South Downs

Autumn at Hinton Ampner Hampshire

Wild coast, stunning wildlife, remarkable history - enjoy the top spots in Britain's newest National Park.

Places to visit

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A young girl enjoying the autumn leaves dressed as a witch for Halloween

October half-term and Halloween in and around the South Downs 

As the golden leaves colour and fall, enjoy little autumn traditions together as a family in the South Downs. This October half term follow a bat trail and build a bat box at Petworth. Crunch through the leaves on a nature walk at Slindon. Or pick a pumpkin and transform it into a scary mask at Saddlescombe Farm.

Find your spooky day out

Autumn on the South Downs

Child in autumn woodland

Six things to see on an autumn woodland walk 

An autumn woodland glowing with colour and rich with the smell of damp earth is a wonderful place to be. National Trust Ranger Chloe Bradbrooke suggests six mini wonders of nature to look out for on an autumn woodland walk.

Soft autumn glow at Hinton Ampner Hampshire

Autumn gardens on the South Downs 

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit our gardens as they mellow into a romantic tangle of repeat-flowering perennials, feathery grasses and sculptural seedheads.

A dormouse found on a survey at Swan Barn Farm

Autumn wildlife on the South Downs 

Autumn is a wonderful time to discover the abundance of wildlife that can be found across the South Downs. From dormice to damsons, sloes to sweet chestnuts, the autumn harvest is there for anyone who cares to take a wander.

A picture of a girl clasping autumn leaves

Autumn colour on the South Downs 

Enjoying some autumn colour. Walking the dog. Walking off lunch. Walking the 100 miles of the South Downs Way. Whatever your reasons for stepping out on the South Downs, there’s a route that’s right for you.

Alfriston Clergy House East Sussex front of house in summer

Peaceful places to visit in West Sussex 

Try something new this season with a visit to some of Sussex's most peaceful places. Alfriston Clergy House and Monk's House are Sussex cottages with remarkable stories to tell. While Woolbeding Gardens is a secret horticultural haven near Midhurst.

Visitors dog-walking at Ickworth, Suffolk

Taking the lead on the South Downs 

The South Downs are a great place to walk your dog, so there's always somewhere near to you where you can enjoy this rich countryside throughout the year.

How you can help us

Volunteering

Supporting our Rangers 

We have hundreds of volunteers helping out at our countryside sites across the South Downs. Learn more about the essential work they carry our and how you can get involved.

Group visit in great hall at Charlecote Park

Join a supporter group on the South Downs 

Interested in making the most of the National Trust near you? Join your local supporter group to enjoy a range of fun activities and ways of helping your local properties.

Uppark at dawn

Helping out in our houses and gardens 

We could not do without the committed and enthusiastic volunteers at our houses and gardens. Find out more about you can join

Our houses and gardens on the South Downs

The dolls' house at Uppark, West Sussex
The Somerset Room at Petworth House and Park, West Sussex
Picture of the South Drawing room at Hinton Ampner
sitting room at Monk's House, East Sussex
The sundial in the parterre garden at Woolbeding Gardens, West Sussex.
The lovely poppies in the vegetable garden at Alfriston Clergy House

Things to see and do at Uppark House and Garden 

There's plenty to discover around our 18th-century house and gardens. Stretch your legs out in the woodland, marvel at our famous doll's house and potter in the gardens.

The state rooms of Petworth House 

With a history stretching from the 12th century, find out more about the state rooms of Petworth House that are open to visit and the extraordinary collection of art on display.

Discover the house at Hinton Ampner 

Ralph Dutton had a particular appreciation of Georgian architecture and furnishings, and the Hinton Ampner of today is a showcase for his work in rebuilding after the devastating fire of 1960.

Things to see and do at Monk's House 

Monk's House will open again 3 Apr 2019. Visit the house once inhabited by novelist Virginia Woolf and wander through her home as it was once and explore the cottage garden.

Things to see and do at Woolbeding Gardens 

Wander around the 26 acres of gardens and stumble upon follies, explore different garden rooms and relax on lawns.

House and Garden at Alfriston Clergy House 

Discover why Alfriston Clergy House was the first house to be owned by the National Trust. Explore the house and stunning cottage garden which Octavia Hill was determined to preserve for future generations.