With such a long and rich history, it should be no surprise that the National Trust (Sussex) has a number of fascinating properties and landscapes to visit here in Sussex. Here is what you will find across both the east and west of the county.
Uppark House and Garden
South west of Midhurst, Uppark is a stunning Grade I listed, 17th century property perched on the South Downs with fabulous views. Despite being badly damaged by fire in the 1980s, much of the beautiful Rococo and Neo-classical interiors and a magnificent collection of carpets, furniture and works of art remain intact and you can explore the house and gardens and learn about its charismatic (and at times hellraising) owners: Uppark.
Woolbeding Gardens
Another Sussex National Trust garden not far from Midhurst, is Woolbeding. This series of gardens include follies and sculptures, a contemporary greenhouse and a Silk Route. The Woolbeding Estate was given to the National Trust in 1957 and includes in total 1,102 acres, 26 acres of which are devoted to the gardens.
Lavington Common
Just south of Petworth, Lavington Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest made up of wet and dry heath, grassland and woodland. It covers about 77 acres and is criss-crossed by a number of footpaths, including the Serpent Trail: Lavington Common
Petworth House
On the outskirts of historic Petworth town, Petworth House is another Grade I listed, 17th century property, known for its extensive art collection and wonderful parklands. The grounds are one of the finest surviving examples of an English landscape designed by Capability Brown. With a family history that dates back hundreds of years, you can visit the stunning interior and art collection inlcuding the magnificent series of murals on the grand staircase: Petworth House
Slindon Estate
The Slindon Estate covers about 3,500 acres and is not far from Arundel. It includes a number of properties but also beech woods and woodlands, the famous Nore Folly and rolling countryside on the South Downs. Slindon
Cissbury Ring
Just north of Worthing, a steep climb by foot will take you to Cissbury Ring on the South Downs. It is the largest hill fort in Sussex with a history dating back over 5,000 years. You can walk around this vast site which is a sort of oval shape and explore the centre where you may see wild ponies. Neolithic man carried out flint mining here and it was a Bronze Age burial ground. On a clear day, the views from the top are spectacular: Cissbury Ring
Nymans
Not far from Haywards Heath, Nymans has an intriguing backstory. The house and gardens are Grade II listed. Bought in 1890, the owners rebuilt the original Regency house into a German-style structure. At the beginning of the 20th century, and in light of anti-German sentiments, the house was rebuilt in a dramatic if picturesque mock-Medieval/Gothic style but was struck by a terrible fire in 1947. Some of the house was left habitable and you can visit various rooms as well as the stunning gardens and grounds: Nymans
Saddlescombe Farm
Tucked away in a dip in the South Downs, north of Brighton and south of Henfield, Saddlescombe Farm is a 19th century farm and garden. The history of the farm goes back a long way, and there has been farming here for 1,000 years. It has changed hands from the Saxons to the Normans and the Knights of the Order of the Temple. Having been acquired by the NationalTrust in 1995, Saddlescombe farming history is now being brought back to life and a great day out is to visit for lambing or stop here at the cafe after a long walk: Saddlescombe
Devil’s Dyke
One of the most iconic locations in Sussex and shrouded in history and legend is Devil’s Dyke just north of Brighton. The dyke is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK. Devil’s Dyke was also the site of an Iron Age hill fort and you can walk and explore here for free.
Ditchling Beacon
Another iconic Sussex landmark is Ditchling Beacon, in between the village of Ditchling and Brighton. It is the highest point in East Sussex with amazing 360-degree views and is the site of another Iron Age hillfort. Again, you can walk here for free.
Standen House and Garden
Just outside East Grinstead, Standen House was the home of the Beale family and is famous for its Arts and Crafts style and Morris & Co interiors. The house has views over Ashdown Forest and a 12 acre garden with award-winning planting. You can also explore the wider estate: Standen House & Garden
Sheffield Park and Garden
To the east of Haywards Heath, the magnificent gardens at Sheffield Park are famed for their autumn displays, but they are well worth a visit at all times of the year. The gardens were originally designed by Capability Brown and have been further developed since. With woodland walks and stunning lakes, the gardens are watched over by the extraordinary Gothic-style mansion which is now privately owned: Sheffield Park
Monk’s House
Just outside Lewes, in the village of Rodmell, Monk’s House was the home of Virginia Wolf and her husband, Leonard. It’s a 17th century weatherboard cottage. The Wolfs were part of the Bloomsbury Set and the house is more or less as they left it. You can also visit and explore the cottage garden.
Cuckmere Valley
Cuckmere Valley in between Seaford and Eastbourne is just before the start of the Seven Sisters, with its lazy River Cuckmere winding its way from Alfriston and beyond. Enjoy stunning country walks here or paddleboarding down the river. And spot the White Horse carved into the hillside at High and Over. There are two Cuckmere Valley farms (Chyngton Farm at the mouth of the Cuckmere River and Frog Firle Farm on the riverbank) and the area is a haven for wildlife and walks.
Birling Gap
At the east end of the Seven Sisters and not far from Eastbourne, Birling Gap represents a striking break in the cliffs. With stunning views, access down to the beach, and a café and shop, it’s a photogenic spot and very popular (not least because of the scenic road that takes you there). It’s also a short (if hilly ) walk to the Belle Toute lighthouse. Unfortunately, Birling Gap is at serious risk from coastal erosion and who knows how long before the cottages here will remain.
Alfriston Clergy House
Alfriston, north east of Seaford, is always worth a visit with its ancient buildings and smugglers past and the Clergy House is just off the main High Street next to the church. It is an early 15th-century Wealden hall-house with Arts and Crafts style rooms. The house is Grade II listed and was the first building saved by the National Trust. Scientific testing has shown that the timber-framed building was built of young oak which were felled between 1399 to 1407.
Bateman’s
This stunning 17th century property just outside Burwash was once home to Rudyard Kipling (who lived there until 1936). Visit the house and see it as it was when Kipling lived there (there is an impressive collection of his possessions) as well as learn about the house’s 17th and 18th history. Then explore the extensive gardens: Bateman’s
Bodiam Castle
Near Robertsbridge, Bodiam Castle is a stunning 14th century moated castle. You can walk around the castle before crossing over the moat to explore the ruins within: Bodiam Castle
Lamb House
In the very heart of historic Rye, Lamb House is one for lovers of all things literary as both Henry James, E. F. Benson (author of the Mapp and Lucia novels) and Rumer Godden lived here. Built in 1723, you can explore the house including the King’s Room and Parlours as well as the walled garden.
If you’ve enjoyed this post about the National Trust Sussex properties, you may also like:
Sussex Castles
Best palces to Visit in Sussex
For more information about the National Trust visit: National Trust
If visiting any National Trust Sussex sites or properties always check opening times and accessibility in advance.
