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Slindon Estate
A great and ancient downland estate
Slindon, near Arundel, West Sussex
Opening times for 21 May 2025
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS282930123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311OpenPartially openClosedNo toilet. Dogs on leads welcome – much of the land is grazed, so must be kept under close control. The village and Slindon Park Woods are relatively well surfaced, and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
- By road
Located just off A27, east to west, and A29, north to south
Parking: There are three car parks, all free: Park Lane, SU960077; Duke's Road, SU950073 and Bignor Hill, SU973129. Park Lane and Dukes Road both have height barriers in place
Sat Nav: Bluebells Wood - 47 Park Ln, Arundel BN18 0QY. Easting 496062, Northing 107704; Duke's Road car park, BN18 0SP Easting 495096, Northing 107320; Bignor Hill Car Park, S Downs Way, Pulborough RH20 1PH. Easting 497389, Northing 112934
- On foot
Public rights of way leading into the estate from all directions. Both the South Downs Way and the Monarchs Way pass through the northern end of the estate
- By train
Chichester 8 miles Arundel 4 miles - see 'Directions by Bus' for connection; Barnham and Amberley 4 miles
- By bus
Take the Compass 85A bus between Arundel and Chichester, alighting at Fontwell Village; take Orchard Way [opposite the bus stop] to the A27 underpass, then cross Duke's Road into Slindon Estate
- Cycling
Numerous bridleways cross through Slindon Estate. South Downs Way and Monarchs Way (only accessible from eastern side) pass through the northern end of the estate. The relatively flat terrain through the woods makes for excellent off-road cycling
Highlights
Estate
Discover 3,500 acres of Sussex woodland, farmland, downland and pretty village all divided by paths, hedges, lanes and tracks. Enjoy the wildlife, discover secrets in the village and take in the wide views of the surrounding landscape – right down to the coast
Northwood
Walk through the estate and discover the Northwood project – stroll through fields full of tree saplings, dip in and out of ancient woodland, sweep along grassy verges and watch Northwood begin to rise and connect this diverse and wooded landscape
Bignor
With views down into the Arun Valley and Glatting Beacon, Bignor is an ideal location to enjoy dark skies and starry nights as you stand by the Bronze Age burial mounds and admire the views
12th century deer park
The parkland to the north of the village was originally a deer park dating from 1108. Around the edge of the park, a pale, consisting of a bank and ditches with a fence built on top, was constructed so that deer could enter from the outside but could not get out. You can still see the remains today
Family days out
Whether you're here for a walk, a cycle or to try your hand at geocaching (there are 10 hidden across the estate), Slindon Estate is a great place to get outdoors as a family and explore the beautiful countryside
Cycling and riding
Slindon’s many bridleways and leafy lanes provide popular circular routes for cyclists and horse riders alike. Park at one of Slindon’s three car parks to start your mountain-bike adventure, while the Forestry Commission car park at Eartham has the space to unload your horse, ready to ride the trails
Wonderful walking
With over 25 miles of public rights of way, there are plenty of walks to suit all ages and abilities. From hazel-shaded lanes and neatly cultivated fields to woodland and hedgerows, there's a walk for every season
Village curiosities
Around the village village there are a number of interesting buildings and quirky features to look out for as you explore. From the 19th-century lock-up on Dyers Lane to the livestock pound on Mill Lane, enjoy a walk through the rich history of Slindon
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do on the Slindon Estate
Explore 3,500 acres of countryside on the Slindon Estate. From the historic village to ancient parkland and walking routes for all, there's lots to see and do.
Spotlight events
Celebrating Northwood - ten years on
Come and join the Ranger team for a talk and photographic exhibition celebrating this ambitious woodland recreation programme. The team will be on hand to talk about the challenges, achievements and future of this incredible project. There will also be a photographic exhibition celebrating the hard work of the team and the local community, and how we are managing the project area so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
Top trails
Trail
A Roman ramble to Gumber Farm
This circular trail through the Slindon Estate encompasses a Roman road across open downland, plus a chalky woodland ride known as Leper's Path.
Trail
Slindon medieval park pale and village walk
Discover this circular walk at the Slindon Estate in West Sussex and wander through a medieval deer park and enjoy village views.
Trail
The Rise of Northwood Ramble at Slindon
Take a walk to see the fields under the plough since the First World War, soon to be restored to woodland as part of our project 'The Rise of Northwood'.
Trail
Nore Hill Folly walk at Slindon
This walk around Nore Hill Folly from The George Inn at Eartham is ideal for warm days in spring, summer and autumn, with much of the route shaded by trees.
Trail
Bridle Road to Bignor walk
Take in some beautiful vistas of the largest traditional estate on the South Downs, and see earthworks and barrows all year round.
Places to stay
Emley Farmhouse
A charming country retreat on the edges of the South Downs.
Upcoming events
Event
Celebrating Northwood - 10 years on
Come and join the ranger team at Littlewood Lookout for a day of walks, talks and surveys celebrating ten years of the Rise of Northwood project
About Slindon Estate
Slindon Estate is 1,400 hectares of woodland, downland, farmland, and parkland. With countless historic landscape features and its unspoilt Sussex village, there is something for every visitor.
Take a couple of hours to stroll around the village or a whole day to stride out upon the 40km of rights of way that criss-cross the estate. In spring, there are spectacular woodland flower displays across the estate. In summer, wander the shady woodland lanes up through the estate to encounter butterflies on the springy downland turf of Bignor. Autumn brings a fantastic leafy show of colours in Park Wood. Winter is a brilliant time to seek out Slindon’s many historic landscape features such as Stane Street - over three miles of Roman road - and the Medieval Pale (deer park boundary).
Whatever the season, take in the long wide views down to the Weald, along the Downs, and out across the coastal plain to the sea. Whether you explore on foot, by bike, or on horseback Slindon is like a book that you can’t put down.
History
Article
History of the Slindon Estate
Discover the history of the Slindon Estate, in West Sussex. From Bronze Age burial mounds to fancy follies and the war effort, Slindon has a varied past.
Project
Project
Deer management on the South Downs
Learn about this project to manage our wildlife populations across the South Downs to improve biodiversity, enhance nature and improve our woodlands
Our work
Project
Project
The Rise of Northwood
Discover how we’ve been returning Northwood to a wooded landscape over the past decade, reconnecting woods cut off from each other after the First World War.