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Trees with green and bright red leaves around a lake at Sheffield Park, East Sussex
Autumn colours at Sheffield Park and Gardens, East Sussex | © National Trust Images/Lawrence Perry

Gardens in Sussex

Discover peaceful walled gardens, winding paths and late flowering borders in our gardens in Sussex this autumn. From mid October autumn colour lights up the trees and turns the landscape amber, red and gold. Come out for an uplifting stroll at Nymans, Sheffield Park and Garden, Bateman’s, Petworth and Standen.

Autumn gardens in Sussex

Nymans 

Fiery colours take over in the South African and summer borders in this romantic garden, surrounding the ruins at Nymans. There are uplifting views of the High Weald, from all around the gardens, as the trees in the landscape turn golden and red. Look out for the red foliage of the American nyssa trees, liquidambers and acers and the bright yellow foliage of the hickories.

The Pagoda at Nymans in autumn

Sheffield Park and Garden 

Famous for its autumn colour, this is the season the garden was planted for. Take in the natural beauty of Sheffield Park as it glows with brilliant displays of reds, oranges, purples and greens. The dazzling displays of autumn colour are a show-stopper, especially where they are reflected in the historic lakes.

A view across the lake at Sheffield Park, East Sussex with the spectacular autumn colours of the trees perfectly reflected into the lake.

Standen 

The arts and crafts garden at Standen has winding walkways, lined with acers, which are enchanting in autumn. The kitchen garden is a particular delight, while the trees in the orchard hang low with seasonal fruits. The Barn café has delicious treats, made from seasonal produce from the garden. On the wider estate, you can crunch through autumn leaves on the easy-to-follow way-marked trails.

The croquet lawn set among autumn trees

Petworth 

Petworth Park is home to scores of remarkable veteran trees. Dotted with sumptuous autumn colour from magnificent oaks, limes, beeches and chestnuts. The Capability Brown parkland is transformed with swathes of pale golden grasses. Don’t miss the views of the lakes and mansion in the soft autumn light.

The Ionic Rotunda surrounded with autumnal trees at Petworth, West Sussex

Bateman's 

Discover the garden at Bateman's. Find out what to see, from the Rose Garden designed by Kipling to wildflowers, an orchard and even a working mill.

Looking over a pond towards the Jacobean house.

Lamb House 

The gardens at Lamb House come alive with vibrant seasonal blooms and lush greenery, offering a tranquil retreat for visitors. The historic garden features neatly tended borders and charming pathways, complemented by fragrant flowers bursting into colour.

Under the cherry tree at Lamb House, East Sussex

Autumn walks in the Sussex countryside

A Roman ramble to Gumber Farm 

This circular trail through the Slindon Estate encompasses a Roman road across open downland, plus a chalky woodland ride known as Leper's Path.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.75 (km: 6)
Shippams Poste, Slindon Estate, Sussex

Petworth Park through Turner's eyes 

Discover the views that inspired England's greatest landscape painter, JMW Turner, on this stroll around the park at Petworth.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Summer Sunset at Petworth

Slindon medieval park pale and village walk 

Discover this circular walk at the Slindon Estate in West Sussex and wander through a medieval deer park and enjoy village views.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.8 (km: 2.88)
Sheep in the parkland at Slindon Estate, West Sussex

Walk from Standen to Kingscote Bluebell Railway 

Walk to and from Kingscote Station and Bluebell Railway, where connecting steam trains can be taken to Sheffield Park or into the historic town of East Grinstead.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6 (km: 9.6)
Standen and the Bluebell Railway, West Sussex

Landscape-designed gardens in Sussex

Discover the top Sussex gardens designed or influenced by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown or Humphry Repton.

The garden at Sheffield Park and Garden 

Famous for its autumn colour, this is the season the garden was planted for. Take in the natural beauty of Sheffield Park as it glows with brilliant displays of reds, oranges, purples and greens. The dazzling displays of autumn colour are a show-stopper, especially where they are reflected in the historic lakes.

Swamp cypress in the autumn at Sheffield Park

The Pleasure Garden at Petworth 

Petworth Park is home to scores of remarkable veteran trees. Dotted with sumptuous autumn colour from magnificent oaks, limes, beeches and chestnuts. The Capability Brown parkland is transformed with swathes of pale golden grasses. Petworth’s Pleasure Grounds and majestic deer park are one of ‘Capability’ Brown’s finest unspoilt landscapes, full of vistas and impressive features such as the Doric Temple and woodland walk.

The Ionic Rotunda surrounded with autumnal trees at Petworth, West Sussex

All gardens in Sussex

    House reflected in the mill pond at Bateman's, East Sussex

    Discover more in Sussex

    Sussex is a place of iconic coastline, gardens, literary greats, rolling South Downs, vast art collections and a castle.