Best places for spring walks in Sussex
Nymans
From the flamboyant waxy blooms of magnolias to the bright splashes of colour from daffodils and camellias, Nymans is the place to experience spring in all its glory.
Petworth
Welcome in the spring when a sea of wild daffodils covers the Pleasure Grounds at Petworth. This downloadable trail takes you on a walk through the grounds that Capability Brown designed. There are thousands of wild yellow primroses and magnolia trees with their fragrant flowers. Visit again later in the season when swathes of bluebells blanket the Pleasure Grounds.
Nymans
As May arrives, dense, heady-scented boughs of wisteria cloak the ruins and archways at Nymans. When the sun is out, you can smell the sweet perfume of these purple flowers tumbling over the pergola in the Wall Garden and all around the garden at Nymans. From mid May onwards Nymans has deeply scented rhododendrons and azaleas in yellows, oranges and pinks.
Sheffield Park and Garden
Colour greets your every turn at Sheffield Park, with shimmering lakes and woodlands glowing with bluebells. Find bobbing daffodils and camelias in hidden, scented glades. Vibrant rhododendron and azalea blooms are the sparkling jewel in our crown. Stroll through deeply fragranced corridors, with their larger than life flowers, as you take in the dazzling array of over 1,000 azaleas that burst into life between May and June.
Standen
Spring is a great time to discover the garden and woodlands at Standen. See flowers beginning to emerge and the incredible display of bluebells in the woods. Download a walk online and enjoy the experience of spring across the estate.
Best places for summer walks in Sussex
Nymans
The Rose Garden at Nymans is teaming with delicate blooms and densely-petalled clusters. While the summer borders are packed with colourful, flamboyant flowers.
Sheffield Park and Garden
Discover a garden that excites the senses. Summer brings vibrant blooms filling the place with colour and perfume. Winding paths, grand trees, lakes, cascades and bridges. Don't miss our Waterlily Festival from mid June to mid July.
Standen House and Garden, Sussex
The borders at Standen are full of plants inspired by the William Morris patterns inside the house. From traditional cottage garden plants such as sweet William and sunflowers to tropical cannas and Tetropanax every bed is packed full of brightly coloured blooms.
Petworth
In summer, Petworth’s eighteenth-century Pleasure Garden reveals a pretty mix of colour and planting styles. Wildflowers litter the garden meadows, against the historic backdrop of the Ionic Rotunda and Doric Temple. Roses, and later dahlias, fill the formal borders, and beyond lies the 700-acre historic park, criss-crossed with picturesque walking trails to explore.
Best places for autumn colour in Sussex
Autumn walking at Petworth House and Park
With 700 acres to explore, there are endless opportunities for autumn walking at Petworth. We’ve got trails to suit everyone, from family rambles to longer routes with views that inspired famous artists. Walk beneath the russet-coloured canopies of ancient trees and soak up panoramic vistas across water and grassland. You might catch a deer rut, which you can also do on a guided walk.
Nymans
Enjoy glorious autumn colours reflected in the lake, and the bark of magnificent redwoods turned a deep orange in the low autumn sunlight on this downloadable trail.
Standen
Discover autumn colour in the woodlands and estate or explore further afield on one of our self-guided walking trails at Standen. Look out for wildlife along the way.
Sheffield Park and Garden
During our busy autumn season (13 September to 14 November) booking is needed to guarantee entry. Famous for its autumn colour, this is the season the garden was planted for. The dazzling displays of autumn colour are a show-stopper.
Autumn colour on the South Downs
Enjoying some autumn colour. Walking the dog. Walking off lunch. Walking the 100 miles of the South Downs Way. Whatever your reasons for stepping out on the South Downs, there’s a route that’s right for you.
Six things to see on an autumn woodland walk
An autumn woodland glowing with colour and rich with the smell of damp earth is a wonderful place to be. National Trust Ranger Chloe Bradbrooke suggests six mini wonders of nature to look out for on an autumn woodland walk.
Walks near our houses and gardens
Nymans
There's plenty of seasonal colour and scents to enjoy at Nymans with winter-flowering shrubs, including camellias, sweet box, barberry and daphnes.
Petworth Park
Wrap up warm, step in to some sturdy footwear and head out into the 700 acre parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown for an invigorating walk on a crisp winters day.
Standen
This winter there are plenty of walks through 100 acres of the original Standen estate, including ancient woods and frosty fields. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Please note normal admission applies to enter the property and car park.
Sheffield Park and Garden
Enjoy the frosty landscape and reflections in the lakes on a gentle stroll around the garden. There’s something for all types of walkers at Sheffield Park and Garden.
