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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

Tulips and the Forecourt Garden at Nymans
Place
Place

Nymans 

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

near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Fully open today
View from First Bridge towards Middle Lake at Sheffield Park East Sussex
Place
Place

Sheffield Park and Garden 

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

Uckfield, East Sussex

Fully open today
View over the lake with surrounding trees towards the house at Petworth, West Sussex
Place
Place

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

Petworth, West Sussex

Fully open today
Bridge over the moat to the castle in summer at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Place
Place

Bodiam Castle 

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

near Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Fully open today
Standen pictured in high summer from the garden.
Place
Place

Standen 

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

East Grinstead, West Sussex

Fully open today
Grass field in the foreground with Bateman's house in the background.
Place
Place

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.

Burwash, East Sussex

Fully open today
The cliffs in twilight at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Place
Place

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters 

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

near Eastbourne, East Sussex

Fully open today
An autumn sunset reflecting golden light on the red bricks of Uppark House
Place
Place

Uppark 

Uppark is currently closed for essential repairs until summer 2025.

Petersfield, West Sussex

Closed now
The Mansion Pond at Wakehurst
Place
Place

Wakehurst 

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

Haywards Heath, West Sussex

May half term in Sussex

Moomin family
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Nymans 

Take a magical wander inspired by Moominvalley with a family trail at Nymans. Spot seven characters from the Moomin stories, hiding around the garden, 3 May to 13 July. Build a den in the Play Glade, hide in the woodland cabin, explore the garden at leisure and picnic anywhere you like.

Girl looking through binoculars

May half term in Sussex 

Discover magical family days out this spring with the National Trust in Sussex, from the Moomins at Nymans to The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Sheffield Park and Garden. Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or planning a bigger adventure, you'll find May half term trails, natural play areas, family trails and café stops.

Beaches and coast in Sussex

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

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

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
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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.

Castles in Sussex

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

Visitors walk around in the open-air centre of Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
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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, Sussex

Woodlands Cottage 

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

The exterior of The Morris Apartment within Standen House, West Sussex

The Morris Apartment 

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

Our work

Find out about the conservation, biodiversity, community, wildlife and nature work taking place in Sussex

Project
Project

Changing Chalk partnership 

The South Downs have been a place to live, work and play for thousands of years. Together we can make sure they will be enjoyed for thousands more. Learn how the projects of the Changing Chalk partnership, led by the National Trust, are restoring lost habitats, bringing histories to life, and providing new outdoor experiences across the eastern South Downs, and discover how you can get involved.

Find your local supporter group in Sussex

A view of the ruins of the old house in Nymans Garden, West Sussex
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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.

Upcoming events

Event

Moomins 

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

3 May to 13 July 2025: 10am - 5pm. Nymans invites you to take a magical wander inspired by Moominvalley this spring, with a family trail around the garden, meeting characters from the Moomin stories.

Event summary

on
11 May to 13 Jul 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 63 other dates or times
Event

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail 

Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, East Sussex

Join us at Sheffield Park & Garden where families and little legs can enjoy The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail!

Event summary

on
11 May to 22 Jun 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 42 other dates or times
Event

Blossom at Nymans 

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Thu 20 Mar - Sun 1 Jun. A celebration of blossom at Nymans with tree tours & guided garden walks. Or pick up a self guided trail through the garden from the plant centre showroom.

Event summary

on
11 May to 1 Jun 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 21 other dates or times
Event

Daily guided tours of the garden 

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Join a daily guided garden tour led by expert garden guides.

Event summary

on
11 May to 31 Oct 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 173 other dates or times
Event

RAF Friston – Spitfires and Spies (Commemorating VE Day) 

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, near Eastbourne, East Sussex

Starting at Crowlink car park, join us on this guided walk to learn about the history of RAF Friston. PLEASE NOTE - this walk is now SOLD OUT. There is a second walk on August 10th. Return to the What's on page to book.

Event summary

on
11 May 2025
at
10:30 to 14:30
Event

Meet the Millers at Bateman’s Park Mill 

Bateman's, Burwash, East Sussex

Join in the National Mills Weekend celebrations at water mill, Bateman’s Park Mill.

Event summary

on
11 May 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
Event

Local Craft Makers Pop-up Shop 

Bateman's, Burwash, East Sussex

This spring be inspired by local craft makers in the home of Rudyard Kipling.

Event summary

on
11 May to 18 May 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 7 other dates or times
Event

Material Things XVIII 

Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead, West Sussex

Weds 8 Apr - Tues 27 May: 11am - 4pm. Wendy Dolan and Louise Bell return to Standen with handmade quilts and stitched textile designs.

Event summary

on
11 May to 27 May 2025
at
11:00 to 16:00
+ 16 other dates or times
Image shows three women enjoying a walk through the woodland on a summer's day.

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.