Black Down
The highest point in the South Downs National Park
Black Down
Overview
The highest point in the South Downs National Park
Black Down in West Sussex is a landscape of wavy hair grass, purple heather and pine trees, where you can still get a true sense of 'wild'.
The views have inspired many for years and none so renowned as Tennyson himself: ‘You came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, Green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea.’
As you amble down some of the ancient sunken lanes and drove ways, you can feel a sense of timelessness. Traders, shepherds and chert quarrymen have been using these tracks for thousands of years.
The flanks of Black Down have old flower-rich meadows, ancient woodland and copses. The meadows are cut for hay, which is used to feed the cows over the winter. Today, we look after Black Down for its internationally important heathland. You might come across one of our cows - they help us control the scrub, which encourages the heather to flourish.
- Telephone
- 01730816638
- southdownswest@nationaltrust.org.uk
Black Down
How to get here
- Address
- Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 3BJ
- By cycle
- Black Down is ideal for cycling with numerous easy going bridleways or challenging terrain for the more bold. Head out of Haslemere on the B2131, turn right up Haste Hill, follow this onto Tennyson's Lane and head south-west until you come to the main car park (NT). Surrey Cycle Route goes through Haslemere
- On foot
- Take B2131 out of Haslemere, right up Haste Hill and follow onto Tennyson's Lane, then head south-west until you come to the main car park (NT). Footpaths link to nearby Sussex Border Path and Greensand Way
- By train
- Haslemere train station is only 2 miles away from Black Down and has excellent connectivity with London and Portsmouth. See Live Arrival/Departure Board or call 0845 600 0650 for details.
- By road
- Located 2 miles from A3, Haslemere can be accessed via A286 and A287. Head out of Haslemere on B2131, turn right up Haste Hill, follow onto Tennyson's Lane and head south-west until you come to the main free NT car park (GU27 3BJ)
- Parking: Two free NT car parks on Tennyson's Lane: Main car park (SU920308) 30 spaces; Lower car park (SU923306) 10 spaces. Not suitable for coaches. Other free (non NT) car parks in the area. Please note camping and overnight stays are not permitted in any of our car parks.
- SatNav:
- By bus
- Regular Stagecoach South services include the Aldershot bus, and the Guildford and Midhurst bus. Tennyson's Lane is half a mile up hill. Take the B2131 out of Haslemere, turn right up Haste Hill, follow this onto Tennyson's Lane and head south-west until you come to the main car park (NT)
Black Down
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
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:
- Gift Aid Admission
- Standard Admission
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.
Black Down
Opening times
Monday 4 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 5 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 6 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Thursday 7 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Friday 8 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Saturday 9 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Sunday 10 July
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Black Down
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01730816638
- southdownswest@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 3BJ