In and around East Sussex

Batemans in the summer

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

Places to visit

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Outdoor Theatre at Hanbury Hall

A summer of outdoor performance in and around Kent 

There are performances taking place throughout the summer at National Trust properties in and around Kent. From family favourites like Wind in the Willow and Alice in Wonderland to classics such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and Wuthering Heights, there’s a wide range of productions to choose from.

Find a performance near you

Top spots for picnics and photos this summer

A view over the countryside to Bodiam Castle

Perfect picnic spots 

Gently sloping lawns in the grounds of a medieval castle. Open countryside with a sprinkling of fairy tale magic. Tickle your picnicking taste buds at our top spots in and around East Sussex.

Looking through some flowers over a moat full of water to a ruined stone castle in the distance

Top summer photography spots 

We talked to one of our volunteer photographers, Sam Milling, about his favourite places to photograph in Kent and East Sussex in the summer. Having grown up in East Sussex, Sam knows some of the best places to photograph in the area and has shared some of his top tips with us.

Our best summer gardens

The cottage garden in the summer at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Glorious summer gardens in and around East Sussex 

From June to August our gardens in and around East Sussex are alive with rich, vibrant colours and lush greenery at places like Bateman's and Sissinghurst Castle Garden.

The roses and fountain at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust place in Kent

Rose gardens in Kent and East Sussex 

Our gardens in Kent and East Sussex have borders of roses to enjoy all summer long. Discover borders bursting full of scented blooms.

Summer strolls and hidden gems

The Writing Lodge at Monk's House, East Sussex

Secret hideaways to visit in and around East Sussex  

Shine a spotlight on the county's tucked-away treasures with our little gems in and around East Sussex. Find a fairy tale mill at Bateman's, and a literary retreat in the South Downs.

An ariel photograph of the White Cliffs of Dover

Walks and trails in and around East Sussex 

From guided walks at Bodiam Castle, to trails that trace Kipling's fairy tales at Bateman's, the countryside and paths await in and around East Sussex this summer.

Get involved

Christiane Lohr drawing

What's it like as a volunteer? 

Henry Middleton helps us care for extraordinary objects in unusual circumstances. A dedicated member of Scotney's Housekeeping Manual Group, he's helped create over 20,000 hand-drawn records of the Castle's unique collection.

A volunteer room guide talks to a visitor at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Find a volunteering role 

This year, instead of giving something up, why not take up something new that makes you happy? From driving buggies to room guiding, we need special people to bring our special places to life in 2018.

A group of people enjoying a day out

Join a supporter group 

Members of our National Trust supporter groups in Sussex help fund raise for places like Nymans and Sheffield Park - they also get together for days out and talks and tours or volunteer at their local place.