A day out on the downs at Saddlescombe Farm open day

Sunday 23 April sees the National Trust’s hamlet at Saddlescombe open to the public for its annual open day.  It’s a rare opportunity to visit this secluded farm on the South Downs which was once owned by the Knights Templar.

Saddlescombe will be open for just one day for visitors to experience. Expert guides will be relating the story of Saddlescombe from the past 1000 years; Camilla and Roly, our farm tenants, will be showing off their newly born lambs; and fresh local produce will be available at the farmers’ market.

Also on offer are demonstrations of traditional farming activities, Brighton & Hove Museum’s collection of archaeological artefacts from Saddlescombe, and a family area with treasure hunts and farmyard inspired games.

National Trust Ranger, Graham Wellfare says: “This is a chance to get a unique glimpse of a farm that time forgot, with its blacksmith’s forge; 400 year old barns and famous donkey wheel and well which once provided water to the whole farm.  There’s also the opportunity to explore the “Tudor wing” of the manor house and see the produce of its kitchen garden and orchard”.

For those wishing to explore a little further, why not join our Ranger on a tour of surrounding Newtimber Hill – considered one of the best downland sites in the new South Downs National Park.

The farm will be open between 10.30am and 4 pm. Charges for this special event will be £5 for adults and £2 for children, with family ticket at £13.  Parking costs £1 but National Trust members can park for free.  Teas, homemade cakes, lunches and ice cream will be provided by the award winning Egg and Spoon café from Brighton.

Saddlescombe Farm is ¾ mile east of the Devil’s Dyke.  It can be reached by taking the award winning open top 77 bus from Brighton to the Devil’s Dyke, and walking the South Downs Way to the farm. Car parking at the event will be signposted on the day on Saddlescombe Road, between Poynings and the Devil’s Dyke Road from the A27.

To find out more call the Estate Team on 01273 857712 or visit our website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/whats-on for details