A classic downland experience with secret woodland glades
Join the rangers on a circular walk from Lewes to Blackcap taking in the autumn colours of Ashcombe Bottom, discovering the history and management of this ancient site. Soak up big skies and feel on top of the world.
Blackcap, in East Sussex, occupies 623 acres along the ridge of the South Downs, just west of the historic old town of Lewes. This stunning hilltop area offers fine views over The Weald to the north and across the dip-slope to the coast.
In summer take scented walks across the wild flowering majoram which grows in abundance over the hillside. You'll find nearby Ashcombe bottom a short walk south of Blackcap.
Known locally as Bracky Bottom, because of the bracken growing in the coombe, you can enjoy an evening walk with the scent of honeysuckle and maybe a sighting of the white admiral butterfly. There are bottoms all over the Downs, and this is truly one of the finest.
The whole area is steeped in history with burial mounds, battle grounds and ancient trackways. It is reputed that Simon de Montfort marched his army along this way in 1264 to fight King Henry III's men in the Battle of Lewes.
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 the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
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: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| 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 donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.
