Uppark from Hayling Island: a hilltop house, free gardens and Christmas on the South Downs near Sandy Point

Uppark is a 17th-century country house on the South Downs ridge at South Harting, near Petersfield, cared for by the National Trust. It sits roughly half an hour by car from Wittering Sands, our exclusive-use house at 14 Wittering Road, Hayling Island PO11 9SP, so it works as a gentle half day or as one half of a bigger day out.

The gardens, the tea kiosk and the second-hand bookshop are free to enter, and on a clear day the views run over the Downs to the Solent. This guide covers the house and its fire, what is open when, Christmas at Uppark, dogs, families, access, getting there and what to pair it with.

What is Uppark?

The National Trust describes Uppark as a fine example of a 17th-century house crowning the South Downs ridge. Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh bought it in 1747, shortly after marrying Sarah Lethieullier, and the couple transformed the interiors and filled them with art bought on their Grand Tour. Later owner Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh was known for his parties, with guests including the Prince of Wales and Emma Hamilton.

There is a literary link too. Sarah Wells started at Uppark as a maid in 1850 and later returned as housekeeper. Her youngest son grew up to be H. G. Wells, and the Trust says Uppark inspired the estate of Bladesover in his novel Tono-Bungay (1909). The Housekeeper''s Room, once her home, is among the rooms below stairs.

The family gave Uppark to the National Trust in 1954, and members of the family still live there.

What happened in the 1989 fire?

On 30 August 1989 a fire badly damaged the house. Rather than rebuild in a new style, the Trust restored it to how it looked the day before, in a project the Trust puts at £20 million, reviving historic craft skills along the way. Uppark reopened to the public on 1 June 1995.

You can see the result in the rooms. In the Staircase Hall, where the fire burned fiercest, only one newel post and two balusters survived, and the Gothic lantern was rebuilt after being flattened. In the Saloon, the plasterwork ceiling was reassembled from rescued fragments. A small exhibition in the Lower Servants'' Hall shows items rescued after the fire and objects found during recent repair work.

Uppark''s famous 18th-century dolls'' house is currently on loan to the Huguenot Museum in Rochester, so it is not on show at Uppark for now.

When is Uppark open?

Uppark has a short season, so check before you go. From the National Trust''s own pages, checked in October 2026:

• October and November 2026: Uppark is closed.
• Christmas at Uppark: the calendar shows it open on Sundays to Tuesdays across three weeks, 6 to 8, 13 to 15 and 20 to 22 December. On open days the garden runs from 10am to 4pm and the house from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
• 2027 season: the Trust''s visit pages show the main season running from March to September, opening Sunday to Tuesday. The house opens on Sundays and Mondays, with bookable volunteer-led tours on Tuesdays of about 45 minutes.

Because Uppark is high on the Downs, the Trust warns it can close at short notice in bad winter weather. Check the Uppark page or its social channels on the morning you travel.

What does it cost?

The garden, café and second-hand bookshop are free. The house has an entry ticket, which is free for National Trust members. Parking is free for members and Blue Badge holders, and for everyone else it is £2.50 for up to two hours or £4 for the day. The car park uses the JustPark app for both member check-in and payment, so set it up before you leave. There are four EV charging points on the top level; bring your own cable.

Can you take a dog to Uppark?

Yes, outside. Dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the garden and grounds, with water bowls and dog bins on site, and the Trust says all of its walks there are dog friendly. Only assistance dogs may go into the house or the tunnels, so a group with dogs may want to take turns on the house tour.

Our dog-friendly Hayling Island guide covers beaches and walks from the door at Sandy Point.

Is it good for families?

For a calm outing, yes. There is a hard path around the garden to the café, baby-changing in the accessible toilet by the second-hand bookshop, and plenty of lawn for children to run on. The below-stairs rooms, set out as they were in the late 19th century, give children a feel for how a big house was run. Older children who like stories may enjoy the H. G. Wells connection.

For three-generation stays, see our milestone birthday guide and our Christmas and New Year guide.

Is it accessible?

The Trust lists six accessible parking spaces at the top of the car park, no more than 250 metres from the house, plus two spaces right outside and a drop-off point. Wheelchairs can be borrowed, ideally booked ahead by email, and there is ramped access to visitor reception. The mansion has a lift for house visits; book it in advance by emailing the property. Mobility scooters cannot go into the mansion. There is a portable induction loop, and a BSL tour can be arranged with notice.

How do you get there from Sandy Point?

• By car: roughly half an hour. Leave the island over the Langstone bridge, then head north towards South Harting. Use GU31 5QR for Uppark; it is on the B2146, about a mile and a half south of South Harting. The car park is open from 9.30am.
• By public transport: Petersfield station is about five and a half miles away. From Hayling, the car is far simpler for a group.

What else could you combine it with?

Uppark sits inside the area covered by our South Downs guide, so a walk on the Downs pairs naturally with it. Petersfield is a short drive north, and Chichester is within easy reach on the way home; see our Chichester guide. Garden lovers could also look at our Stansted Park guide, which is on the same side of the county line, and our Hinton Ampner guide for another National Trust house and garden. Closer to home, our Around Hayling guide covers beaches, pubs and walks on the island.

What are the stay details?

Check-in at Wittering Sands is from 4pm and checkout is by 10am. The house sleeps up to nine across four bedrooms and five beds, with 3.5 bathrooms. Children are welcome, and infants under 2 are welcome too, with a travel cot and highchair on request. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome. The house is for the booked guests only and does not allow parties or events. The minimum stay is usually 3 nights, and the booking calendar shows the minimum for your dates.

Rates vary by season and length of stay. The live calendar shows the current figure for your dates; this guide does not indicate availability.

How do you book?

Check the live booking calendar for current dates and pricing. If you want to talk through the group, dogs or travel plans, get in touch.

Opening days, prices, parking and dog rules can change. Check the National Trust''s Uppark page before you travel.