Harting Down

Dramatic hill-top views and secluded valleys, with abundant wild flowers
Dramatic hill-top views and secluded valleys, with abundant wild flowers
Harting Down is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland cared for by the National Trust. A tapestry of pristine downland blends beautifully with scattered scrub and woodland.
Experience a sense of timelessness where sheep have grazed for thousands of years. When you reach the brows of the hilltops you are greeted by views north across the Weald and south to the Isle of Wight.
Hear skylarks bursting with song above you and tread on grassland awash with pyramidal orchids and wild herbs. Venture off the South Downs Way into a more secluded valley where you will find species-rich downland turf edged with scrub full of songbirds. It is also home to one of the best juniper sites in the south. Butterflies such as the Grizzled Skipper thrive here. Look out for rarities such as the exquisite Blue Carpenter Bee and the Cheese Snail.
Of historical interest is an Iron Age hill fort and cross-ridge dykes. The remains of a Napoleonic war telegraph station can be found on Beacon Hill, the highest point on Harting Down. In the last ten years we have reintroduced conservation grazing in order to sustain the floristic diversity.
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
Gift Aid | Standard | |
---|---|---|
Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.