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Alfriston Clergy House
The first building saved forever for the nation by the National Trust
The Tye, Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 5TL
Important notice
Alfriston Clergy House is now closed for the season and will reopen Easter 2024.
House & garden
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £8.80 £8.00 Child £4.40 £4.00 Family £22.00 £20.00 Family one adult £13.20 £12.00 Group Adult £7.60 Group Child £3.80 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Book shop
There is a small well stocked book shop in our Exhibition Room - come and find your next read!
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden.
No toilets. Parking, 500 yards at other end of village (not NT). Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden.
Braille (guide or menu)
There is a braille guide available for the property. Please ask at reception for more details.
Photograph album
There is a photo album showcasing the house and garden. Please ask at visitor reception for more details
Drop-off point
There is a drop off point at the bottom of the garden. Please contact the property for more details before your visit.
Seating available
There is seating in every room for the comfort of our visitors.
Induction loop
There is an induction loop in the visitor welcome area.
Steps/uneven terrain
There are a number of steps throughout the property including in the garden.
By road
4 miles north-east of Seaford, just east of B2108, in Alfriston village, adjoining The Tye and St Andrew's church
Parking: 500 yards across village (not National Trust). Please note there is no provision for motorhome or camper van parking in any of the car parks in Alfriston.
On foot
South Downs Way within ¾ mile
By train
Berwick 2½ miles
By bus
services from Lewes, Eastbourne and Seaford (pass close Lewes train station and Seaford train station)
Planning your visit
The house and garden are now closed
Alfriston House & Garden are now closed for the winter. We will reopen again Easter 2024
Highlights
House
Early 15th-century Wealden hall-house and the first building saved by the National Trust.
Cottage garden
Arts and Crafts style 'garden rooms' with orchard and sweep of lowland river behind it.
Things to see and do
Article
Explore inside Alfriston Clergy House
Discover 600-year-old architecture and interiors within this compact medieval house. Get a glimpse of the simple life led by those that once lived here and the materials they used.
Article
The garden at Alfriston Clergy House
Discover a classic cottage garden with perennial borders, topiary and an orchard. This compact, peaceful garden is a great place to unwind and relax at any time of year.
The village of Alfriston
There’s plenty to do in the village of Alfriston. The ancient church, St Andrews, sits on the village green. There are also shops and cafes that are well worth visiting.
Outdoor activities
Walking on the South Downs
With an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways, the village of Alfriston and the surrounding South Downs are a great place to walk. Whether you fancy a gentle stroll along the river, or a more challenging walk up to the hills above the Long Man of Wilmington, there is a route to suit you.
About Alfriston Clergy House
This early 15th-century Wealden hall-house was bought as a restoration project in 1896 by the newly formed National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty. Through a series of changes and renovations across the centuries it has become this picturesque house seen today in its idyllic setting with views across the River Cuckmere.
The mixed cottage garden is a delight throughout the year with its Arts and Crafts style 'garden rooms' . The orchard was mentioned in Octavia Hill’s 1896 description of the Clergy House as ‘tiny but beautiful, with orchard and a sweep of lowland river behind it’. The apple trees are old and rare varieties such as Sussex Duck’s Bill, Lady Sudeley and the local Alfriston Apple.
History
Article
The history of Alfriston Clergy House
Alfriston Clergy House, the first house to be saved by the National Trust, has centuries of stories to tell. Find out about the owners, the changes to the building and its decline and rescue.