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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.
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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
Summer of Play in Sussex
Throughout the school holidays there’s loads of new family fun laid on, with the National Trust’s Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank. Jam-packed with playful experiences and drop-in activities, all set against the backdrop of the Trust’s historic houses and beautiful gardens, including Nymans, Sheffield Park and Garden, Petworth and more. Let imaginations run wild.
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Summer of Play at Nymans
At Nymans, Comber's Field has been transformed into a kid friendly zone, jam packed with games, races and active challenges. The play glade in the garden is the perfect shaded spot for free range fun, with den building, a woodland cabin, play stage, balancing logs and wooden chimes to discover. Have a picnic anywhere you like in the garden. 19 July to 5 Sept.
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Summer of Play at Sheffield Park and Garden
Play your way through the summer holidays with an eclectic mix of fun-filled, active games and playful musical activities. Head down to the Play Glade for another summer of fun. 19 July to 7 Sept.
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Summer of Play at Standen
Explore the garden, its hidden corners and winding hillside paths, play in Adventure Corner and discover the free activities in the woodland den. Have a go at archery and swingball near Adventure Corner. On Goose Green discover hopscotch, balance beams, dominoes and have a game of giant Connect 4. Practice your circus skills up in the woodland den with plate spinning, juggling and dress up. 5 July to 5 Sept.
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Summer holiday fun at Petworth
Climb aboard wooden ships for a nautical adventure with seafaring games in the Pleasure Garden, inspired by JMW Turner’s magnificent seascapes. On Fun Art Fridays there's arty crafty fun. All activities are free. 19 July to 7 Sept.
What's on in Sussex
Garden for the Future revealed at Sheffield Park and Garden
We're excited to announce that Garden for the Future has officially launched at Sheffield Park and Garden. Designed by three-time RHS Chelsea award-winner, Joe Perkins, the Garden for the Future is a garden within a garden and will help inform our ongoing approach to climate resilient planting. It's a space inspired by the heritage arboretum that surrounds it and encourages people to connect with nature and each other in tranquil and beautiful surroundings.
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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
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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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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Summer of Play
Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead, West SussexSat 5 Jul - Sun 7 Sept: 10am - 4pm. Explore the garden, its hidden corners and winding hillside paths, play in Adventure Corner and discover activities in the woodland den.
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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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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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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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Turner's Vision at Petworth
Petworth, West SussexFor the first time in 20 years, a specially curated selection of JMW Turner’s artistic studies of Petworth will be exhibited in the very place that inspired him. These rarely seen works give a fascinating insight into Turner’s methods.
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