Top walks in and around West Sussex

If you’re in need of a leg-stretch this summer, you’ll find no shortage of trails in Sussex. Here are our top walks from all around the county from the Devil's Dyke to Slindon, Petworth Park to Standen.

Meander through golden parkland and late-flowering gardens. You can enjoy the warm colours of autumn and crunch leaves under foot. Take in the views as you explore some of the places we care for on our favourite autumn walks.

Every time you visit, your membership or parking contribution helps us look after these beautiful places for everyone, for ever.

At Sheffield Park and Garden, during our busy autumn season (13 September to 14 November) booking is needed to guarantee entry.

Visitors enjoying the garden in summer at Wordsworth House and Garden

Latest visiting update 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops, countryside locations and many houses are open. You no longer need to pre-book at many places. Some still require booking ahead, so please check the property webpage before you travel.​

More information on visiting

Best places for autumn colour in Sussex

View over the pond to the west front of Petworth House
The Lime Avenue woodland at Nymans, West Sussex
Standen and the Bluebell Railway, West Sussex
Autumn colour reflects in the lake at Sheffield Park Sussex
A picture of a girl clasping autumn leaves
Visitors enjoying the autumn leaves at Belton House, Lincolnshire

Autumn walking at Petworth House and Park 

With 700 acres to explore, there are endless opportunities for autumn walking at Petworth. We’ve got trails to suit everyone, from family rambles to longer routes with views that inspired famous artists. Walk beneath the russet-coloured canopies of ancient trees and soak up panoramic vistas across water and grassland. You might catch a deer rut, which you can also do on a guided walk.

Nymans 

Enjoy glorious autumn colours reflected in the lake, and the bark of magnificent redwoods turned a deep orange in the low autumn sunlight on this downloadable trail.

Standen 

Discover autumn colour in the woodlands and estate or explore further afield on one of our self-guided walking trails at Standen. Look out for wildlife along the way.

Sheffield Park and Garden 

During our busy autumn season (13 September to 14 November) booking is needed to guarantee entry. Famous for its autumn colour, this is the season the garden was planted for. The dazzling displays of autumn colour are a show-stopper.

Autumn colour on the South Downs 

Enjoying some autumn colour. Walking the dog. Walking off lunch. Walking the 100 miles of the South Downs Way. Whatever your reasons for stepping out on the South Downs, there’s a route that’s right for you.

Six things to see on an autumn woodland walk 

An autumn woodland glowing with colour and rich with the smell of damp earth is a wonderful place to be. National Trust Ranger Chloe Bradbrooke suggests six mini wonders of nature to look out for on an autumn woodland walk.

South Downs nature walks

Delicate wild garlicflowers carpet the floor and fils the air with their deliciously pungent scent

Wolstonbury Hill explore nature walk 

This walk takes you through beech woodland and across open grassland, and as a Special Site of Scientific Interest you'll find a variety of plants and wildlife. Visit in the spring to see bluebells and smell the wild garlic.

A dark green fritillary butterfly warms its wings on a thistle

Cissbury Ring butterfly walk 

One of the very best butterfly sites in Sussex, including numerous Adonis and chalkhill blues, dark-green fritillaries and marbled whites.

Butterfly in the garden in the summer at Monk's House, East Sussex

Devil's Dyke butterfly walk 

This 1 mile walk over chalk grassland is abundant with butterflies; you could spot any number, from the Adonis blue, chalkhill blue and green hairstreak to smaller populations of brown argus, dark-green fritillary and silver-spotted skipper.

Seven Sisters walks

Three people walk along the top of the magnificent Seven Sisters cliffs with distant views behind of sea , horizon, Birling Gap coastguard cottages and Belle tout lighthouse

Family coast walk 

If you fancy a perfect spring stroll then take a wander up Lookout Hill to Mad Jack Fuller's folly and enjoy some breathtaking sea and downland views. This walk is perfect for views of the Seven Sisters and the red and white stripe Beachy Head lighthouse.

A view from flag staff looking back towards Belle Tout

Cliff Top Walk from Birling Gap to Exceat 

Follow the Seven Sisters and find the meanders of the River Cuckmere.

Sunset lends stunning colours to the winding Cuckmere meanders

A heavenly haven at Chyngton 

Take in the chalk downland of Seaford Head local nature reserve, with stunning views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley on this easy to moderate walk.

South Downs walks in the west

A rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly at Harting Down

Harting Down wildlife walk 

This walk offers panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs, before descending into secluded valleys of natural and historic interest full of rare wildlife and plants.

Wide open skies at Black Down make for perfect stargazing opportunities

Star gazing walk at Black Down 

Perfect for families and anyone unfamiliar with astronomy, this walk will introduce you to star gazing at Black Down, the highest point in Sussex.

A footpath along the edge of the gently flowing Rother, fringed with ancient trees and low lying plants

Woolbeding Countryside - River Rother and Midhurst 

Enjoy this easy walk along the River Rother starting and returning to Midhurst's charming main street.

