Your complete guide to National Trust spots in Sussex

Slindon Estate

The Slindon Estate encompasses 1400 hectares of countryside, parkland and farmland, and includes the picturesque village of Slindon. No matter which season you visit, you’ll find plenty of walks and cycle routes suitable for all to enjoy. Don’t miss: Slindon village’s local shop and café, the Forge. Stop by for fresh and local produce or wind down after a long walk with a hearty lunch or cream tea.

East Head

East Head, West Wittering is described as one of the last surviving natural coastlines in Sussex, with its beautiful stretches of shingle, sandy beach and dunes. The perfect destination for a family picnic, a romantic stroll or a paddle, East Head also has stunning views across Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Chichester Harbour, where you may even spot some of the local seals!

Whilst you’re there: Why not stop by The Lamb Inn for locally sourced seafood and woodfired pizza?

Drovers Estate

Drovers Estate is one of the lesser known National Trust spots, a hidden estate just waiting to be discovered by keen walkers, explorers and nature lovers. Slightly more off the beaten path and home to various species of bats, you can enjoy woodland trails and open views of rolling hills. Just down the road: Be sure to check out nearby West Dean Gardens and peruse the stunning gardens.

Nymans

Nymans hosts a stunning collection of unusual plants and flowers awaits you throughout all seasons, with the dramatic ruins of the house’s Great Hall now open for visitors to explore. The wider estate is brimming with local wildlife, from butterflies and insects to foxes, deer and badgers, making the woodland and gardens an exciting place for everyone to discover.

Nearby highlights: The Ouse Valley Viaduct casts a striking and elegant silhouette against the surrounding High Weald area, a must see for keen photographers or historians.

Standen House

Standen House is not your typical stately home. Nestled within rural East Grinstead, the family home and country retreat was built within the Arts and Crafts movement of the mid-late 19th century and is adorned with the original interiors and furnishings of Morris & Co. Lovers of art and design will enjoy the changing exhibitions, whilst younger ones can get involved in unique crafting sessions. Families can also explore the 100 acres of ancient woods, meadowland and gardens with their four-legged friends.

Seven Sisters & Birling Gap

Spanning around 700 acres, Seven Sisters Country Park serves up spectacular scenery at every turn. Here, you can head to Birling Gap – a National Trust site where Sussex’s chalky cliffs meet the sea. Descend the staircase to walk along the untouched coastline, searching for fossils or rockpooling with little ones. Or just pitch up for a picnic and look out over the Channel, with the majestic cliffs as your backdrop. 

When it rains, the tea pours: Access to the beach may be closed in bad weather. But that’s okay – there’s a fantastic cafe with sea views.

Devil's Dyke

We dare you not to be impressed by the spectacular panoramic views up on Devil’s Dyke, the UK’s longest, deepest and widest valley in the UK. From microscopic toy villages nestled in the countryside to views out to sea across Brighton, Worthing and Shoreham Harbour, you’ll see it all. Take in the sights on a walking or cycle route before stopping off at one of the local village pubs for a hearty meal or enjoy a picnic whilst overlooking the scenery.

Did you know? Legend has it that Devil’s Dyke was dug out by the Devil himself to drown out the population of the Weald.

Saddlescombe Farm

Saddlescombe Farm is part of an environmental project with the National Trust to establish nectar and pollen-rich areas, restore hedgerows and manage species of grassland. It also operates as a working sheep, cow and pig farm that welcomes visitors and school groups.

The surroundings of Newtimber Hill borders the farm, offering wonderful views of the South Downs, sea and rare wildlife and creating the perfect setting for a family adventure.

Hidden gem: Quirky farmside café, Wildflour Café, is run out of a caravan and offers a tasty variety of cakes and treats, lunches and delicious coffee.

Wakehurst, managed by Kew Gardens

Wakehurst comprises 500 acres of woodland, meadows and ancient terrain. The gnarled tree trunks and nature reserves fluttering with butterflies and local wildlife will transport your little ones to a fairy-tale world, whilst regular events such as open-air theatre shows, craft workshops and immersive mindfulness courses will be perfect for those looking for an injection of culture.

