Top walks in and around West Sussex

Find a place near you to make the most of the Sussex countryside this winter. Here are our top walks from all around the county from the Devil's Dyke to Harting Down, Petworth Park to Slindon.

We all need a break from the box sets, so why not blow away the cobwebs and get out into the countryside. Pull on a warm jacket and wellies and bribe, blackmail or berate your household as necessary. You know it will be worth it once you're all out jostling and chatting and huffing clouds of laughter into the chilly air. Alternatively, a solitary walk can be a peaceful balm at a busy time. However you get there, enjoy the outdoors at our places in the South East this holiday season.

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A family enjoying the outdoors in autumn or winter

Visiting information for this winter 

In England and Northern Ireland, our gardens, parks and countryside remain open for local people to exercise. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority and we urge you to book your visits in advance and stay local. All places in Wales are currently closed. Please check the property webpage before you travel.

More details on what's open

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.

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

Summer 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

The West-facing front of the c14th timber framed Alfriston Clergy House.

Alfriston Clergy House countryside walk 

Walk in the footsteps of the artists and writers of the Bloomsbury Group as you follow our circular route to 600-year-old Alfriston Clergy House.

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 autumn colour in Sussex

The Lime Avenue woodland at Nymans, West Sussex
Autumn colour and deer in the parkland at Petworth
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
Close up of autumn mushrooms
Visitors enjoying the autumn leaves at Belton House, Lincolnshire

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.

Petworth 

With 700 acres to explore, there are endless opportunities for walking at Petworth. In autumn enjoy the striking russet and gold of the leaves from the ancient and veteran trees and hear the crunch of the leaves underfoot on one of these downloadable walks.

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 

Famous for its autumn colour, this is the season that Sheffield Park and Garden was planted for. Centuries of design and care have created the woods, glades and lakes with their remarkable autumn colours. Pre-booking is essential in 2020.

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.

Autumn colour at Uppark 

Visit Uppark this autumn and see the garden turn from lush greens into golds reds and oranges.

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.