Harting Down
Dramatic hill-top views and secluded valleys, with abundant wild flowers
Harting Down
Overview
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.
- Telephone
- 01730816638
- southdownswest@nationaltrust.org.uk
Harting Down
How to get here
- Address
- Woolbeding Estate Office, Linch Road, Woolbeding, West Sussex
- By cycle
- National Cycle Network Route 22 to Chichester, then A286 through Lavant. Turn left on to B2141 towards South Harting
- On foot
- On the South Downs 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 road
- 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: Car park £3 per day for non-members. This is a pay by phone or internet car park using the PaybyPhone system. Details of how to pay can be found on boards located in the car park. Paying prior to arrival cannot guarantee you a parking space. Download the PayByPhone app or call 0330 060 4037 Location code 805444 Free for NT members and Blue Badge Holders.
- SatNav:
- By bus
- Take the Stagecoach 54 between Petersfield and Chichester, alighting at or opposite the stop for Upark: Harting Down is east of the road.
Harting Down
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
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:
- Gift Aid Admission
- Standard Admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
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:
| 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 Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Harting Down
Opening times
Monday 23 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 24 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 25 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Thursday 26 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Friday 27 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Saturday 28 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Sunday 29 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Harting Down
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01730816638
- southdownswest@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Woolbeding Estate Office, Linch Road, Woolbeding, West Sussex