In and around West Sussex

Our gardens are all at their colourful best during the summer months with vibrant colours, relaxing spaces and breath-taking views. From the summer borders at Nymans, Bateman's and Standen to Capability Brown landscapes at Sheffield Park and Petworth; come and find a summer garden near you.

Make the most of late summer with a walk in the West Sussex countryside. Take your pick from these downloadable walking trails which will lead you to the very best landscapes for butterflies and wildflowers, lanes and hilltops in the South Downs, open parkland and coastal paths.

Open from 5 May, discover more about Elizabeth Ilive who lived at Petworth House from the late 1780s in this interactive exhibition, part of the National Trust Women and Power programme. Explore her intellectual pursuits from fine art, invention and science and delve in to a re-imagining of the laboratory she established at Petworth.

An exhibition exploring the lives of three women who influenced the garden’s design. Focussing on their creative legacy and social circles, the exhibition highlights each of their unique contributions.

Taking inspiration from the WRNS motto “Never at Sea” this exhibition will use family letters and memories to draw visitors through the house at Standen to discover Helen Beale’s pioneering story in her own words. See the exhibition from Saturday 28 April to Sunday 11 Nov 2018.

Those hints of autumn bring out the sense of adventure in us all. Try something new this season with a visit to some of Sussex's best kept secrets: Alfriston Clergy House, Monk's House and Woolbeding Gardens.

Shake off those winter blues and lift your spirits in a fresh spring garden or the wild countryside. From beds of colourful tulips to buds of delicate blossom, our gardens are finally waking up. We've selected some of the very best places for you to enjoy the delights of spring.

Follow a trail all about making a weird and wonderful tools. Try hands-on science workshops filled with goo, slime and bubbles as well as technology linked craft activities. We have plenty of activities during the summer holidays inspired by the pioneering achievements of Elizabeth Ilive who lived at Petworth House in the late 1780s.