The first building saved forever for the nation by the National Trust
We're closed now but are hard at work making sure everything is clean and shiny for when we open again on 2 March. In the meantime why not enjoy our countryside walk or pop into the pretty downland village of Alfriston?
This early 15th-century Wealden hall-house was bought as a restoration project in 1896 by the newly formed National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty. Through a series of changes and renovations across the centuries it has become this picturesque house seen today in its idyllic setting with views across the River Cuckmere.
The mixed cottage garden is a delight throughout the year with its Arts and Crafts style 'garden rooms' . The orchard was mentioned in Octavia Hill’s 1896 description of the Clergy House as ‘tiny but beautiful, with orchard and a sweep of lowland river behind it’. The apple trees are old and rare varieties such as Sussex Duck’s Bill, Lady Sudeley and the local Alfriston Apple.
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
