Sussex

Sussex is a place of beautiful coastline, gardens, literary greats, rolling South Downs, vast art collections and a castle. Discover what to see and do and plan a day out to remember.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in Sussex

Nymans

A garden lovers' home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins.

Sheffield Park and Garden

Acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland

Petworth

A magnificent 17th-century house displaying one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust, nestled in a 700-acre deer park

Bodiam Castle

Step into history at Bodiam Castle. This 14th-century moated castle with a ruined interior features spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis.

Standen

Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden

Bateman's

The family home of world-famous writer Rudyard Kipling, known for The Jungle Book and Just So Stories. Built in 1634, this Jacobean house is in the Sussex countryside.

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

A popular coastal hub, where the South Downs meet the sea

Uppark

A 17th-century house set in intimate grounds with spectacular views over the South Downs. Visit the house on bookable guided tours

Kew Wakehurst

Wild botanic garden, managed by Kew and home to the Millennium Seed Bank

Henry Moore’s bronze sculpture Reclining Figure stands on a plinth in front of the historic Wakehurst mansion, with mature trees and lawns in the background.

Woolbeding Gardens

A horticultural haven bursting with colourful planting, a contemporary glasshouse and countryside views

Alfriston Clergy House

The first building saved forever for the nation by the National Trust

Monk's House

Leonard and Virginia Woolf's 17th-century country retreat

Top things to do in Sussex

Trees with green and bright red leaves around a lake at Sheffield Park, East Sussex

Family friendly places to visit

A girl and a boy looking at a Christmas tree, covered in lights at Ickworth in Suffolk.

Houses and buildings in Sussex

Public footpath signpost at Devil's Dyke, West Sussex

Countryside and woodland in Sussex

Signpost and stile on Ditchling Beacon, East Sussex

Christmas and New Year in Sussex

Christmas sparkle and wonder is just around the corner in Sussex with The Gruffalo™ Art Adventure at Nymans and Snowdogs™ Discover Sheffield Park and Garden. We're Dreaming of Christmas at Standen and can't wait for A Magical Christmas at Petworth House.

Christmas at Nymans: The Gruffalo Art Adventure

21 Nov - 17 Jan. Join us at Nymans this Christmas for The Gruffalo Art Adventure, inspired by the much-loved stories created by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Explore the garden where 12 giant Gruffalo sculptures have each been painted by artists, inspired by the patterns of nature. Keep an eye out for Gruffalo-inspired games and challenges along the trail. The adventure continues in the house, where the rooms are beautifully dressed for Christmas with an enchanting winter woodland theme. The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Nymans is presented by the National Trust and Wild in Art, in collaboration with Magic Light Pictures.

Snowdogs™ Discover Sheffield Park and Garden

28 Nov – 10 Jan. Visit Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas for a magical Snowdogs™ Discover Christmas trail! Discover ten beautifully hand-painted Snowdog™ sculptures around the garden and delight in festive games and activities for all the family. Warm up with a hot chocolate and mince pie at our festive food stalls and make magical Christmas memories. Snowdogs™ Discover at Sheffield Park and Garden is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin.

A Magical Christmas at Petworth House

28 Nov - 3 Jan. Nature becomes the artist this Christmas at Petworth House. Journey through grand state rooms of where creativity and nature come together. Marvel beneath the stars, gaze up at the moon, and discover an enchanting festive experience inspired by the natural world. Each room glows with wonder. There will be towering trees, late openings, workshops, a Christmas makers market, all new Festive Teas and much more.

Dreaming of Christmas at Standen

21 Nov - 5 Jan. It’s Christmas and the Beale family have decorated their home in festive splendour, inspired by its beautiful Arts and Crafts interiors. See patterns escaping from wallpapers, peacocks leaping from curtains and Christmas magic inspired by the family’s playful storytelling, weaving enchantment into every corner. Outside, set off on a playful adventure around the garden and follow the Merry Mice family Christmas trail. Follow your trail map to discover sing-along moments, family games, and plenty of laughter along the way.

All I Want for Christmas - Croxley Bedroom

Beaches and coast in Sussex

Discover shifting sands, salt marshes and a vibrant coastal hub on the Sussex coast.

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

Discover what to see and do at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters. Fossil hunt on the beach, walk on the historic downland or enjoy the views as you spot birds.

Woman walking her dog on the beach, with chalk cliffs behind, at Birling Gap, East USsex

The beach at East Head

Explore East Head beach. With space to play, scenic walks and interesting wildlife to discover, there's lots to see and do at this popular spot.

Two people walking across the sand at East Head in West Sussex with the rough wooden posts of an old groyne in the foreground and the sea sparkling in the distance

Castles in Sussex

Sussex is home to one of the National Trust's top castles.

Bodiam Castle

With its full moat, original wooden portcullis, murder holes, spiral staircases and battlements, a visit to Bodiam Castle provides a glimpse back in time to the 14th century. Enough of the interior ruins survive to give an impression of castle life, and on selected dates, look out for tours, talks, armour demonstrations and family trails to find out more about the people who lived and worked here.

Places to stay in Sussex

Woodlands Cottage

This gamekeeper’s cottage is surrounded by woodland on the Nymans estate.

The Morris Apartment

A one-bedroom apartment in trademark Arts and Crafts style, on the second floor of Standen House.

Find your local supporter group in Sussex

Supporter groups in Sussex

National Trust supporter groups across Sussex help to raise funds for places like Nymans and Sheffield Park, while also getting together for days out, talks and volunteering.