South Downs

Rosa felicia on the terrace at Alfriston clergy house

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

Places to visit

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Visitors playing in the sea at Birling Gap
Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters   East Sussex

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...

Take a downland stroll, head down to the beach with a net find out what's in the rockpools, or take dip in the sea - the perfect way to cool off at the end of a summer's day.

Come and enjoy a day by the sea

Summer on the South Downs

Butterfly in the garden in the summer at Monk's House, East Sussex

Butterfly walks in and around the South Downs  

A butterfly dancing from blossom to flower is always a cheerful sight. Enjoy a stroll in the sunshine at some of our best Sussex butterfly spots, such as Devil's Dyke, Harting Down and Cissbury Ring.

The plant centre at Hinton Ampner is full of summer colour

Summer gardens in and around the South Downs  

Our gardens are all at their colourful best during the summer months with vibrant colours, relaxing spaces and breath-taking views. From the summer borders at Woolbeding Gardens, Hinton Ampner and Petworth; come and find a summer garden near you.

The view of river meadows at Woolbeding parkland

Summer wildlife on the South Downs 

Summer is a perfect time to take a stroll and discover all the natural wonders the South Downs has to offer.

Visitors dog-walking at Ickworth, Suffolk
Walking trail 

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.

Walkies this way

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.