Blackcap
A classic downland experience with secret woodland glades
Blackcap
Overview
A classic downland experience with secret woodland glades
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.
- Telephone
- 01323423197
- southdownseast@nationaltrust.org.uk
Blackcap
How to get here
- Address
- Lewes, East Sussex
- By cycle
- The South Downs Way passes Blackcap, which then links to a network of bridleways and country lanes
- On foot
- On the South Downs Way
- By train
- Lewes 4 miles; Cooksbridge 2 miles. Good rail links from London to Haywards Heath and London to Lewes
- By road
- Follow B2116 west of Lewes. Small lay-by below on B2116 for parking (free, open 24 hours), entrance to Blackcap opposite lay-by
- Parking: Small lay-by on B2116 for parking (free, open 24 hours), entrance to Blackcap opposite lay-by
- By bus
- Service 166, Lewes to Haywards Heath; service 824, Lewes to Burgess Hill. See Countryliner for timetable. Alight at The Blacksmith's Arms at Offham then, with the pub directly on your right, walk along main road until you reach the public access sign, then follow path to Blackcap. Alternatively, alight at the Half Moon at Plumpton then walk to crossroads, cross main road and go along track opposite Plumpton Lane. Bear left at top of ridge and follow straight to Blackcap
Blackcap
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.
Blackcap
Opening times
Friday 27 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Saturday 28 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Sunday 29 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Monday 30 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 31 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 1 June
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Thursday 2 June
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Blackcap
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01323423197
- southdownseast@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Lewes, East Sussex