Let's explore the great outdoors
The South Downs National Park is full of nature and fantastic places to explore with fun things to do everywhere. Take a rest under the acoustic tree and look at the view from up in the Science Centre or take a picnic outside on a sunny day. Feeling active? Head over to Bio:Space and do some nature activities.
If you really want to have a nature adventure, follow the spotters trail to the Butterfly Conservation Reserve or Magdalen Hill Down. The big question is where do you want to explore first?
Ancient woodland, awesome wildlife
The South Downs National Park is more than 1,600 square kilometres – that's really big! It has rolling hills, historic woodland and rare wildlife species for you to spot. An ancient fair used to be on one of the chalk hillsides. It's now the Magdalen Hill Down Butterfly Conservation Reserve. Ready to go spotting butterflies?
Which butterfly's which?
Butterflies are amazing. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and fantastic colours. This handy Butterfly Conservation guide will help you find out which butterfly you've seen. Ready to learn all the names?
Visit the Butterfly Conservation website to learn how to spot butterflies
Wildlife watching top tips
There's lots of wildlife in the South Downs National Park. We've got some expert tips to help you spot some of the rare beasties. Find out what to wear, what not to touch and why you shouldn't be too smelly. Let's go wildlife spotting!
Get top tips for your wildlife search from the South Downs National Park website
The Countryside Code
The Countryside Code is a guide that's full of tips to help you enjoy your trip into the countryside. It shows you how to find your way around, care for the environment and lots more. We all want to have fun outdoors – here's how to do it kindly.
Download the national Countryside Code
Accessibility info
Accessibility information for the South Downs National Park
The path from the Science Centre to Magdalen Hill Down Butterfly Conservation reserve or to the South Downs National Park isn't accessible to wheelchairs or mobility scooters yet.
If there's anything we can do to make your visit easier, just ask us. We're here to help.
Spend the next 12 months making new discoveries with an annual membership. Get free entry, discounted tickets to The Planetarium and lots of special extras!
Who’s up for some fiendishly fun science? At Science Spooktacular we are! It’s trick or treat season and we’re pulling out all the stops to make this one full of science treats! As well as all the usual Science Centre fun, there’ll be even more on offer to excite all ages – all included with admission.
Daytimes will be fun-filled with six brand-new seasonal events, one for every school holiday. Experience all the thrills of the Science Centre’s awesome hands-on exhibits, live shows and demos plus extra activities - all included in your admission!
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