Petworth House
West Sussex, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Petworth GU28 9LR
Telephone 01798 342207
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- Main car park on A283, £4 (free for members), 700 yards from house up a steep incline with mobility buggy; North Car Park £3; eight 22kW EV charging points
- Access
- House rooms on ground floor with level access (steps to bedrooms); mobility buggy from car park; six wheelchairs to borrow; garden has uneven, sloped pathways
- Facilities
- Audit Room Café, second-hand bookshop and shop in Servants' Quarters plus House shop, toilets and accessible toilets in car park and Servants' Quarters
- Dogs
- Dogs on short leads welcome in the Pleasure Garden and under close control in Petworth Park; assistance dogs only in the House, Servants' Quarters and Café
- Safety
- 700-yard steep incline from car park to house; uneven terrain and steps on some Pleasure Garden and Petworth Park pathways; steps to bedrooms and Grand Stairs in house
Petworth House holds the National Trust's largest collection of paintings, set within a deer park landscaped by Capability Brown, and reviewers describe a staggering art collection for a property of this kind, with old masters throughout the main rooms and a staircase and ceiling worth the visit on their own. The servants' quarters give a further glimpse into the running of the house day to day. Guided tours such as the '900 Years in 45 Minutes' option are rated as excellent and not overwhelming even on busier days.
Worth the trip
The paintings collection itself - the National Trust's largest - with old masters filling the main rooms and a widely praised painted staircase.
Before you go
A disabled bay and lift up to the house are available, and reviewers with mobility needs note the placement of sofas in several rooms makes standing tours more manageable.
Reviewers consistently highlight the scale and quality of Petworth House's art collection, calling it staggering for a property of its kind, alongside the extensive deer park and its ancient sweet chestnut trees. Friendly, knowledgeable guides are mentioned in nearly every review, and accessibility features such as level routes, wide doorways, and thoughtfully placed seating are praised, though the upper floors of the house are noted as inaccessible to wheelchair users. The grounds and lake are described as requiring plenty of time to explore properly, and new toilet facilities are welcomed. Parking costs and the wide array of sculptures alongside paintings are also mentioned in passing.
Home to the National Trust's largest collection of paintings, set in a Capability Brown deer park
“Amazing house and grounds. Staggering art collection (paintings and sculptures) for a property like this. Nice pleasure garden and quite spectacular deer park with some incredible ancient sweet chestnut trees. Lots to…”- David Jay, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Even in Winter the formal gardens harbour Spring flowers ready to brighten the path from car park to house.” - Nigel Huxtable
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Those with a wheelchair to navigate will find level routes and wide doorways.” - Nigel Huxtable
- Facilities
- “New toilets are a welcome addition.” - Mister Interesting
Common questions about Petworth House
Where is Petworth House?
Petworth House is in West Sussex, England, at Petworth GU28 9LR.
Do you need a ticket to visit Petworth House?
Yes - Petworth House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Petworth House?
The paintings collection itself - the National Trust's largest - with old masters filling the main rooms and a widely praised painted staircase.
Is Petworth House a ruin or still intact?
Petworth House is largely intact - Home to the National Trust's largest collection of paintings, set in a Capability Brown deer park.
