The Norman Oak, Petworth Park
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Among the ancient trees of Petworth House and Park, one remarkable survivor stands above the rest. The Norman Oak has been rooted here for almost 900 years, witnessing centuries of change across the landscape. Dating back to the time when the Manor of Petworth was granted to the Percy family in 1150, this extraordinary tree has endured while generations have come and gone around it.
Today, its gnarled trunk, hollow cavities and twisted branches create a striking natural sculpture. Hollies now grow from the decomposing wood within its trunk, adding to the character and beauty of this living piece of history. It's one of the most impressive ancient trees in the South Downs National Park and a highlight of any visit to Petworth.
Ancient Tree Walk at Petworth House and Park
If you're looking for some of the best walks in West Sussex, Petworth Park is the perfect place to start. A 4-mile Ancient Tree Walk through National Trust maintained land, it takes you past the Norman Oak and many other veteran trees, including magnificent beeches, limes and oaks that define the park's landscape.
This scenic route is one of the most popular family friendly walking trails in the region, offering a gentle adventure through historic parkland. Whether you're searching for family friendly walks, Sunday walking ideas, or weekend walks in West Sussex, the trail provides plenty to discover, including the chance to spot some of the 700 fallow deer that roam freely through the park.
Getting here
Petworth is served by Stagecoach Route 1, which runs between Worthing and Midhurst. (Timetable available here). Visitors can also use the Book a Bus 99/99 Flex service via the Ride Pingo app or by calling 01243 858854 (operating daily from 6.30am to 7.30pm).
While you're in Petworth
Petworth makes an excellent base for exploring some of the finest forest walks in West Sussex and countryside walks near the South Downs. After your walk, step inside Petworth House to discover one of the National Trust's most celebrated art collections, visit Newlands House Gallery, or browse the renowned antiques shops, such as Petworth Antiques Market, that make the town famous. There are lots of great places to try for lunch or a coffee in this pretty market town.
With excellent cafés, independent shops and beautiful countryside on its doorstep, Petworth is an ideal destination for anyone looking for memorable weekend walks in West Sussex or scenic days out near Petworth.
Discover more about the ancient trees that dominate the skyline of Petworth Park on this circular walk. Marvel at some of the oldest and largest trees in the country and see a 1,000-year-old ancient oak that has survived all the major landscape changes since the 12th century. The…
The Queen Elizabeth Oak, Cowdray Estate (Midhurst)
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Hidden within the beautiful Cowdray Estate near Midhurst stands one of Britain's most impressive ancient trees. Estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old, the Queen Elizabeth I Oak is a remarkable survivor that has witnessed centuries of history unfold across the South Downs landscape.
As well as being one of the largest trees in Britain, local legend suggests the oak was visited by Queen Elizabeth I herself during her stay at Cowdray in 1591. It's said that the Queen took shelter beneath its vast canopy and admired its impressive girth. Today, the tree measures an astonishing 41 feet in circumference, making it a truly unforgettable sight and a highlight for anyone exploring the area.
One-mile walk around the Cowdray Estate’s Benbow Pond.
For those seeking peaceful walks in West Sussex, the Queen Elizabeth I Oak can be discovered on a gentle one-mile circular route around Benbow Pond on the Cowdray Estate. This scenic stroll is ideal for visitors looking for family friendly walks, easy Sunday walking ideas, or shorter weekend walks in West Sussex.
Begin at Benbow Pond and follow the route towards Stewards Pond, where you'll find the ancient oak standing proudly nearby. Along the way, take time to enjoy the picturesque landscape and the avenue of lime trees planted to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The route is one of several family friendly walking trails in the area and offers a wonderful introduction to the South Downs countryside.
Getting here
Midhurst is on the Stagecoach route 60 bus route, running between Midhurst and Chichester, Stagecoach 70 and 71 from Guildford, route 1 from Petworth and Stagecoach 90/91 from Petersfield.
While you're in Midhurst
The Cowdray Estate offers far more than a memorable walk. Extend your visit with a round of golf, a polo experience, or a browse around the estate's beautiful grounds. Refuel with seasonal dishes and local produce at the award-winning Cowdray Farm Shop Café before continuing your exploration of Midhurst.
History lovers can also visit the atmospheric Cowdray Ruins, one of England's most important Tudor heritage sites and another location associated with Queen Elizabeth I. Combined with the surrounding countryside, nearby woodland and scenic trails, Midhurst is an excellent destination for weekend walks in West Sussex, countryside adventures near Petworth, and exploring some of the most picturesque landscapes in the South Downs National Park.
