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Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.
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
Place
Nymans
A garden lovers' home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins.
Place
Sheffield Park and Garden
Acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland
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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
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Bodiam Castle
Step into history at Bodiam Castle. This 14th-century moated castle with a ruined interior features spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis.
Place
Standen
Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden
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.
Place
Lamb House
Celebrating 300 years of history and literary connections in a stunning Georgian house
What's on in Sussex
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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.
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Turner’s Vision at Petworth exhibition
21 June – 16 November: for the first time in over twenty years, a selection of JMW Turner’s studies of Petworth’s extraordinary landscape are exhibited in the very place that inspired him. Discover more about Turner’s experiments with colour, use of materials and artistic vision, in this 250th anniversary celebration of the artist’s birth. Normal admission plus adult £10, child £5 (including National Trust members).
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How to train your dragon at Bodiam Castle
Until 7 September: Join Hiccup and Toothless the dragon on an adventure around Bodiam Castle. Let your imagination run wild and channel your inner Viking as you pick up tips and tricks to master the art of dragon training. Discover different dragon species, learn the forgotten language of Dragonese, find out gruesome facts about Vikings – and so much more! Do you have what it takes to become a dragon trainer?
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Lakes and Lilies Festival at Sheffield Park and Garden
Throughout the summer: The waterlilies take centre stage as the lakes burst with colour during the summer. Walk along the pontoon to experience 360 degree views of the bright blooms and buzzing dragonflies. Join Summer Evening openings, book a photography workshop or paddleboarding session and follow the Exotic Spots Family Trail. Relax with a picnic as you listen to live music or have a go at Kwik cricket.
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Emily Gravett’s Tidy Trail at Bateman’s
Until 31 August: Join Pete the Badger and his friends at Bateman’s for a fun-filled summer adventure. Whether you're a super organiser or a little on the messy side, this family trail is perfect for everyone. Step right into Pete’s story as he cleans and tidies up the forest, maybe a bit too much! Help Pete and his woodland friends bring the beauty of nature back to life. This family trail is packed with activities and games for the whole family including, wheelbarrow racing, and more!
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Ghost Written: An Exhibition
This exhibition explores the written heritage of Lamb House, home to some of the leading literary voices of the 20th century, through its ghost stories. 28 February - 22 December.
Beaches and coast in Sussex
Discover shifting sands, salt marshes and a vibrant coastal hub on the Sussex coast.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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
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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
Wild and Wonderful Sculpture: Alison Catchlove
Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead, West SussexWeds 4 Jun - Thurs 10 Jul: 10am - 4pm. An exhibition of flora and fauna metal sculptures by Alison Catchlove.
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How to Train Your Dragon trail at Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge, East SussexJoin Hiccup and Toothless the dragon on an adventure around Bodiam Castle!
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Emily Gravett’s Tidy Trail at Bateman’s
Bateman's, Burwash, East SussexJoin Pete the Badger and his friends at Bateman’s for a fun-filled summer adventure.
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Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, East SussexGet a ducks-eye-view of Sheffield Park this summer when you take to the water on a paddleboard! Moxie Unleashed are offering fun-filled SUP sessions for complete beginners through to experienced paddlers. For prices please visit moxieunleashed.com
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Lakes & Lilies Festival| From 14 June and throughout the summer
Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, East SussexSheffield Park & Garden’s picturesque lakes burst with colour during the summer. From jewel-like waterlilies to swathes of wildflowers or explosions of rhododendrons. Lakes & Lilies is a celebration of this with activities for all-ages.
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Daily guided tours of the garden
Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West SussexJoin a daily guided garden tour led by expert garden guides.
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Moomins
Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex3 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.
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Sneak Peek Tours
Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West SussexTake a behind the scenes look inside the house on a sneak peek tour. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and are included in general admission. Please go to Visitor Welcome to collect a ticket. (Limited availability).
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