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Lavington Common
SussexA rare pocket of open heath amongst plantation woodland
Lavington Common Car Park, Duncton Common Road, Duncton, West Sussex, GU28 0QL
Opening times for 20 August 2025
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS2829303112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedNo toilets. Dogs on leads welcome. Narrow sand paths can become flooded during wet weather and be unsuitable for wheelchairs.
- By road
- From A285 Chichester to Petworth road take westward turning signposted Graffham. Follow road for 1 mile to free Lavington Common car park (NT) on right-hand side. From A272 Midhurst to Petworth road, take the turning at the Halfway Bridge Inn. Go through Selham and continue for another 2 miles, bearing left where the road forks. The Lavington Common free car park (NT) is on the left hand side.Parking: Free. Please note that camping and overnight stays are not permitted at any of our car parksSat Nav: Nearest postcode: GU28 0QL what3words:// expensive.escape.glider Grid ref: SU948187
- On foot
- Lavington Common lies on The Serpent Trail, connecting heathlands between Haslemere and Petersfield
- By train
- Chichester Railway Station 12 miles away: then see 'By Bus' for service (must be booked in advance)
- By bus
- Pre-book on 01903 264776, at least 15 minutes before departure, the service between Petworth and Chichester, asking the driver to let you alight at the route 412 stop for Lavington Common.
- Cycling
- You can cycle from Petworth using A285 and country lanes
Lavington Common Car Park, Duncton Common Road, Duncton, West Sussex, GU28 0QL
Highlights
Landscape
Lavington Common is a rare survivor of an open landscape that once stretched across the Weald. Its sandy soil leads up to the chalk escarpment on the South Downs, creating this renowned lowland heath, rich in lichens and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts).
Wildlife
Heathers flourish here providing shelter and breeding grounds for reptiles such as adders and sand lizards, and heathland insects such as the green tiger beetle.
Places to stay
Emley Farmhouse
A charming country retreat on the edges of the South Downs.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Lavington Common
Lavington Common is a rare survivor of an open landscape that once stretched across the Weald. Its sandy soil leads up to the chalk escarpment on the South Downs, creating this renowned lowland heath, rich in lichens and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts).
Heathers flourish here providing shelter and breeding grounds for reptiles such as adders and sand lizards, and heathland insects such as the Green Tiger Beetle.