Benbow Pond in Easebourne, just outside the centre of Midhurst and close to the A272 is a picturesque picnic stop where you'll meet the resident ducks, swans, geese and other bird life and is part of the Cowdray Estate. From the pond, a circular walk takes you to the Deer Park…
The Lebanon Cedar, Goodwood Estate
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While Goodwood is renowned for its ancient oaks and beautiful beech woodlands, some of its most remarkable trees are the majestic Cedars of Lebanon that grace the estate. These striking evergreens were introduced in 1761 by the third Duke of Richmond, who brought a variety of tree species from around the world to enhance the landscape.
Although only a handful of the original 1,000 cedars survive today, they have grown into some of the finest examples of Cedars of Lebanon in England. Their sweeping branches and impressive stature make them a standout feature of the Goodwood Estate and an important part of its rich heritage.
Trees have long played a vital role in Goodwood's history. Over the centuries, the estate's woodlands have supported the local economy, provided timber during wartime and shaped the landscape visitors enjoy today. Following extensive replanting programmes after the Second World War, Goodwood's forests have been carefully managed to ensure they continue to thrive for future generations.
Goodwood’s Cedar of Lebanon trees can be seen on a tour of Goodwood House.
For those seeking memorable walks in West Sussex or unique days out near Chichester, Goodwood offers the chance to experience one of the county's most celebrated historic estates. The famous Cedar of Lebanon can be viewed during a guided tour of Goodwood House, where you'll explore elegant state rooms, fascinating family history and beautiful landscaped grounds.
One of the most photographed cedars stands beside a picturesque pond, creating a stunning view that perfectly showcases the beauty of the estate. For a truly special experience, combine your visit with a Goodwood House Tea and Tour. and enjoy the surroundings at a more leisurely pace.
Goodwood is also surrounded by some of the finest forest walks near Chichester and countryside trails in the South Downs National Park, making it an excellent stop for visitors looking for weekend walks in West Sussex or inspiring Sunday walking ideas.
Getting here
Goodwood is easily accessible from Chichester via the Route 55 bus service. Chichester railway station offers direct connections from London Victoria, Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton and Littlehampton, making Goodwood an ideal destination for visitors arriving by public transport.
While you're at Goodwood
Extend your visit with a relaxing treatment at the Goodwood Health Club, where you can experience a unique cedar tree essence treatment inspired by the estate's famous Cedars of Lebanon. Enjoy seasonal dishes at the award-winning Farmer, Butcher, Chef restaurant, visit the Aerodrome Café, art lovers can visit Goodwood Art Foundation, or why not explore the excellent pubs nearby, including The Fox Goes Free in Charlton, The Partridge Inn in Singleton or The Star & Garter in East Dean.
Whether you're exploring family friendly walking trails, looking for scenic walks near Chichester, or discovering historic landscapes in the South Downs, Goodwood offers a wonderful combination of nature, heritage and hospitality.
Overview: Set in the heart of the Sussex Downs, Goodwood is England's greatest sporting estate and has been home to the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years. One of the UKs finest stately homes, the history of Goodwood House spans many centuries. The house was first purchased…
The Great Yew, Kingley Vale Nature Reserve (Chichester)
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Not only is Kingley Vale home to one of the finest yew forests in Western Europe, but you’ll also find 11 different species of orchid and 39 species of butterfly here. It’s a pretty special place.
What’s more, its grove of ancient yews are among the oldest living things in Britain. Local folklore has it that the druids worshipped there before the Romans arrived, and that the archers of Agincourt used the agile wood make their bows.
While many of Europe’s yew forests were felled over the centuries, Kingley Vales remains one of the finest, with its Great Yew being shortlisted for the Woodland Trusts’ Tree of the Year in 2019. While it’s not the largest yew as far as its trunk is concerned, its great arching boughs form an impressive canopy to admire.
See it for yourself: Park in the Kingley Vale car park at Stoughton and take on the 6-mile circular trail around the nature reserve to see the Great Yew in all its finery.
Getting here: From Chichester the route 54 bus heading towards Petersfield stops at East Ashling, then from here it's approximately 20 minutes walk to the beginning of the Kingley Vale trail.
Arriving by bike? It's only a 20 minute cycle on from here to Chichester Marina to admire the amazing oak trees or head to the surrealist trees at West Dean, also around 20 minutes by bike.
While you’re here: It may come as a surprise to learn that Kingley Vale Nature Reserve is also one of the most important archaeological sites in Southern England, with 14 scheduled ancient monuments. Climb the slopes to take in some of the area’s most incredible views of the Solent and beyond.
Outside of the reserve, head to the Fox & Hounds for delicious global pub-grub in a 19th century inn, explore the eclectic mix of vintage furniture and Scandinavian inspired interiors set within a rural Sussex Barn at Design Vintage, or continue trekking but with an alpaca in tow at Dunreyth Alpacas - all within a five-minute drive of Kingley Vale Nature Reserve.
