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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.
Bateman's Lane, Burwash, East Sussex, TN19 7DS
Opening times for 15 May 2025
Asset Opening time House 11:00 - 16:30 Garden 10:00 - 17:00 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00 Park Mill 10:00 - 16:45 Second-hand bookshop 11:00 - 17:00 Last admission to the grounds and house 30 minutes before closing. Open all year round, except on 24 & 25 December.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £16.50 £15.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £8.30 £7.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £41.30 £37.50 Family, one adult £24.80 £22.50 Whole property standard (from 1 March)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £18.70 £17.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £9.40 £8.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £46.80 £42.50 Family, one adult £28.10 £25.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Assistance dogs only
Assistance dogs only in the house, mill, tea-room and shop
- Bookshop
Second-hand bookshop on the ground floor of the house
- Car park
Free parking for National Trust members, non-members £4 per car.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on short leads welcome in the garden and estate. Assistance dogs only in the house, mill, tea-room and shop
- Shop
Gifts, homeware, plants and Kipling books in the Oast House shop
- Tea-room
Tea-room by the Mulberry Garden serves drinks, light lunches and cakes
- Toilet
Toilets, accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities next to visitor reception. Additional toilets by the tea-room
Partly accessible grounds, some uneven paths. Blue Badge parking. Accessible toilet near visitor reception. Wheelchairs available to borrow.
- Accessible route and/or map
Map with accessible route available from visitor reception
Accessible route and/or map - more information- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilet at visitor reception
- Braille (guide or menu)
Braille guide available in the house on request
- Designated parking
Designated accessible parking near visitor reception. Tarmac car park and path to visitor reception
- Drop-off point
Steep slope into the garden from visitor reception – alternative drop-off point by arrangement with visitor reception
- Induction loop
Fixed induction loops available at visitor reception, tea-room and shop. Portable loop available on request
- Large print (guide or menu)
Large print guide to the house available on request
- Ramped access/slopes
Steep slope into the garden from visitor reception – alternative drop-off point by arrangement. Grass ramps in the garden. Ramped access to side door of shop
- Seating available
Seating available in the house if required. Benches throughout the garden. At busier times, to enter the house there may occasionally be a queue in the garden
- Steps/uneven terrain
Staircases to and from the first floor of the house. Partly accessible grounds with some steps, grass ramps and brick paths. Stepped access to Park Mill
- Wheelchairs available
Wheelchairs available to borrow from visitor reception
- By road
½ mile south of Burwash. A265 west from Burwash, first turning on left after you leave the village, just before petrol filling station. Please do not use SatNav instructions taking you down School Lane by the war memorial as this road is very narrow. Please look out for National Trust signs. Car park: https://what3words.com/ropes.kickbacks.hence
Parking: NT members free, £4 for cars, £50 for un-booked coaches.
- By train
Nearest mainline station at Etchingham, 3 miles. Connects with public bus service. No taxi rank at station.
- By bus
231 Compass Travel bus service from Heathfield to Etchingham (Mon-Sat). Pre-booking is required. Please check bus timetable before travelling: www.compass-travel.co.uk
- Cycling
Planning your visit
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Family visit to Bateman's
Bring the whole family to Bateman's. With ample space to play and explore, it's the perfect place for curious minds. Upcoming events include an Easter egg hunt, live music performances, a pesky pests activity trail, and much more.
What's on at Bateman's
Take part in a variety of events all year round at Bateman's. This year, look forward to Kipling introductory talks, an Easter egg hunt, live music performances, family activity trails, crepe paper workshops, Indian block printing workshops, calligraphy workshops, and more!
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Visiting Bateman's with your dog
Bateman's is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas. Explore the garden and estate together and enjoy a break with benches outside the tea-room.
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Group visits to Bateman's
Bring your group and discover what is so special about Bateman’s – once home to Rudyard Kipling, with its pretty secluded garden, 13th-century watermill and acres of countryside.
