Sussex Gardens

 
 
 

One of the wonderful things about going on holiday is the chance to be inspired, to pick up new ideas.  For garden lovers, Sussex has much to offer - though with the coronavirus, gardens have pretty much closed.

When the wonderful Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens were open to the public, I used to visit regularly (they sold an annual pass at the time).  I'd have a brisk walk around the grounds, say hallo to the wallabies, and enjoy being at one with nature & the wildlife.  I always came away feeling uplifted in mind, body & spirit.  And good news - Leonardslee Gardens opened again in March 2019 - and it looks fantastic!

Gardens are a great place to be to both exercise and to sit and take in the view & the sounds of nature, whether they are your own or someone else's!

Fortunately, there are plenty of stunning gardens to enjoy in West Sussex and even a web site to help you discover more of them!  Here are some useful resources for you in planning to visit Sussex Gardens

Leonardslee Gardens
Great news!  Leonardslee opened up again to the public in 2020.   This is fantastic! See the news here

Borde Hill
Just outside Haywards Heath, Borde Hill has a park, gardens, and one of the premier collections in South East England of rare & exotic plants, plus some of the tallest & biggest girth trees in England. Plus there's parkland and woodland walks & lots of events. It also has a superb restaurant, Jeremys, plus the Cafe Elvira in the Victorian Walled Garden.

Nymans (National Trust).
Not far from Haywards Heath, this is another stunning garden, with beauty & seasonal colours all year. It's one of the National Trust's greenest gardens. Nymans Gardens enjoy a beautiful, theatrical design, a fantastic plant collection gathered from around the world, and wonderful views over Sussex.



High Beeches.
27 acres of magnificent woodland and water gardens, full of rare, exotic and unusual plants; RHS award winning plants, a botanical treasure trove, with a National Collection of Stewartia Trees & a wonderful natural wildflower meadow. "Outstanding," say English Heritage. There's a Tree Trail and a collection of rare & unusual Oak Trees.

Wakehurst Place.
Enjoy ornamental gardens, temperate woodlands and an Elizabethan Mansion. There are seasonal walks and themed tours to discover more. There are some very interesting courses & events

Top Quality Plants, Veg and Fruit from Suttons Seeds

Woolbeding Gardens
With 26 acres, there's plenty to see and do with landscape gardens, formal gardens, follies and vegetable gardens. 

Petworth
A stately mansion nestled in the South Downs housing the finest art collection in the care of the National Trust.  The 700 acre Capability Brown landscaped deer park offers panoramic views.

The Sussex Gardens Trust aims to educate all age groups in the care of their gardens and the Sussex garden heritage. It also compiles an inventory of Sussex Parks and gardens, and researches and records gardens. You can become a member.