Saddlescombe Farm Open Days

Loving the South Downs at Saddlescombe Farm Open Day

Our open days give you the opportunity so see parts of Saddlescombe Farm that are not normally open to the public. There are two each year; one is in June and the other is during the Heritage Open Days history and culture festival in September.

Throughout our open days we run regular tours of the farm buildings, the 17th-century farmhouse and the walled garden. Our expert guides tell the fascinating history of the farm over the past 1000 years.     

Saddlescombe Farm walled garden in summer filled with crops
Walled garden in summer filled with produce and manor house in the background
Saddlescombe Farm walled garden in summer filled with crops

You can also visit the blacksmith’s forge, carpenters’ workshop and the donkey wheel which was used to raise water from the well. Our shepherd’s hut will give you a taste of the life of a shepherd during lambing time when he lived outside in the fields.

Also on offer are displays and demonstrations of traditional work including hurdle making, bee keeping and carpentry. Games such as a coconut shy and treasure hunt will keep your children entertained.

A collection of prehistoric artefacts on loan from Brighton museum is on display in our learning space. Many of these items were found locally in Victorian times by the Robinson family who were tenants here.

Selection of small stone tools displayed in rows
Close up view of a selection of small stone tools displayed in rows
Selection of small stone tools displayed in rows

If you’re feeling energetic, you can join our ranger on a short nature walk on Newtimber Hill with its wealth of wildlife and views across to Devil’s Dyke and the South Downs beyond.

Refreshments are available from the Wildflour Café (not National Trust) and at our farmers' market which will be selling fresh local produce.

Saddlescombe Farm is ¾ mile east of Devil’s Dyke and can be reached by taking the 77 bus from Brighton then enjoying a short walk down the South Downs Way to the hamlet. Car parking is available at the farm on open days (chargeable for non-members) and will be signposted from Saddlescombe Road, between Poynings and the Devil’s Dyke Road when coming from the A27 at Hove or the A281 from Henfield or Pyecombe.

Dogs on leads are welcome to the hamlet and surrounding areas but they can't be taken inside the Manor House.

 Our events page will give more details shortly before the next open day.