In and around East Sussex

The autumn at Scotney Castle, Kent

The home of a famous author, fairytale castles and more await you in and around East Sussex

Places to visit

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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
An autumn view across the garden and pond at Bateman's in East Sussex

Gardens and parks in and around East Sussex 

Gardens in and around East Sussex are alive with rich, vibrant colours and lush greenery at places like Bateman's and Sissinghurst Castle Garden.

Discover the gardens and parks in East Sussex

Things to do

Scotney Castle family estate walk

Days out with the kids in and around East Sussex 

There's loads for families to do at our places throughout autumn. From harvest fun to welly walks through crunchy fallen leaves. Fiery colours on the treetops to inspire budding photographers, and natural play areas to explore. Come half term, there will be brand new trails to try too.

An autumn view from the quarry garden to the east front of Bateman's in East Sussex

Top walks in East Sussex 

As morning mists start to roll in and leaves begin to take on a distinctly golden hue, now is a great time for a walk. The area in and around East Sussex has a host of walks to entice you outdoors this season. Find coast, countryside and everything in between.

Family enjoying a picnic in autumn at Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire

Perfect picnic spots in and around East Sussex 

There’s nothing better than finding a secluded spot for a lazy afternoon picnic. Whether it’s next to water, surrounded by trees or with a stunning view we have plenty of places for you to choose from.

Little gems to visit nearby

Enjoy a summer's day at Stoneacre, a hidden gem in Kent

Stoneacre 

15th-century half-timbered yeoman's house, featuring a great hall and surrounded by glorious garden, orchard and meadows. A perfect example of a Wealden Hall-House, it is full of beautiful collections of furniture, wood and metal work.

The trees in the garden at Smallhythe Place turning a golden hue

Smallhythe Place 

Ellen Terry's early 16th-century house and cottage gardens. A fascinating personal and theatrical collection that reflects Ellen's extraordinary career and unconventional private life. Smallhythe Place includes a colourful cottage garden and a charming 17th-century thatched Barn Theatre.

The front door at Lamb House

Lamb House 

Georgian house with literary associations - both Henry James and E. F. Benson lived here. Lamb House has a walled garden, one of the largest gardens in the old town of Rye; it was designed as we see it today by a friend of Henry James called Alfred Parsons.

Things to try at home

Man and two children playing a grass trumpet

50 things activities to do in your back garden 

Even bold adventurers don't need to go too far from home to tick off challenges from the '50 things' activity list. Here are our top ten ideas for activities that you can do in your own back garden, nearest park or outdoor green space.

A man wearing headphones against a leafy background

Listen to our podcasts 

Did you know that we produce podcasts? You can download episodes for free on a variety of subjects, from the stories behind our gardens, collections and outdoor places, to the houses that helped shape and influence the work of great writers.

Mother and daughter icing a biscuit together

Top family-friendly bakes 

We've picked out top recipes to cook with kids. Quick, easy and delicious, take a look at recipes for cakes, biscuits and savoury snacks.