Explore the grounds at Uppark

The house and parkland at Uppark, West Sussex, with lush trees in the foreground. — The house and parkland at Uppark | © National Trust Images/David Sellman

The grounds at Uppark are free to visit. Come for the views over the South Downs, a range of walking options and a chance to spot some wildlife.

Uppark House & Garden is currently closed until Summer 2025

We look forward to welcoming you back to Uppark from 27 July 2025 following some essential conservation works.

The views

Uppark's position high on the South Downs provides spectacular views over the undulating countryside, and out to the Solent. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Isle of Wight.

The walks

Not only does Uppark have its own grounds to explore, it's also connected to the South Downs Way, so you can extend your walk in either direction.

For a gentle stroll, follow our Meadow Walk around the fringes of Uppark’s south meadow. The route features information boards with details of wildlife and nature to look out for, as well as pointing out the best viewpoints across the South Downs.

For a longer trek, take the path out to Harting Down, a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), thanks to its rare and fragile chalk grassland. Note, this walk includes minor B roads so please stay alert for traffic.

A small copper butterfly on a wildflower — The small copper butterfly | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

The wildlife

Uppark is home to a wide variety of wildlife. There are bats and dormice, buzzards and red kites, and many other nesting birds. If you're lucky you might even see a brown hare on the south meadow, lying still and low to the ground.

In summer, look out for swallows swooping across the meadow and butterflies, including large whites, meadow browns and small coppers, among the wildflowers.

Also at this time of year, brown long-eared bats roost in the roof space, with other species including common pipistrelles sometimes found there too.

As the days grow longer and autumn approaches, you may spot pheasants in the garden and grounds, and hear their calls.

Last but not least, look out for shrews and frogs living in the tunnels under Uppark – and around a hundred species of lichen that make the grounds their home.