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Harting Down
Dramatic hill-top views and secluded valleys, with abundant wild flowers
Harting Down (off B2141), South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5PW
Important notice
Pay by phone is now operating at Harting Down car park using the PayByPhone parking system - see 'getting here' for more details.
Opening times for 21 December 2024
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS2526272829301234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303112345OpenPartially openClosedNo toilets. Nearest public toilet is in South Harting, adjacent to the White Hart pub. Dogs on leads welcome. Steep gradients in places, unsurfaced paths and uneven ground; may not be suitable for wheelchair use.
By road
Please note that camping and overnight stays are not permitted in this car park. From Chichester take A286 through Lavant, turn left on to B2141. Car park is roughly 5 miles at top of hill on right-hand side. From Petersfield take B2146 to South Harting village, follow signs to Uppark, then fork left towards Chichester on B2141. Car park on left-hand side at top of hill.
Parking: Car park £3 per day for non-members. Free for members. This is a pay by phone or internet car park using the PaybyPhone system. Full details of how to pay can be found on boards located in the car park. You can pay online at paybyphone.co.uk prior to your visit or after your visit up to 11 p.m. on the day you visit. Paying prior to arrival cannot guarantee you a parking space. Download the PayByPhone app or call 0330 060 4037. Location code 805444 Free for NT members and Blue Badge Holders.
Sat Nav: Nearest post code GU31 5PW. what3words: ///proofs.waltzes.intensely. Grid reference SU790180
On foot
On the South Downs Way National Trail and part of an extensive network of footpaths. Nearest village is South Harting
By train
Petersfield 5 miles, or Chichester 11 miles. Take the Stagecoach 54 between Petersfield and Chichester, alighting at or opposite the stop for Uppark: Harting Down is east of the road.
By bus
Take the Stagecoach 54 between Petersfield and Chichester, alighting at or opposite the stop for Uppark: Harting Down is east of the road.
By bicycle
National Cycle Network Route 22 to Chichester, then A286 through Lavant. Turn left on to B2141 towards South Harting
Harting Down (off B2141), South Harting, Petersfield, GU31 5PW
Highlights
Habitats
Harting Down is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland. A tapestry of pristine downland blends beautifully with scattered scrub and woodland. It is also home to one of the best juniper sites in the south.
History
Look out for the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and cross-ridge dykes. The remains of a Napoleonic war telegraph station can be found on Beacon Hill, the highest point on Harting Down.
Grazing
Experience a sense of timelessness where sheep have grazed for thousands of years. In the last ten years we have reintroduced conservation grazing in order to sustain the diverse wildlife.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Harting Down
Explore the trails and meet the wildlife at Harting Down, a slice of countryside with soaring views and woods.
Top trails
Trail
Harting Down wildlife walk
A moderate walking trail around Harting Down, one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland in our care. Discover rare wildlife and enjoy panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs.
Places to stay
Emley Farmhouse
A charming country retreat on the edges of the South Downs.
Woodlands Cottage
A former game keeper’s house, this classically-styled cottage is surrounded by woodland.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Harting Down
Harting Down is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland cared for by the National Trust. A tapestry of pristine downland blends beautifully with scattered scrub and woodland.
Experience a sense of timelessness where sheep have grazed for thousands of years. When you reach the brows of the hilltops you are greeted by views north across the Weald and south to the Isle of Wight.
Hear skylarks bursting with song above you and tread on grassland awash with pyramidal orchids and wild herbs. Venture off the South Downs Way into a more secluded valley where you will find species-rich downland turf edged with scrub full of songbirds. It is also home to one of the best juniper sites in the south. Butterflies such as the grizzled skipper thrive here. Look out for rarities such as the exquisite blue carpenter bee and the cheese snail.
Of historical interest is an Iron Age hill fort and cross-ridge dykes. The remains of a Napoleonic war telegraph station can be found on Beacon Hill, the highest point on Harting Down. In the last ten years we have reintroduced conservation grazing in order to sustain the floristic diversity.