How to find the Lupin Flower Field in West Sussex. I am a total sucker for flower fields having been known to drive three hours to visit the Confetti Fields. So when I hear that there is a Lupin Flower field in the UK and more specifically in West Sussex. I knew that I wanted to visit. But I could find very little information about it. Other than it officially resides with the National Trust and that was it. So this week I set out in the car to find the lupin field at Terwick Church in West Sussex near Rogate and it took me a little longer than expected as it was not as obvious as I had hoped.
The history behind the Lupin Field in Sussex
The lupin field is located by St Peter’s church in Terwick. It is right in front of it and viable from the A272. Although I must admit when I visited you could not see them from the road. Hence my confusion. The wild lupin field is said to be planted initially by the vicar of Terwick Church (now called St Peters). He was revered there for over 40 years. Left to a parishioner that loved the lupin field it was gifted to the National Trust in 1938 by Mrs Jane Patterson Lodge in memory of her husband. The reason for the gift is that she wanted the lupins to flower in perpetuity, as the surrounding fields are arable farmland. And sure enough, that is exactly what has happened with the lupins to continue to self-seed year on year.
In addition to this, the National Trust has arranged for further seed to be sewn if there are patches where it is needed. The field itself is now much more of a meadow with other wildflowers and grasses growing in amongst the brightly coloured flowers.
How to find the Lupin Field in Sussex
I used the postcode GU31 5EQ to get to the rough location. Travelling from Midhurst you will see a turning on the left with a signpost St Peters Church. If you take this turning and then turn right along the lane. Almost at the end, there is a small turning on the left, which at first sight does not look big enough to get a car down. However, you can drive down it and arrive at St Peter’s church. The church itself is 12th Century and has been restored beautifully, made from yellow brick, it is still used for services.
However when I arrived there was very little evidence of any lupins. On each side of the church is a crop field and you could see where people had walked. No doubt looking for the lupins. Do not do this, as you can not reach the lupin field this way. I am unsure if you walk through the graveyard to the front of the church if you can reach it that way. I decided I didn’t fancy wandering around on my own so headed back to the main road to see if there was another way in.
Where to park when visiting the Lupin Flower Field in Sussex
Once I knew where it was on the sat nav I worked out that I could park in one of the parking laybys on the A272 road. In fact, there is one right opposite the field. As you drive towards Rogate it will be the first layby you come to on the right-hand side. If you reach Rogate then you have gone too far. Look for the parking signs as the layby is behind trees and shrubs and so may not be that viable depending on the time of the year.
It is obviously frequently used to visit the lupin fields as there is a footpath which has been created through the undergrowth to the main road. You do need to cross the main road to get to the field. Although the road is fast and busy it is not continuous traffic.
When is the best time to visit the Lupin Field?
When do lupins flower in the UK? Lupin season is from the end of May and can go all the way into late August. When I visited in mid-June there were plenty of established flowers and some still coming out. I did not see any full seed heads. So I would imagine I caught the beginning of the season. They will only continue to bloom if they are deadheaded. But I do no believe that this is done. Therefore I would aim for the beginning of the season to ensure you see them at their best.
Top tips for a visit to the Lupin Field
- If you can not spot them the first time around don’t give up they are worth the effort.
- Despite it being National Trust there are no amenities it is simply a field.
- Wear long trousers and be aware of ticks
- If you want to extend your visit with a trip to the pub. Towards Midhurst, there is the Full Moon Pub and there is also the White Horse.
- Locally you can explore the lovely market town of Midhurst, Cowdray Park or Woolbeding Gardens (also National Trust).
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5 Responses
What a fascinating place to visit. I don’t recall ever visiting a flower field!
Would love to visit and see for myself looks amazing
Just gorgeous. That’s how I want my garden to be like, with beautiful self-seeding flowers. No mowing -cuts out a lot of work every year!
We visited the Lupin field today (24/Aug) well it was more lupin remains than anything else as we’re obviously right at the end of the season, but we plan to return next year, perhaps in early July.
You can follow the narrow road down to the church and park in the large turning area around the oak tree outside the church if there’s space, but as you say there’s also a large lay-by on the north of the A272 close-by. If you park by the church and enter through the small wooden gate at the front, you can follow the burial ground path to the left of the church (about 50yds long) to another little wooden gate that is at the foot of the lupin field and access it that way.
As the lupin’s were absent we travelled back to Midhurst and did the Rother River ‘Circular Walk’ – an easy route of about 3 miles (4.7Km), directions for which are on the National Trust website.
This year I’ll endeavour to grow my own ! Haven’t had display for years