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Eating and shopping at Bateman's
Discover where to eat and shop at Bateman’s, the home of author Rudyard Kipling. Stop for a hot drink or light meal, and then browse for the perfect gift or pre-loved book.
Bateman's map
Take a look at the map of Bateman's to help you plan your visit.
Highlights
House
A 17th-century house, set in the landscape of the Sussex Weald; home of Rudyard Kipling.
Park Mill
An 18th-century working watermill which was much loved by Rudyard Kipling and featured in his stories written at Bateman’s.
Garden
The garden that made Rudyard Kipling feel like an English country gentleman, with spring blossom, summer roses, autumn apples and winter trees.
Estate
300 acres of High Weald countryside with small fields, hedgerows, ancient trees, hidden ponds and magnificent views across the Dudwell Valley.
Natural play area
Play area with swings, see-saw, climbing frames and space to build a den or enjoy a picnic. Carved oak tree centrepiece featuring images of Sussex wildlife.
Mulberry Tea-room
Serves hot and cold drinks, light lunches, ice cream and homemade cakes, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Shopping
Oast House shop filled with gifts, homeware, toys, plants and local artisan products. Special range of Kipling books. Second-hand bookshop stocked with pre-loved books.
Spotlight events
Pesky Pests Activity Trail
Have you ever heard the mysterious tapping of the death-watch beetle? Or wondered what fabrics moths like to eat? Take part in this family activity trail exploring the world of Pesky Pests. Take part in fun games and activities while learning fascinating facts about these little critters. Dates: Saturday 17 May to Sunday 1 June | Time: 10am–4pm | Price: £3 with admission
Emily Gravett’s Tidy Trail at Bateman’s
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. Dates: 14 June to 31 August | £3 with normal admission | 10am to 4.30pm
Conservation Wednesdays
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to look after the collection at Bateman’s? Chat with the Bateman’s collections and house team and watch as they clean and maintain items from the collection, from tapestries to Rudyard Kipling’s beloved blue Rolls-Royce. Dates: 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 10 September, 8 October | Times: 11.30am to 3.30pm | Free with admission
Workshops at Bateman's
Learn a new skill this summer with a variety of workshops at Bateman's. Upcoming workshops include crepe paper flower making, identifiying bumblebees, Indian block printing and calligraphy.
Performance by The Adur Concert Band
The Adur Concert Band are a community concert band of around 40-45 musicians; made up of woodwind, brass and percussion. The band are based in Southwick, West Sussex and formed in 1991. The band will play a variety of music from marches, classical, pop, film and big band, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Dates: Sunday 25 May | Times: 11.30am and 1.30pm | Price: Free with admission
British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted house tour
Led by an experienced guide, these small group tours will explore the history of Bateman's and the Kipling family. The tours will be accompanied by simultaneous BSL interpretation. Dates: 18 July and 13 October | Times: 2pm–3pm | Price: Free with admission, book online
Things to see and do
There’s plenty of things to see and do waiting to be discovered at Bateman's. With its beautiful garden and a host of family-friendly events all year round, it's the perfect day out.
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Family-friendly things to do at Bateman's
Planning a day out with family? Explore the home of Jungle Book author, Rudyard Kipling. There's plenty of space to play and explore outdoors. Plus, take part in a variety of family-friendly events all year round. Don’t forget to visit our tea-room and shop where you'll find treats for all the family. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
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Visiting the house at Bateman's
Discover the house at Bateman's. Explore the home of Rudyard Kipling, from the ornate Jacobean hall to the author's own study – left just as it was during his life.
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Kipling Collection Exhibition Room at Bateman's
The Kipling Collection Exhibition Room has been enhanced to highlight the life, work, travels, and legacy of Nobel Prize-winning author Rudyard Kipling, one of history's most influential and debated literary figures. In 1939, Kipling's wife, Caroline, entrusted the Bateman’s estate to the National Trust, with the support of their only surviving child, Elsie. Elsie generously donated many unique items related to her father, some of which are now featured in the exhibition. This article gives more information on some of the objects now on display at Bateman's.
