South Downs

Alfriston Clergy House East Sussex view of house and vegetable garden in winter

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

Places to visit

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Visitors admiring the indoor greenery for a Georgian Christmas at Petworth House

Festive fun in and around the South Downs 

Enjoy a traditional Christmas this year across the South Downs. We are bringing festive traditions to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintery countryside.

Enjoy a South Downs Christmas this year

Enjoying winter colour on the South Downs

Winter sunrise over Uppark House and Garden, West Sussex

The garden this winter at Uppark 

Wrap up warm and meander through our grounds this winter taking in the crystal clear views out across the South Downs.

A view of the mansion at Petworth in winter

Winter in the outdoors at Petworth 

There is still plenty to see in the outdoors at Petworth in winter. Wrap up warm and explore the grounds with the crunch of frost underfoot.

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 has come to a close. With some of the wildlife tucked away there is still much to enjoy on the South Downs.

Discover the winter wildlife waiting for you
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
The pale green sitting room at Monk's House
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.