South Downs

Frosty view of the church and garden in winter 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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Enjoying winter across the South Downs

A frosty and sunny winter day over Lavington Common

Winter walking on the South Downs 

Whatever your reasons for stepping out on the South Downs, there’s a route that’s right for you. So pull on your walking boots and blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a bracing walk this winter on one of our beautiful countryside sites on the South Downs.

Brown hairstreak butterfly egg laid on a blackthorn twig

Winter wildlife on the South Downs 

Winter sees short days and early evenings. But even with some of the wildlife tucked away there is still much to enjoy on the South Downs.

Alfriston Clergy House East Sussex winter garden

Winter gardens on the South Downs 

Here are out top picks of the best places to play, for families in Sussex this winter. Don’t let the weather hold you back. We’ve got puddles to splash in, places to clamber and a cosy tea room to warm up in.

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.