Explore the house and collections at Uppark

Uppark certainly makes the most of its vantage point, high on the South Downs ridge. Come see for yourself how the Fetherstonhaughs lived, or venture downstairs into the basement to experience life as one of their servants.

Uppark was originally built in 1690 by Ford Grey, Earl of Tankerville, and styled to make clear which way his political allegiances lay. It was subsequently remodelled during the 1750s by Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh, who filled its elegant Georgian interiors with fine furniture, delicate porcelain, and captivating paintings, much of which he and his wife Sarah collected during their Grand Tour of Europe.

His son, Sir Harry, inherited the estate in 1774, and his friendship with architect and landscape designer Humphry Repton led to a number of changes to both the house and its gardens. Sir Harry had a love of parties and the bachelor life, only marrying after reaching the ripe old age of 71.

When the estate passed to the Meade-Fetherstonhaughs, a pioneering period of conservation began, one the National Trust has been keen to continue since Uppark was conferred to it in 1954.

Uppark, above and below stairs

The Saloon at Uppark, West Sussex

Discover the house at Uppark 

The house at Uppark offers a beguiling view of 18th century life in a fine country house, both above and below the stairs.

The Lamp Room in the basement at Uppark, West Sussex

The Servants' Quarters at Uppark 

Contrasting with the grandeur and elegance of the first floor rooms, the servants' quarters in the basement offer a glimpse of a life spent 'below stairs.'

The black japanned pagoda cabinet at Uparrk, West Sussex

Uppark's must-see collection items 

Many of Uppark's most impressive items were collected by Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh during his Grand Tour of Europe. Here are some of the items not to be missed on your visit.

Acorn shaped posts on the partitions inside the Stables at Uppark House and Garden, West Sussex.

Explore the Stables at Uppark 

Horses were incredibly important in the 18th century and as a keen horseman, Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh was quick to commission new stables not long after moving to Uppark.

Looking out at the gardens through the Game Store windows at Uppark House and Garden, West Sussex

The Game Larder at Uppark 

As well as catching the eye from the driveway and a point of interest on a walk through Uppark's gardens, the Game Larder was designed to demonstrate the productivity of the estate and the quality of the shooting.

Visitors looking at dolls' house at Uppark, West Sussex

The Dolls' House at Uppark 

The 18th-century dolls' house at Uppark is one of the most historically important in the country, and one of only a handful that have survived from the era in such good condition.

The fire at Uppark on 30th August 1989, West Sussex

The fire at Uppark 

Tragedy struck Uppark in 1989 when much of the house was destroyed by fire. An incredible rescue operation was soon followed by the Trust's most complex restoration.

Read about the fire of 1989