Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Black Down
The highest point in the South Downs National Park
Black Down, Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 3AF
Important notice
Please note that camping or overnight stays are not permitted in our car parks
Opening times for 5 July 2025
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosedNo toilet. Public toilets (not NT) in Haslemere Waitrose car park. Dogs on leads are welcome. Accessible track from car park to circular tour. Pushchairs can access the site easily.
- 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 3AF). Just beyond this is a second car park, accessed via a track. There is a further car park a short distance along the road just off the sharp bend in Tennyson's Lane - the lower car park.
Parking: Three free NT car parks on Tennyson's Lane: Main car park and middle car park (SU920309) 30 spaces; Lower car park (SU923306) 10 spaces. Not suitable for coaches. Other free (non NT) car parks are in the area. Please note that camping and overnight stays are not permitted in any of our car parks.
Sat Nav: Main car park: Nearest post code for SatNav - GU27 3AF what3words:///inert.twig.tanked Grid ref - SU920309 Lower car park: Nearest post code for SatNav - GU27 3BJ What3Words:///owes.obtain.diverged Grid ref - SU922306
- 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 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)
- Cycling
Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 3AF 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
Black Down, Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 3AF
Highlights
Landscape
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'. Our cows are an essential part of the landscape and help us control the scrub, which encourages the heather to flourish.
Views
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.’
Ancient lanes
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.
Habitats
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.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Black Down
With plenty to see and do on a visit, Black Down, the highest point in the South Downs National Park, is a great place to walk, run, cycle and celebrate the great outdoors.
Top trails
Trail
Black Down Temple of the Winds trail
Find one of the best views of the South Downs National Park at the Temple of the Winds. This little-known spot has a secret feel and a charming curved stone seat to rest on.
Trail
Stargazing circular walk at Black Down
Explore the highest point in Surrey, away from light pollution, where a clear night reveals around 4,000 stars, including the Milky Way.
Places to stay
Emley Farmhouse
A charming country retreat on the edges of the South Downs.
Woodlands Cottage
This gamekeeper’s cottage is surrounded by woodland on the Nymans estate.
Polesden Garden Cottage
You’ll find gorgeous views over the Polesden Lacey estate and elegant interiors in this Regency-style villa.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Black Down
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.
History
Article
The history of Black Down
Prehistoric flints, ancient tracks across the land and so much more – our research reveals treasures in this fantastic landscape.
Our work
Project
Project
Beaver reintroduction in the South Downs
We've released a pair of beavers into a sheltered valley in the South Downs as part of our efforts to restore nature by creating a wildlife-rich wetland landscape.
Wealden Heaths NNR
Black Down is part of Wealden Heaths NNR. This new National Nature Reserve one of the King’s Series of NNRs, bringing together our region's most precious heathlands and endangered species into one extraordinary sanctuary for nature recovery. This is safeguarding of nature on a big scale and for the enjoyment of future generations to come.