live in the UK, and it’s easy to see why.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or looking to buy a home, here are the 10 best reasons to visit and move to Midhurst.

1. Idyllic Countryside Setting

Midhurst sits in the heart of the South Downs National Park, making it a dream destination for nature lovers. From scenic walking trails and quiet cycling routes to birdwatching and countryside picnics, residents and visitors can enjoy a peaceful yet active visit or lifestyle, surrounded by stunning rolling hills and historic woodlands, giving them a front-row seat to some of the UK’s most beautiful natural scenery.

Additional countryside parks and attractions are nearby Midhurst, such as the National Trust’s Woolbeding Gardens and Harting Down, and the Devil’s Jumps, providing the perfect opportunities for weekend hikes.

 2. Beautiful Market Town

Midhurst itself is both beautiful and historically significant. The town has retained much of this historic character, with attractive Georgian, Tudor, and Victorian buildings, independent shops, and a traditional high street that feels a world away from larger urban centres.

Historically important buildings you can visit include the Midhurst Museum and Tea Rooms and the Spread Eagle Hotel, both accommodation and dining destinations.

Midhurst also hosts seasonal farmers and artisan markets throughout the year, including the Midhurst Meraki Market. This authentic and welcoming craft market hosts over 60 stalls selling local treasures of exceptional quality and takes place quarterly

3. Strong Community Spirit

Midhurst is known for its friendly and welcoming community. Local events, markets, festivals, and clubs help residents feel part of the town quickly.

In addition to markets, annual festivals such as the Midhurst Jazz, Food, and Blues Festival, held in November, bring the community together to celebrate music and cuisine. The MADhurst Festival is also a town favourite.

Additionally, residents of all ages can join several clubs and societies in Midhurst, including The Midhurst Club, a Bowling Club, a Camera Club, the Lions Club, and the Rotary Club, among others. There truly is something for everyone.

4. Excellent Transport Links to London and the South Coast

Despite feeling rural and peaceful, Midhurst is well placed for commuters and for trips to London, Portsmouth, Chichester, Brighton, and the Hampshire countryside.

The A272 is less than a mile away and leads to the A3. From the A3, drivers can head north towards London or south towards Portsmouth. Rail travel is easy for residents of Perceval Grange. The nearest station is in Liphook, only 8 miles away. From here, destinations can include Portsmouth, Bedhampton and Havant.

Alternatively, head to Haslemere station (a 20-minute drive), with London Waterloo as the final stop.

Southampton International Airport is only 53 minutes away, London Gatwick is 58 minutes away, and London Heathrow is around 45 miles away.

5. Plenty of Things to Do in and Around Midhurst

There’s always something to discover in and around Midhurst, for residents and visitors alike!

Locally, you can explore the historic Cowdray Ruins and beautiful Walled Gardens and even stop by the Polo Academy in the summertime. You can also visit wonderful local art galleries, including The Midhurst Gallery and the Brett Gallery. For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, being in the heart of the South Downs National Park offers excellent opportunities for outdoor sports and activities.

If you’re willing to travel a little outside of the area, many world-famous events are just a short drive away, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival – a firm favourite for motorsport fans and enthusiasts. Additionally, local towns such as Petworth offer exciting days out for the whole family. Read our blog for inspiration on spending the perfect day in Petworth.

6. An Outdoor Lifestyle

For those who love the outdoors, Midhurst is hard to beat. The surrounding countryside offers endless opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding, and running, while local sports facilities, tennis courts, and leisure centres make it easy to stay active year-round.

The South Downs Way is a popular option. This famous trail passes through the Midhurst area and gives you access to protected countryside and breathtaking views across the South Downs National Park. Other favourites include the Rother Valley Routes for cyclists, and sporting clubs such as Easebourne and Midhurst Cricket Clubs, Cowdray Park Golf Club, Cowdray Polo, Midhurst Rugby Club, and Midhurst & District Lawn Tennis Club.

7. Excellent Schools and Educational Opportunities

For families, Midhurst is a popular choice, thanks to its excellent schools and access to a range of educational opportunities.

In the local village, Midhurst C of E Primary School and Easebourne Primary both have Ofsted Good ratings, and Midhurst Rother College is rated as outstanding. Some of West Sussex’s top-performing schools are also within travelling distance, such as The Academy in Selsey and Ardingly College.

8. The Perfect Town for Foodies

From traditional country pubs and elegant restaurants to independent cafés and farm shops, Midhurst has plenty to offer food lovers, featuring cuisine from all over the world.

The award-winning Cowdray Farm Shop & Café has a wonderful selection of local produce and goods, and a traditional deli counter with a range of cheese, charcuterie, and meat from Cowdray Home Farm. In town, there are plenty of options, including al fresco dining in the Market Square and a range of more traditional country pubs.

9. Shared Ownership Options in Midhurst

Shared ownership in Midhurst, through our homes at Perceval Grange, presents a more accessible opportunity to get on the housing ladder. Aster offers a wide selection of shared ownership properties, where buyers can purchase a share of the home and pay rent on the remainder, a flexible and increasingly popular way to buy.

This model lets first-time buyers, young professionals, and families buy a share of a home in a desirable area without a large deposit. It’s an excellent stepping stone to buying a home in a sought-after area.

10. Space to Live and Grow

For those working from home or embracing hybrid work models, having a peaceful, well-sized living space is essential. Our homes often come with flexible layouts and outdoor areas, ideal for families, creatives, and remote professionals alike.

Our homes at Perceval Grange feature two spacious double bedrooms, contemporary kitchens, EV charging, sustainability features and generous storage throughout.

Make Midhurst your future home.

Whether it’s spending a delightful day exploring its attractions or planting roots with a shared ownership property, Midhurst has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a more achievable way to buy, shared ownership could be the perfect solution. Explore Aster Sales' shared ownership properties in Midhurst and take the first step toward buying a home today.

Shared ownership properties in Sussex offer an accessible pathway onto the property ladder. This initiative lets you buy a share of a property, typically between 10% and 75% (depending on the lease), and pay rent on the remaining portion. As your financial situation improves, you can gradually increase your ownership share, making it a flexible solution.

We offer a range of shared ownership properties across Sussex, catering to diverse needs and preferences.

Alternatively, explore other shared ownership properties we have available. If you’d like more information about these beautiful new shared ownership homes, email us or call us.

Where can I learn more about shared ownership?

At Aster, we understand that buying a property can be daunting, so our team of experts is always happy to answer any questions you may have about shared ownership or the process of purchasing your own home.

Learn how shared ownership works and what shared ownership is with our guides.

Our website also has an FAQ page full of useful information to help you make an informed decision. Alternatively, you can contact us directly, and one of our experienced team members will be more than happy to assist.