South Downs

The rotunda built in 1766, and daffodils in the park at Petworth House, West Sussex

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

Places to visit

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Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

Our gardens, parks and countryside sites are open. Cafés are takeaway only and shops, houses and other indoor areas are currently closed. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority. We strongly advise booking your visits in advance, especially over Easter when places may be very busy. Please note that in line with Welsh Government legislation, places in Wales are only open for Welsh residents. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance on travel.

More details on what's open
Nature news
Male beaver takes its first swim in the South Downs

Beavers reintroduced in the South Downs 

We've released a pair of beavers into a sheltered valley at the edge of the South Downs as part of our efforts to restore nature. The beavers will help us create a wildlife-rich wetland landscape. The project follows our successful introduction of two beavers at Holnicote in Exmoor early last year. While the animals settle in, we’re asking people not to go to the site, to give them the best possible chance of establishing themselves.

Find out how this project will help our wildife

Places to visit

The rotunda built in 1766 and daffodils in the park at Petworth House

Petworth Park and Pleasure Ground 

The Pleasure Garden at Petworth is open for visitors to explore signs of spring and blossom. Daffodils are starting to appear, followed by areas of blossom from crab apple, cherry and American hawthorn trees.

Pink tulips in a flower border with mushroom shaped topiary in background

Hinton Ampner 

Tucked away in a sleepy corner of Hampshire, these intimate gardens take in panoramic views over rolling countryside. Discover sculptured topiary, a pretty walled garden, and parkland dotted with ancient trees. Estate walks take you further afield to beech woodlands, farmland and hamlets.

The gardens at Uppark, West Sussex

Uppark 

Perched on a vantage point high on the South Downs ridge, Uppark has far reaching views and intimate gardens.

Enjoying spring across the South Downs

The rotunda built in 1766, and daffodils in the park at Petworth House, West Sussex

Top walks in and around West Sussex 

If you’re in need of a leg-stretch this spring, you’ll find no shortage of trails in Sussex. See the daffodils and blossom in the Pleasure Ground at Petworth and reflections on the lakes at Sheffield Park and Garden. Or walk through spring woodlands at Standen or the South Downs.

Magnolia tree in flower in the garden at Nymans, West Sussex

Gardens and parks in and around West Sussex 

From banks of colourful daffodils to delicate blossom, gardens across the Sussex are finally waking up after the winter sleep. Don’t miss spring's highlights, we have all the top spots here.

A family of four standing amongst flowering daffodils

Easter egg hunts in and around West Sussex 

There's plenty on offer to do to get you closer to nature in the Easter holidays in Sussex. Find out which of our places are running Easter egg hunts and when. You can also try your hand at our '50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4' nature challenges, bring your binoculars to help you hunt for wildlife, or simply enjoy letting off steam.