Nymans
Things to see & do
Our highlights
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Discover our gardens
Discover our gardens
It's easy to lose yourself in intimate and surprising corners of our garden. You'll discover intriguing ruins, summerhouses, statues, vast views and planting with year-round beauty and a large international collection. In Summer our florals are fabulous on the borders, wisteria pergolas and wild meadow.
Find out more about our gardens
© John Miller
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Delve into the dream home
Delve into the dream home
Ravaged by fire in 1947, this once Gothic mansion now offers romantic ruins and unexpectedly charming rooms last occupied by Anne Messel. Enjoy a collection of 17th century furniture, Flemish tapestries and a curiously curtain-draped television.
Get closer to the collection with a guided tour.
Uncover the history of the Messel family
© Richard Holttum
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Explore acres of woodland
Explore acres of woodland
Come and explore in the ancient woods – can you find the tallest tree in Sussex, scurrying squirrels, birdlife on the lake, or wild flowers? Summer is best for spotting dragonflies by cascades or simply escaping into shaded glades on a walk. Dogs are welcome, on leads during bird nesting season pleas...
Read about summer in the woods
© Jemma Donaldson
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Drop by our exhibition gallery
Drop by our exhibition gallery
You'll find our intimate gallery space upstairs above the house, home to a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. It's the perfect place to escape to on a rainy day. Open 10am - 4pm daily.
Nearby in the old Cook's Kitchen browse a temporary displays of the history of our iconic summer borders.
Learn more about our current exhibitions
© Mariusz Kaldowski
What's on?
There's always lots to see and do here, from family fun to creative adult workshops. Find out what's on over the next few months to help you plan a visit. Don't miss our season of open-air theatre.
A history of our summer border
A new display explores the history of one of our summer garden icons and how the current design has evolved.
- Open daily, 10am - 4:30pm in the Cook's Kitchen
Coming soon - Wind in the Willows
An exhibition of original illustrations by E H Shepard.
- 13 Jul - 1 Nov 2013
- Open 10am - 4:30pm (last entry 4pm)
Croquet anyone?
Have some fun in the sun with our lawn games. Challenge friends to a light-hearted game of golf croquet or badminton and let the kids venture into our teepees. Fancy an after hours picnic & Pimms?
Guided garden walks
Our volunteer garden rangers run free daily guided tours exploring Nymans history, plant collection and seasonal highlights. Perhaps you'd like to join one of our other special interest walks too?
Summer walks
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Butterflies
Try glimpsing the elusive Purple Emporer in our SSSI woods, 17 & 21 July
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Exclusive early mornings
Be charmed by the gardens in soft morning sunlight, 24 Jul & 21 Aug
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Intro to gardening series
Discover hints and tips from our garden rangers in our free monthly sessions.
Mobility buggy tours
Catch a ride with one of our volunteer buggy drivers and let them show you the gardens in comfort. There are three free tours departing daily to the garden & woods. We also have wheelchairs available.
50 things to do before you're 11 ¾
Are you up for our 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ challenge? It's time to get outdoors and start checking off the activities from your list here.
Geocaching challenge
Find a geocache in your scrapbook with our beginners trail in the garden, or venture into the woods for a longer trail, if you dare.
Make your own kite
Have your own ARTventure at home and Fly a Kite using our helpful hints.