Slindon medieval park pale and village walk
This circular walk passes through Slindon's medieval deer park, following the route of its pale and through the unspoilt downland village of Slindon. There is plenty to enjoy on this trail at the Slindon Estate in West Sussex, which is the National Trust's largest traditional estate on the South Downs.
Trail diversion
In late summer and autumn, visitors can usually take a trail diversion to a display of pumpkins. The pumpkin display has temporarily closed, so please do not take the detour and continue on the main route.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
Park Lane car park, grid ref: SU960077
Step 1
Take the middle track from the car park away from the road. After around 275yd (250m) turn through the first gate to your left. Continue for 545yd (500m) through the woodland, usually rich with bluebells in May, till you meet a bank slanting in from the left. This is known as the pale.
Step 2
Keep along the track for around 490yd (450m) until it goes through a gap in the pale, then turn right.
Step 3
In around 380yd (350m) the pale bears right again.
Step 4
In around 545yd (500m), behind a yew tree to your left, you can take a brief detour down a signed track to the early Stone Age raised beach. Back to the pale and to your left just before it bends right, you can see Druid's Grove.
Step 5
Within the next 275yd (250m) you pass through a stile, then the track joins a tarmac lane from your right.
Step 6
The Regency tea-room as it was before the Second World War was described by Sir John Pope-Hennessy as having a 'Trafalgar balcony', inferring some of the structure was cast-iron. The tea-room burned down in the early 1940s.
Step 7
In another 275yd (250m) the lane meets Top Road. Go right and follow the path that winds through the trees just back from the road. Step over a low wall, then follow Top Road beside Slindon House, now used by Slindon College. At the next turning, go right down Church Hill.
Step 8
Go down Church Hill until it bears left at the bottom, to your right is the village pond. Immediately after the pond, turn right, go through the gate, fork left and follow the cobbled path though the woods until you return to the car park.
End point
Park Lane car park, grid ref: SU960077
Trail map
More near here
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.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
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.
Outdoor activities
Searching for a new outdoor activity to try? Discover the best places in our care for outdoor activities, including off-road cycle tracks, walking trails and coastlines for water sports.
Walking in Sussex
Explore coastal paths, open parkland and countryside teeming with wildlife on these top walks in Sussex.