Saddlescombe Farm Open Day

Loving the South Downs at Saddlescombe Farm Open Day

Discover this ancient downland farm that was once owned by the Knights Templars. Tours of the 17th century buildings, the surrounding downs and the walled garden. Displays and demonstrations of traditional work including; hurdle making, shepherding, carpenters's workshop and more. A fun day of discovery for all the family.

Saddlescombe Farm opens its doors to visitors only twice each year on its open days (April and September) for visitors to experience.

This is a chance to get a unique glimpse of a farm that time forgot, with its blacksmith’s forge; 400 year old barns and famous Donkey Wheel and well - which once provided water to the whole farm.  There’s also the opportunity to explore the Tudor wing of the manor house and see the produce of its kitchen garden.  

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

Expert guides will be relating the story of Saddlescombe from the past 1000 years on regular tours; Camilla and Roly, our busy farm tenants will be showing off their newly born lambs; and, fresh local produce will be available at the farmers’ market.  Teas, fruit juices, homemade cakes, lunches, snacks and ice cream will be available from various stalls.

Also on offer are demonstrations of traditional farming life and our newly opened learning space with a display of artefacts from Brighton Museum’s collection of Stone Age tools and Roman pots found around the farm over 100 years ago. Paul Saddleton will also be here demostrating his flint knapping skills.

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

For those wishing to explore a little further, why not join our National Trust ranger on a tour of surrounding Newtimber Hill – considered one of the best downland sites in the South Downs National Park - only 2 tours a planned - so plan your time well if you don't want to miss one of these mini adventures.

Saddlescombe Farm is ¾ mile east of Devil’s Dyke and can be reached by taking the award-winning open top 77 bus from Brighton then enjoying a short walk down the South Downs Way to the hamlet. Car parking will be available at the farm (£1 on the day for non-members) and will be signposted on the day 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 for this event, but they can't visit the lambing area or the inside of the Manor House, but there is plenty more to see for them.

Heavy horse at Saddlescombe
A heavy horse being admired at Saddlescombe Farm open day
Heavy horse at Saddlescombe

For more information please call the National Trust ranger team on 01273 857712, email us or visit our events page  for more information about this years Open Day.