Each year the Leconsfield estate culls the deer in Petworth Park to ensure the herd size is sustainable for the area of parkland.. The cull is carried out on various dates between September and February. On these dates the park doesn’t open until 10am and the Upperton Gate (which is used by the Petworth Way) is closed 24 hours during the week. On the last day of each week’s span i.e. Friday, the Upperton Gate will open by 10.30am.
2025/26 Cull Dates
- 15-19 September
- 29 Sept – 3 October
- 13-17 October
- 10-14 November
- 24-28 November
- 5-9 January 2026
- 19-23 January
- 2-6 February (may not be required)
Alternative Route
If these dates coincide with your plan to walk the Petworth Way, please use the alternative route provided below.
- Instead of turning left off the road in Upperton, to reach the park gate which is closed, continue along the road. Follow the park wall on the left and walk on the pavement. Continue into Tillington.
- In Tillington walk into the churchyard, past the church door and then follow the path around the outside of the church. With the church on your left walk towards the hedge at the end of the churchyard and you will see a path in the right hand corner. Follow this downhill towards the A272.
- At the road walk on the pavement towards Petworth (left) for approx 400m until you reach the imposing structure of New Lodges Gate.
- Go through the gate into the park. Walk straight for approx 300m then fork right to pass the lake on your left. You are now back on the Petworth Way and can continue using the walk instructions to reach the town centre.