Kingley Vale Nature Reserve contains one of the finest yew forests in western Europe, including a grove of ancient trees which are among the oldest living things in Britain. The Kingley Vale Trail is a 8.2-km circular trail near Stoughton, West Sussex through the beautiful…
The Surrealist Trees, West Dean Gardens
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Don’t stop reading when you realise these next trees aren’t real. They once were.
West Dean Gardens’ Surrealist Trees are fibreglass tree sculptures. Ivan Hicks (West Dean's Head Gardener in the 1970s) came up with the idea to immortalise trees that had been felled due to disease and old age. Sculptor, Ralph Burton was commissioned to encapsulate two standing timbers in fibreglass in 1972 and 1974. Whilst the timber has since rotted away, the fibreglass shells have been left behind, forming tree sculptures around the original trunks. A fitting surrealist legacy of the gardens’ founder Edward James, these trees can be spotted near the bridge in the Spring Garden, either side of the river. Edward James' grave can be found in St Roche’s Arboretum. The 49-acre arboretum is a must-see for tree lovers, with an abundant display of rhododendrons and azaleas in late spring.
How to see it: Admire the Surrealist Trees, St Roche’s Arboretum and much more on a visit to West Dean Gardens. Follow a 2.5 mile circuit walk to see a fine collection of specimen trees, shrubs and outstanding views of the Sussex Downs, or explore the gardens at your leisure.
Getting here: Stagecoach route 60 stops at West Dean Gardens, making this super easy to get to by public transport.
Arriving by bike? West Dean sits along the Centurion Way cycle route, offering you the chance to double up your tree stops with a visit to the majestic Cedars of Lebanon at Goodwood, under 30 minutes cycling, with most on this flat cycleway.
Whilst you’re here: While inside West Dean Gardens, ensure you pay a visit to West Dean Gardens Restaurant overlooking the beautiful Lavant valley and West Dean Park. Less than a five-minute drive from the gardens, you’ll find the Weald & Downland Living Museum.
Come and enjoy the beauty that is West Dean Gardens. Creatively inspired by its rich heritage and South Downs setting, the gardens include a Walled Kitchen Garden and 13 working Victorian glasshouses, extensive and richly planted grounds including a stunning 300 foot Edwardian…
The Stunted Oaks, Chichester Harbour
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The final stop on this tree trail offers one of the most striking and photogenic landscapes in West Sussex. Set against the tranquil waters of Chichester Harbour, the wind-blown oaks of Chidham Peninsula have been shaped by centuries of exposure to coastal conditions, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Chichester Harbour is a National Landscape and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), renowned for its rich wildlife and unique coastal habitats. Here, the ancient oak trees have adapted to life on the shoreline, their growth stunted by salt-laden winds and their branches twisted into extraordinary shapes. Leaning dramatically towards the sea, these gnarled trees create a scene that feels almost surreal and offers some of the most distinctive views in the region.
See it for yourself: Follow the five-mile Chidham Peninsula Coastal Circular
For those looking for scenic walks in West Sussex, the Chidham Peninsula Coastal Circular is a must. This beautiful five-mile route takes you through one of the most picturesque corners of Chichester Harbour, offering stunning coastal views, abundant wildlife and the chance to see the famous wind-blown oaks up close.
Beginning and ending in Chidham village, the trail leads to Cobnor Point, the southernmost tip of the peninsula, where sweeping views stretch across the harbour and beyond. It's one of the most rewarding walks near Chichester and a fantastic option for weekend walks in West Sussex, Sunday walking ideas and memorable days out with family and friends.
The route follows quiet lanes, waterside paths and open countryside, making it one of the area's most enjoyable family friendly walking trails. Be sure to check tide times before setting off, as part of the route can only be accessed safely at low tide.
Getting here
Chichester Harbour is ideal for exploring by bike, with a circular trail exploring the entire shoreline and scenic cycling routes which link many of its waterside villages and attractions. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on the Itchenor Ferry, which welcomes cyclists and provides a unique way to experience the harbour.
While you're visiting Chichester Harbour
After your walk, stop for lunch at the Old House at Home, a popular local pub serving hearty food in a welcoming setting.
To discover even more of Chichester Harbour, join a wildlife or sightseeing trip with Solar Heritage, whose solar-powered boats offer a peaceful way to explore the waterways. Alternatively, head out on a seal-spotting or birdwatching excursion with Chichester Harbour Conservancy and experience one of the South Coast's most important wildlife destinations.
Whether you're seeking coastal walks in West Sussex, relaxing family friendly walks, or unforgettable scenery near Chichester Harbour, the wind-blown oaks of Chidham Peninsula provide the perfect finale to this remarkable tree trail. Their sculptural forms, dramatic setting and rich natural surroundings make them one of the most distinctive tree experiences in the South Downs National Park.