A wild day out at Petworth Park

Ah, Petworth Park. If you haven’t been, imagine this then guys and gals (and all other identities) endless rolling hills, ancient trees, and a herd of deer that look like they’ve just walked off the set of some period drama, where everyone wears waistcoats and speaks in posh welsh accents. It’s the kind of place you go to feel at one with nature, or at least pretend you know what you’re talking about when you start pointing out different kinds of birdies and trees (spoiler: I still don’t).

The second time I ventured there was with my brother. Yep, good old family bonding. I know, “Aww!” right? But trust me, it was niceee. Well, nice until he started with his usual jokes about me needing to hit the gym and get a better camera because, apparently, walking up hills at a leisurely pace is enough to remind me that my cardio is non existent. Thanks, bro. Love you too.

We spent the day wandering the park, taking photos, and soaking in that rare English sunlight that peeks out once every three weeks. The best part was the wildlife. Petworth has this hugeeee herd of deer, and when I say huge, I mean you feel like you’ve stepped into some enchanted woodland straight out of a Disney film (minus the singing animals) though that would’ve been so sick

Then came the main event: two stags facing off in what I can only describe as the deer version of Fight Club. Seriously, it was like something out of a David Attenborough documentary, but with way more tension, because the rest of the deer were just standing around like they were betting on who’d win.

Picture this epic showdown, antlers crashing, dirt flying, and there I am trying to get the best shot on my phone to upload to worldstar, and J is getting it with his massive telescopic camera without disturbing the wildlife (read: without accidentally stepping into the ring myself). Honestly, I thought one of them was going to finish the fight with the peoples elbow and dropkick the other into a bush.

My brother, of course, took this opportunity to tell me that stags fight over female deer (does), and I made a joke about how these stags have more of a love life than I do…

He found that funnier than I intended. Cue more brotherly banter. Ah, quality time

I actually went back another time with a friend who’s into photography because clearly one visit wasn’t enough. This time we were hunting (again, with cameras) for more action shots of wildlife.

There’s just something so peaceful about the place. It’s like you leave behind all the noise of life., your emails, your deadlines, your existential dread, and step into this serene little world where deer are the kings of drama and nature is…well, just there, being majestic

Petworth Park is seriously massive, though. Like, you can spend the whole day walking and still not see it all. Every turn gives you something new, a sneaky deer hiding behind a tree, a swan gliding along the lake, or just a peaceful patch of green where you can sit and pretend you don’t have responsibilities waiting for you back at home. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, which is probably why I lost track of it every time I went.

And then there’s Petworth House, looming in the background, all stately and historic. I didn’t go in. Why? Because, to be honest, I was more interested in the stags and the fresh air than in wandering around a fancy house. Plus, walking up all those hills was enough of a workout for one day. Maybe next time, when I’m feeling extra cultured.

So, yeah, if you’re looking for a day out that’s equal parts peaceful and epic, Petworth Park is the place to be, I love it. You might even get your own private showing of a stag fight if you’re lucky, and trust me, you don’t want to miss that.