Kingley Vale: Ancient Yews, Bronze Age Barrows & the Best Walk

Kingley Vale is a steep-sided valley in the South Downs a few miles north-west of Chichester, a National Nature Reserve of chalk grassland and ancient woodland. Its slopes are clothed in one of the most impressive yew forests in Europe.

Why Kingley Vale Is Special

Walking among the yews of Kingley Vale is an unforgettable experience: the oldest trees, twisted and hollow, with branches that sweep to the ground and take root again, have stood here for centuries.

From the top of the vale, the view stretches over Chichester, its cathedral spire and the harbour to the Isle of Wight.

The History of Kingley Vale

Kingley Vale has one of Europe's most impressive yew forests. Some of its yews are as much as 2,000 years old, among the oldest living things in Britain.

On Bow Hill above the vale stand Bronze Age burial mounds, a reminder of how long people have lived on these Downs. Around the yews, a large area of chalk grassland and scrub is managed for its wild flowers and wildlife.

What to See & the Best Walks at Kingley Vale

Walk up from the car park at West Stoke into the vale and through the grove of ancient yews, then climb onto Bow Hill to see the barrows and the view south to the sea.

Follow the nature trail round the reserve, about three miles, and walk quietly in the grove, where the old trees are at their most atmospheric.

Wildlife at Kingley Vale

The chalk grassland is rich in wild flowers, including orchids, and butterflies. Deer live in the woods, and birds of prey hunt over the downs. Please do not climb the ancient yews.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Kingley Vale

See the Kingley Vale listing. West Dean Gardens are a few miles north, and the South Downs National Park surrounds the reserve.

Chichester and its harbour are just below; see our guides to Chichester, Bosham and Chichester Harbour.

Kingley Vale Through the Seasons

Spring brings birdsong to the woods. In early summer the chalk grassland flowers. Autumn and winter are perhaps the best time to feel the age and quiet of the yew grove.

Getting to Kingley Vale

The nearest railway station is Chichester, about four miles away. There is a car park at West Stoke, about a mile's walk from the vale.

Kingley Vale: Questions & Answers

How old are the yews at Kingley Vale?

Some are as much as 2,000 years old, among the oldest living things in Britain.

Where do you park for Kingley Vale?

At West Stoke, about a mile's walk from the vale.

Our Advice

Our advice: Walk up through the yews to Bow Hill on a still winter or autumn day, and look back over the harbour to the Isle of Wight.