Gardens and parks in and around East Sussex

From traditional rose beds at Bateman's, to herbaceous borders bursting full of colour at Scotney, our gardens are filled with vibrant colours, scented displays and relaxing spaces. Visit throughout the summer to see what’s new, and bring back some inspiration for your own garden. Every time you wander among the blooms, you help us plant new varieties for next year.

Front view of Sandham Memorial Chapel, Hampshire

Places in the South East where you need to book 

Some of our places we care for in the South East of England will be opening with guided tours, so you’ll need to pre-book before your visit. These tours will be led by expert volunteers and will show the places in a new light. You may also need to book in advance at some other larger places, where visitor numbers need to be carefully managed for practical reasons.

See which places in the South East you need to pre-book
The rose garden and pond at Bateman’s, East Sussex
Bateman's   East Sussex

Bateman's

The gardens explode with colour as the scent of roses fills the air. On the walls, climbers and ramblers sprawl in a variety of colours, including pretty primrose yellow from Rosa 'Goldfinch' and Rosa 'Mermaid'. There is new colour to see in the Mulberry Garden, with plants both ornamental and edible.

A scented haven
Scotney Castle summer Old Castle flower bed
Scotney Castle   Kent

Scotney Castle

The scene-stealing results of work to restore historic views from the Bastion down to the Old Castle are on show. The walled garden is stocked with fruit trees and velvety roses. Wisteria and old English roses adorn the old castle walls whilst the surrounding herbaceous beds throw out new colours along the winding pathways.

A little oasis in the heart of the garden
The White Garden in July at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent
Sissinghurst Castle Garden   Kent

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

The cottage garden is a carpet of colour as the Mme Alfred Carriere climbing rose unfurls. In the famous White Garden, rosa mulliganii cascades over the central arbour with thousands of white, scented blooms. A new mindfulness trail takes you past wildflower meadows across the estate.

From monocolour to a carpet of colour
Smallhythe Place wild flowers

Smallhythe Place 

Over the winter, the gardeners were busy enriching the soil and planting bulbs. Over 50 variations of summer roses along the 170ft rose pergola recreate the look and feel of the garden as it was in Ellen Terry’s day.

Visit this Kentish gem
A path through the garden at Stoneacre

Stoneacre 

Distinct 'rooms' in the front garden showcase a variety of colours in summer. Gentle yellows of the 100-year old Ginkgo biloba tree watch over borders filled with purples, reds and oranges. An old orchard and meadow at the back have a wilder, more unkempt feel.

Discover the garden