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.

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Tulips and the Forecourt Garden at Nymans

Place

Nymans

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

View from First Bridge towards Middle Lake at Sheffield Park East Sussex

Place

Sheffield Park and Garden

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

View over the lake with surrounding trees towards the house at Petworth, West Sussex

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

Bridge over the moat to the castle in summer at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

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.

Standen pictured in high summer from the garden.

Place

Standen

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

Grass field in the foreground with Bateman's house in the background.

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.

The cliffs in twilight at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex

Place

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

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

An autumn sunset reflecting golden light on the red bricks of Uppark House

Place

Uppark

Uppark is currently closed for essential repairs until summer 2025.

Place

Wakehurst

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

A magnolia tree blooms with pink flowers next to a winding pathway

Family friendly places to visit

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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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.

See all events

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!

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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.

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Daily guided tours of the garden

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

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

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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.

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Sneak Peek Tours

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Take 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).

Event

Little Antlers: Story Time

Petworth, West Sussex

Join us for a special story time at Petworth Park, designed specifically for toddlers aged 2 to 4 and their caregivers. Learn new stories or enjoy some classics, and afterwards take part in a ‘make and take’ crafting activity based on the book!

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Block Printing Cushion Workshop, Fri 9 May, 10.30am - 1pm

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

**SOLD OUT** Print your own cushion cover. Join Sarah from 'Sarita Prints Joy' for this half day block printing workshop in the mezzanine of the Riding House Café nestled in the heart of the garden at Nymans.