Cowdray Cheese Festival
A fantastic day was had at yesterdays Cowdray Cheese Festival - Artisan flavour, community spirit, and a proper local highlight
Held at the Cowdray Farm Shop & Café on the outskirts of Midhurst, the event brought together food lovers, families, and local residents for a relaxed and flavour-filled celebration of artisan cheese and countryside living.
A true celebration of British cheesemaking
In partnership with Neal’s Yard Dairy, the festival showcased some of the finest cheeses being produced across the UK and beyond. Visitors had the chance to:
- Meet the makers behind the cheeses
- Sample a huge variety of flavours and styles
- Learn about traditional and modern cheesemaking techniques
- Buy directly from producers
From rich, mature cheddars to delicate goat’s cheeses and bold blues, there was something for every palate. The opportunity to speak directly with the cheesemakers added a real depth to the experience—this wasn’t just tasting, it was storytelling through food.
A proper day out in Midhurst
The atmosphere was exactly what you’d hope for from a Cowdray event—relaxed, sociable, and quietly premium.
A live band provided the soundtrack to the day, while visitors wandered between stalls, grazing as they went and enjoying the spring sunshine.
It felt less like a “festival” in the commercial sense, and more like a well-curated gathering of people who genuinely appreciate good food and good company.
Why events like this matter locally
Events like the Cowdray Cheese Festival do more than just celebrate food—they reinforce what makes this area so special.
For those of us living and working around Midhurst and the surrounding villages, it’s another reminder of the lifestyle offering here:
- Access to high-quality local produce
- A strong sense of community
- Regular, well-run events on your doorstep
- The blend of rural charm with a touch of luxury
It’s exactly the kind of thing that makes people fall in love with the area—and ultimately, why so many choose to move here.
Final thoughts
If yesterday’s turnout is anything to go by, this festival is set to become a firm fixture in the local calendar.
Whether you went along for serious cheese tasting or simply a relaxed afternoon out, it delivered exactly what it promised: great food, great people, and a brilliant local atmosphere.
Already looking forward to the next one.