Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Harting Down
Dramatic hill-top views and secluded valleys, with abundant wild flowers
Harting Down (off B2141), South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5PW
Important notice
Car park payment and member registration is in operation at Harting Down using the JustPark app - see 'getting here' for more details.
Opening times for 22 July 2025
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosedNo toilets. Nearest public toilet is in South Harting, adjacent to the White Hart pub. Dogs on leads welcome. Steep gradients in places, unsurfaced paths and uneven ground; may not be suitable for wheelchair use.
- By road
Please note that camping and overnight stays are not permitted in this car park. From Chichester take A286 through Lavant, turn left on to B2141. Car park is roughly 5 miles at top of hill on right-hand side. From Petersfield take B2146 to South Harting village, follow signs to Uppark, then fork left towards Chichester on B2141. Car park on left-hand side at top of hill.
Parking: Our car park uses a digital payment / member validation system via the JustPark app. We recommend downloading and setting up the app before your visit. National Trust members park for free by entering their membership card on the JustPark app each time they visit. Non-members must pay for parking via the JustPark app - £3 per day. Location ID is 80586. Blue badge holders park for free by displaying their blue badge. Full details are on the sign boards in the car park.
Sat Nav: Nearest post code GU31 5PW. what3words: ///proofs.waltzes.intensely. Grid reference SU790180
- On foot
On the South Downs Way National Trail and part of an extensive network of footpaths. Nearest village is South Harting
- By train
Petersfield 5 miles, or Chichester 11 miles. Take the Stagecoach 54 between Petersfield and Chichester, alighting at or opposite the stop for Uppark: Harting Down is east of the road.
- By bus
Take the Stagecoach 54 between Petersfield and Chichester, alighting at or opposite the stop for Uppark: Harting Down is east of the road.
- Cycling
National Cycle Network Route 22 to Chichester, then A286 through Lavant. Turn left on to B2141 towards South Harting
Harting Down (off B2141), South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5PW
Highlights
Habitats
Harting Down is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland. A tapestry of pristine downland blends beautifully with scattered scrub and woodland. It is also home to one of the best juniper sites in the south.
History
Look out for the remains of 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.
Grazing
Experience a sense of timelessness where sheep have grazed for thousands of years. In the last ten years we have reintroduced conservation grazing in order to sustain the diverse wildlife.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Harting Down
Explore the trails and meet the wildlife at Harting Down, a slice of countryside with soaring views and woods.
Top trails
Trail
Harting Down wildlife walk
A moderate walking trail around Harting Down, one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland in our care. Discover rare wildlife and enjoy panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs.
Places to stay
Emley Farmhouse
A charming country retreat on the edges of the South Downs.
Woodlands Cottage
This gamekeeper’s cottage is surrounded by woodland on the Nymans estate.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Harting Down
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.