In and around West Sussex

Red and gold colouring on autumn Acer leaves at Standen

A place of iconic coastline, gardens, literary greats, rolling South Downs, vast art collections and a castle.

Places to visit

Map Loading...

Places in the South East where you need to book 

Some of our places we care for in the South East of England will be opening with guided tours, so you’ll need to pre-book before your visit. These tours will be led by expert volunteers and will show the places in a new light. You may also need to book in advance at some other larger places, where visitor numbers need to be carefully managed for practical reasons.

See which places in the South East you need to pre-book
Nymans South African border

Gardens and parks in and around West Sussex 

With vibrant displays of autumn colour and dewy mornings, October is a beautiful time of year in our gardens and parks in Sussex. Don’t miss the highlights at Nymans, Standen, Sheffield Park and Garden, Petworth and Wakehurst.

Reflections on Upper Woman's Way Pond in early autumn

Top walks in and around West Sussex 

If you’re in need of a leg-stretch this autumn, you’ll find no shortage of trails in Sussex. Our downloadable walks are easy to follow with step-by-step directions starting from Petworth Park, Devil's Dyke and more. Make the most of autumn in Sussex.

West Front at Petworth

Houses and unusual buildings in Sussex 

From the high culture of the art collection at Petworth, to an Arts and Crafts cosy home at Standen, you'll be amazed at the variety of houses and unusual buildings we look after in Sussex. There's even a castle for your budding knights in armour.

Adults and two children taking an autumn walk amongst the trees

Family activities in and around West Sussex 

Join us for an autumn of simple pleasures at Nymans, Petworth, Sheffield Park and Garden, Standen and Uppark. Kick off with colourful harvest fun and creative crafts. As temperatures drop and colours intensify, October trails introduce kids to the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of autumn.

A person's hand adds the final touches to a pen and graphite drawing of a tree in winter
Petworth   West Sussex

Petworth 'GPS Trees' exhibition by Richard Geraint Evans

Petworth’s ancient trees are a must-see, and their natural beauty has been brought indoors for a new exhibition featuring nine incredibly detailed drawings of different specimens from Petworth, each including GPS coordinates so you can discover the tree for yourself. The exhibition runs from Mon 11 Oct to Sun 5 Dec.

Visit the exhibition
Kaffe Fassett brings his colourful textiles to Standen
Standen House and Garden   West Sussex

The Joy is in the Making

From Saturday 29 May - Sunday 31 October 2021, 10am - 4.30pm well known makers demonstrate their creative craft. Featuring The Great Pottery Throw Down judge and ceramicist Keith Brymer Jones, world-renowned knitting, needlepoint and patchwork expert Kaffe Fassett, embroidery artist Niamh Wimperis, recently seen on The Victorian House of Arts and Crafts, internationally exhibited textile artist Mr X Stitch plus well-known presenter turned photographer Edith Bowman.

The Joy is in the Making exhibition

Places to visit in Sussex

Red and gold colouring on autumn Acer leaves at Standen

Standen House and Garden 

Visit the Arts & Crafts house and garden at Standen and enjoy our autumn events programme and exhibition. Take a walk in the crisp autumn air and admire the display of red and gold acers across the garden.

Reflections on Upper Woman's Way Pond in early autumn

Sheffield Park and Garden 

Acres of landscape garden bordered by historic parkland and woodland await at Sheffield Park and Garden. Colour greets your every turn, with amber trees reflected in the shimmering lakes. During our busy autumn season (13 September to 14 November) booking is needed to guarantee entry.

Colourful summer borders in the gardens at Nymans, West Sussex

Nymans 

As autumn arrives Nymans’ atmospheric garden is brim full of lavish displays of flowers in the herbaceous borders. The comfortable, elegant house at Nymans, is a charming and intriguing place to visit. It reflects the personalities and stories of the talented Messel family.

The West front of Petworth House

Petworth Park and Pleasure Ground 

Inspired by the Baroque palaces of Europe, Petworth House displays one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust. It’s an extraordinary and surprising place created by just one family over 900 years. The Pleasure Garden at Petworth and historic deer park are open for spring walks.

Alfriston clergy house vegetable garden in summer

Alfriston Clergy House 

Alfriston Clergy House, the first property ever bought by the newly formed National Trust, sits tucked away on the edge of the green in the pretty downland village of Alfriston. Its historic hall house and delightful cottage garden are the perfect place to while away a couple of hours.

The pale green sitting room at Monk's House

Monk's House 

Get to know Leonard and Virginia Woolf and the wider Bloomsbury Group by visiting Monk's House in the village of Rodmell. Full of their favourite things, the house and garden appears as if they just stepped out for a walk.

The Gothic Summer House

Woolbeding Gardens, West Sussex 

Nestled in a corner of West Sussex lies a horticultural haven bursting with colour, sights to inspire and a host of surprises. Visit Woolbeding Gardens exclusively on Thursdays and Fridays, from April to the end of September. Booking is essential on 0344 249 1895.