Look out for: Just down the road, the largest international antiques and collectors fair in the South of England is held several times a year.

Bateman's

Discover the historic home of Rudyard Kipling, hidden away in the High Weald countryside, surrounded by a 300-acre estate and 12-acre garden. The Jacobean House – dating back to 1634 – has been perfectly preserved, with the rooms just as the Kiplings left them. The highlights? See the study where Kipling wrote his famous poem If, then head to the Exhibition Room where you can view his Nobel Prize.

Wonderful wildlife: Bateman’s is a haven for literature and nature lovers alike. Stroll through the expansive grounds, keeping a look out for buzzards, barn owls and colourful kingfishers. 

Bodiam Castle

Perhaps one of Britain’s most picturesque and well-preserved castles. Feel the history beneath your feet as you cross the moat and pass under the original 14th century portcullis. Explore the former kitchen, courtyard, Great Hall and apartments, and imagine life as it once was, with tales of knights and lords and ladies. 

Keep an eye out: Bodiam Castle is home to one of the most important bat roosts in the UK. Look out for them in the skies after sunset.

Harting down

Uppark House & Garden, Harting

Uppark House is a Grade II listed, stunning 17th century home in the Harting area of West Sussex that was once renowned for its high society parties - with access to the house via pre-booked guided tours. With stunning views from the Downs out to the English Channel, an adjacent meadow and woodland in which to picnic and explore, and a variety of summer events such as outdoor theatre and jazz, Uppark House and Garden makes a fascinating property to discover and transport you back in time.

Make a weekend out of it: Why not check into the Park House Hotel & Spa to complement your cultured weekend near Midhurst?

Woolbeding Countryside and Gardens

Woolbeding Countryside is a tranquil nature reserve with open parkland and commons, home to many grazing cows, pigs and sheep. Your little ones will love exploring the wildlife along the River Rother, where reptiles and beetles make their homes, and you can follow a peaceful walking route along into Midhurst town.

The colourful Woolbeding Gardens is open at select times during the summer months but well worth a visit if you get the opportunity.

Local favourite: Pop into Midhurst food store and delicatessen, Comestibles, to peruse the local produce and relax with a coffee and a tasty treat.

 Lavington Common

Feeling peckish? The White Horse Graffham is a charming local pub and bed and breakfast just a five minute drive away, serving mouth-watering dishes in stunning countryside surroundings.

Petworth House and Park

Despite spanning 900 years of history, the grand country house you see today was built in the late 17th century to rival the ornate palaces of Europe. Petworth House is home to a breath-taking collection of world class art, with palatial wooden carved rooms, the earliest English terrestrial globe in existence and a glimpse of life in the Servants’ Quarters. Outside, roam the beautifully landscaped Petworth Park with its many rolling hills and tranquil ponds, plus look out for the many grazing deer that call the grounds their home.

Cissbury Ring

Cissbury Ring has a history dating back around 5000 years, including being an ancient burial ground, an Iron Age fort and Roman settlement. Its position as the largest hill fort in Sussex makes Cissbury Ring a popular viewpoint and walking destination for many, with a network of footpaths and bridleways shooting off in all directions. Why not try walking both the Cissbury and Chanctonbury Rings?

Make a day of it: Pair your visit with a tour and tasting at the Wiston Wine Estate and explore a little more of this corner of Sussex.

Sheffield Park and Garden

A horticultural work of art. The Grade I listed gardens at Sheffield Park are among the finest in the country. Wander along mirror-like lakes and through woodland walks, and explore the wider 300-acre estate. Come spring, the park bursts into life with vibrant flowers, blossom-laden trees and adorable ducklings. Or later in the year, you can experience the golden hues of autumn or the tranquility of a winter walk.

Get gardening: Feeling inspired? The park has a plant sales area, where you can pick up something for your garden or pots at home.