South Downs to the east

Fulking escarpment and the village of Fulking below

Walk on Fulking 

Explore a famous beauty spot on the South Downs on this moderate circular walk. Start and finish at the Shepherd and Dog pub. In between refreshments you can explore banks of chalk grassland teaming with flowers and butterflies.

Early Purple Orchid surrounded by cowslips on the south downs

Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber walk 

Fresh air, spectacular views and an ancient landscape will accompany you along this scenic downland walk near Devil's Dyke.

Enjoy far reaching views from the peace and shelter of Cradle Valley

Over hill and under vale at Frog Firle Farm 

Take in great views of secluded farmland and river, as well as wildflowers and wildlife and a diversion to the village of Litlington.

Slindon walks

The raised bank of the Park Pale was once used to confine livestock

Slindon Medieval Park Pale and village walk 

Take a walk round Slindon's Medieval deer park, starting in Butchers Copse woodland, following the route of its 'Pale', then through the unspoilt Downland village of Slindon.

Walkers enjoy the wide open views along the track to Little Wood

The Rise of Northwood ramble, Slindon 

Take a walk to see the fields under the plough since the First World War, soon to be restored to woodland as part of our project 'The Rise of Northwood'.

'Shippams Poste', named for a local family who donated it to the Trust

A Roman Ramble to Gumber Farm 

Discover a Roman road across open downland, a chalky woodland ride known as 'Leper's Path', and Iron Age lynchets across a small pasture.

Best places for winter walks in Sussex

Nymans winter walk
A frosty view of the 700 acre parkland at Petworth
Standen Winter Walking
Man walking across winter parkland scene

Nymans 

There's plenty of seasonal colour and scents to enjoy at Nymans with winter-flowering shrubs, including camellias, sweet box, barberry and daphnes.

Petworth Park 

Wrap up warm, step in to some sturdy footwear and head out into the 700 acre parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown for an invigorating walk on a crisp winters day.

Standen 

This winter there are plenty of walks through 100 acres of the original Standen estate, including ancient woods and frosty fields. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Please note normal admission applies to enter the property and car park.

Sheffield Park and Garden 

Enjoy the frosty landscape and reflections in the lakes on a gentle stroll around the garden. There’s something for all types of walkers at Sheffield Park and Garden.

Best places for spring walks in Sussex

Purple wisteria flowers in bloom on a sunny day
Spring colour at Sheffield Park and Garden Sussex
Explore outdoors at Standen
The rotunda built in 1766 and daffodils in the park at Petworth House
Magnolias in flower on the lawn in front of the house

Nymans 

As May arrives, dense, heady-scented boughs of wisteria cloak the ruins and archways at Nymans. When the sun is out, you can smell the sweet perfume of these purple flowers tumbling over the pergola in the Wall Garden and all around the garden at Nymans. From mid May onwards Nymans has deeply scented rhododendrons and azaleas in yellows, oranges and pinks.

Sheffield Park and Garden 

Colour greets your every turn at Sheffield Park, with shimmering lakes and woodlands glowing with bluebells. Find bobbing daffodils and camelias in hidden, scented glades. Vibrant rhododendron and azalea blooms are the sparkling jewel in our crown. Stroll through deeply fragranced corridors, with their larger than life flowers, as you take in the dazzling array of over 1,000 azaleas that burst into life between May and June.

Standen 

Spring is a great time to discover the garden and woodlands at Standen. See flowers beginning to emerge and the incredible display of bluebells in the woods. Download a walk online and enjoy the experience of spring across the estate.

Petworth 

Welcome in the spring when a sea of wild daffodils covers the Pleasure Grounds at Petworth. This downloadable trail takes you on a walk through the grounds that Capability Brown designed. There are thousands of wild yellow primroses and magnolia trees with their fragrant flowers. Visit again later in the season when swathes of bluebells blanket the Pleasure Grounds.

Nymans 

From the flamboyant waxy blooms of magnolias to the bright splashes of colour from daffodils and camellias, Nymans is the place to experience spring in all its glory.

Best places for summer walks in Sussex

Nymans Rose Garden in June
Spring and Summer at Sheffield Park
The house at Standen from the terrace
Summer wildflower meadow with stone template and trees behind

Nymans 

The Rose Garden at Nymans is teaming with delicate blooms and densely-petalled clusters. While the summer borders are packed with colourful, flamboyant flowers.

Sheffield Park and Garden 

Discover a garden that excites the senses. Summer brings vibrant blooms filling the place with colour and perfume. Winding paths, grand trees, lakes, cascades and bridges. Don't miss our Waterlily Festival from mid June to mid July.

Standen House and Garden, Sussex 

The borders at Standen are full of plants inspired by the William Morris patterns inside the house. From traditional cottage garden plants such as sweet William and sunflowers to tropical cannas and Tetropanax every bed is packed full of brightly coloured blooms.

Petworth 

In summer, Petworth’s eighteenth-century Pleasure Garden reveals a pretty mix of colour and planting styles. Wildflowers litter the garden meadows, against the historic backdrop of the Ionic Rotunda and Doric Temple. Roses, and later dahlias, fill the formal borders, and beyond lies the 700-acre historic park, criss-crossed with picturesque walking trails to explore.