South Downs

Tulips in the Servants' Quarters border designed and gifted to Petworth by Lady Egremont

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

Places to visit

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Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt through daffodils

Easter days in and around the South Downs 

Nature is waking up after the long sleep of winter and there are Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts for the whole of the school holidays at Petworth and Birling Gap. Plus 9 places in Sussex over the Easter weekend. Brimming with clues and intriguing discoveries about nature and wildlife.

Find Easter fun in and around the South Downs

Springtime on the South Downs

Orchards in bloom at Swan Barn Farm in Surrey

Spring walks on the South Downs 

Now is the perfect time to get outdoors and spot signs of our countryside bursting into life. Here are our top walks all around the South Downs to try this spring from Birling Gap to Slindon, Devil's Dyke to Swan Barn Farm.

Brimstone butterfly visiting spring flower

Spring wildlife on the South Downs 

Spring is great time of year to head out for walk as the sun starts to warm the ground and our countryside once again blooms into life, ready to welcome the coming year.

Close up of Handkerchief Tree at Uppark, West Sussex

Spring gardens and countryside to visit in the South Downs 

Shake off those winter blues and lift your spirits in a fresh spring garden or the wild countryside. From beds of colourful tulips to buds of delicate blossom, our gardens are finally waking up. We've selected some of the very best places for you to enjoy the delights of spring.

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.