Uppark
West Sussex, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
South Harting, Petersfield GU31 5QR
Telephone 01730 825415
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
Uppark is a late 17th-century house in West Sussex, restored after a major fire in 1989, and was the childhood home of author H. G. Wells's mother. Reviewers describe striking 1700s-1860s French-inspired interiors with intricate ceiling artwork, though access is limited to the ground floor and basement, with tours now guide-led in groups of around 16. Several reviewers warn not to trust satnav directions for arrival, and note the house entry is separate from the free-to-wander grounds, bookshop, and coffee shop.
Worth the trip
The French-inspired 1700s-1860s interiors and intricate ceiling artwork, restored in detail after the 1989 fire.
Before you go
Don't rely on Google Maps for directions to the entrance, arrive early for guide-led house tours which run in groups of around 16, and note the grounds and cafe are free to visit even if you don't pay for house entry.
Reviewers consistently describe Uppark's interiors, particularly its French-inspired 18th and 19th century decoration and ceiling artwork, as spectacular, and are often struck by the story of the 1989 fire and the six-year, twenty million pound restoration that followed. Guided tours are praised as informative, though several reviewers note the house is only viewable via guide-led groups with limited capacity and no advance booking, meaning early arrival is advised. Practical notes recur across reviews: extreme temperature shifts inside, exposed and breezy grounds, tunnels leading to toilets that are not wheelchair accessible, and a tea room that at least one visitor found disappointingly basic compared to a proper National Trust tearoom. The views over the Solent and the well-tended grounds are consistently praised.
Late 17th-century house restored after a major fire in 1989, childhood home of author H. G. Wells's mother
“The House and Garden at Uppark is a typical National Trust property. We got there rather late one afternoon but arrived just in time to join a guided tour of the house. A well-informed guide took us through the history…”- T Hartberg, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “So, this is a national trust place.....not free to enter the house, but you can wander the grounds/bookshop/coffee shop for the price of parking.” - Matthew Moore
- Guided tours
- “We got there rather late one afternoon but arrived just in time to join a guided tour of the house.” - T Hartberg
- How long to allow
- “It takes about 2 hours to explore the grounds and accessible floors.” - AL
- Terrain & accessibility
- “The tunnels are available and lead to the toilets so not wheelchair accessible!” - Nigel Huxtable
- Facilities
- “There are tunnels leading from at least one of these (the cafe and bookshop) to the main house.” - Matthew Moore
Common questions about Uppark
Where is Uppark?
Uppark is in West Sussex, England, at South Harting, Petersfield GU31 5QR.
Do you need a ticket to visit Uppark?
Yes - Uppark is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Uppark?
The French-inspired 1700s-1860s interiors and intricate ceiling artwork, restored in detail after the 1989 fire.
Is Uppark a ruin or still intact?
Uppark is largely intact - Late 17th-century house restored after a major fire in 1989, childhood home of author H. G. Wells's mother.
