Petworth Park Sports

Petworth Park Sports is where locals actually go to watch cricket and rugby in proper Sussex fashion. It's a working sports ground, not some polished leisure complex, which means you get the real thing - the smell of cut grass, proper clubhouse banter, and crowds who genuinely care about the result.

The ground hosts Petworth Cricket Club and rugby fixtures throughout the season. If you're into cricket, the summer months are brilliant; the wicket's decent and there's something about watching a match unfold from the boundary with a cup of tea. Rugby fans should catch autumn and winter fixtures instead. Matches are typically free to watch, though gate fees might apply for certain fixtures - worth checking ahead with the club.

This isn't a destination attraction that'll eat up your afternoon, but it's a cracking spot if you're staying nearby and fancy a couple of hours of proper sport rather than theme parks. Families with kids who play cricket or rugby will find it far more engaging than they'd expect; local young players use the facilities regularly, so there's often genuine grassroots action happening.

The ground sits just outside Petworth town itself, making it convenient if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks. Woodfire at Westerlands and Graffham Camping are both within easy driving distance, and Wakestone & Wild Glamping - which is genuinely excellent - sits just 2.8 miles away. Pop down here for an hour after breakfast if there's a match on, then head into Petworth proper for lunch. It's that sort of place.