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Workshops at Bateman's
Learn a new skill this summer with a variety of workshops at Bateman's. Upcoming workshops include crepe paper flower making, identifiying bumblebees, Indian block printing and calligraphy.
Article
Visiting the garden at 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.
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Exploring the estate at Bateman's
Explore the estate at Bateman's. Discover what to see and do, from wildlife to seasonal plants and walks, in a landscape that inspired Kipling.
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Visiting Bateman's with your dog
Find out about bringing your dog to Bateman’s where you can explore the beautiful grounds of Rudyard Kipling's former home together. Bateman's is a two pawprint rated place.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Walking at Bateman's
Find out about walks across the estate at Bateman's. Take in old industry, village life and ancient woodland as you explore the beautiful countryside so loved by Kipling.
Trail
Kipling's Puck walk around the Bateman's countryside
This 2.5-mile walk at Bateman's takes in views over the Sussex countryside, a landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Bateman's
Discover where to eat and shop at Bateman’s, the home of author Rudyard Kipling. Stop for a hot drink or light meal, and then browse for the perfect gift or pre-loved book.
Upcoming events
Event
Local Craft Makers Pop-up Shop
This spring be inspired by local craft makers in the home of Rudyard Kipling.
Event
Newly presented Kipling Collection Exhibition Room
The newly presented Kipling collection exhibition delves into the fascinating life, work, and legacy of author Rudyard Kipling.
Event
Kipling Introductory Talks
Get a snapshot into the life of Rudyard Kipling before looking around his home.
Event
Pesky Pests trail
Explore the world of pesky pests at Bateman's. Play games and activities to learn all about these little critters.
Event
Performance by The Adur Concert Band
Enjoy the sounds of The Adur Concert Band during your visit to Bateman’s.
Event
Rudyard Kipling – Something of myself performance
Listen to Rudyard Kipling, seemingly in person, talking about his life, through readings of his poetry.
Event
Conservation Wednesdays
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to look after the collection at Bateman’s?
Event
Emily Gravett’s Tidy Trail at Bateman’s
Join Pete the Badger and his friends at Bateman’s for a fun-filled summer adventure.
About Bateman's
'That's She! The Only She! Make an honest woman of her - quick!' was how Rudyard Kipling and his wife, Carrie, felt the first time they saw Bateman's.
Surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Sussex Weald, this 17th-century house, with its mullioned windows and oak beams, provided a much needed sanctuary to this world-famous writer and inspired his work.
The rooms, described by him as 'untouched and unfaked', remain much as he left them, with oak furniture, Persian rugs and artefacts reflecting his strong association with India. Kipling wrote Puck of Pook’s Hill and Rewards and Fairies at Bateman's, which includes the poem ‘If’. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1907.
Bateman's is very much a family home that feels as though the Kiplings have just gone out for the day.
History
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History of Bateman's
Discover the history of Bateman's. Explore its 17th-century beginnings and why the house and garden were so special to Rudyard Kipling and his family.
Art and collections
Bateman’s objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Bateman's on the National Trust Collections website.
Our work
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Our work outdoors at Bateman's
Read about what the garden and outdoors team are doing at Bateman’s.
Support us
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Volunteering at Bateman's
Whether you want to meet new people, learn fresh skills or simply give something back, you’ll enjoy being part of the enthusiastic volunteer team at Bateman’s. There are many ways you can get involved at Bateman’s, from gardening to meeting visitors, or from helping at events to guiding in the mill and more.
Join your local Sussex supporter group
Interested in making the most of the National Trust near you in Sussex? Members of National Trust supporter groups across Sussex help to raise funds for Bateman's and other local properties, while also getting together for days out, talks and volunteering at their local places. Discover how you can get involved.