Come and explore Nymans’ ancient oak and beech woodland, home to cascades, sandstone outcrops, a lake and a large variety of plants and wildlife. Can you find the tallest tree in Sussex, scurrying squirrels, birdlife on the lake, or fungi?
Springtime in the woodland
Our Lead Ranger, George, gives his tips for the best of the season that can be spotted in the woodland.
In spring, you’ll see the yellow and green male catkins of a hazel tree. They hang like earrings, and in the wind, you may see the yellow pollen floating away. Harder to spot is the female flower – it’s pink and about the size of a fingernail. Keep your eyes peeled for them on your next walk.
Blackthorn trees are one of the earliest trees to blossom. With snow-white flowers, they brighten up the waking woodland. Blackthorn is best known for their dark fruits, which are used to make the warming wintry sloe-gin.
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Planning your visit to the woodlands and estate
The wider estate is part of the High Weald, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1983, and the woodland is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
You can access the woodland from the visitor car park and there are three circular walks of different length that can be followed in either direction:
The Short Walk (pink arrows, 3/4 mile, 1.2km, some steep gradients and uneven ground) which passes through the arboretum and ancient woodland, by streams and wildflowers.
The Centenary Walk (blue arrows, 1.5 miles, 2.4km, some slopes and potentially muddy areas) passes through the arboretum and follows the Conifer Avenue down to the lake.
The Millennium Walk (orange arrows, 2.5 miles, 4 km, slopes, boardwalk, bridges, some steps and potentially muddy areas) heads through bluebell-filled woods, by the tallest tree and bird hide, and along a Medieval track.
Nymans’ woodland lies nestled in a valley, so some of the paths are steep and at times muddy. We recommend sturdy footwear and make sure you’re dressed for the weather.
Keep your eyes peeled for sculptures created by a local carver, David Lucas, of some of the wildlife you can spot here.
'These woods are so much part of the gardens at Nymans. They are the true English scene, the Midsummer Night’s Dream of my imagination.'
Anne Messel
Explore the woodland on a tour
Each day we run 'Woods Buggy Tours' to help you discover the estate's 250 acres of wildlife-rich woodland. The volunteer-run tours start at 11.30am and 1.30pm and last around 1 hour. Please contact Visitor Reception on 01444 405133 if you need more information.
Walking dogs in the woodlands
Dogs are welcome in the woodlands under close control all year round. Please stick to the paths and keep your dogs in sight at all times. During bird nesting season, from 1 March until 31 August, please keep dogs on leads to protect ground-nesting species of birds.
The woods are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) partly for their breeding birds. Many birds nest in the shrub and bramble layer and are easily disturbed unintentionally by dogs running through. We ask for everyone’s support to help birds nest and rear their young.
Discover more at Nymans
Find out when Nymans is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Whatever the weather you can enjoy winding paths and wide avenues with colourful views across the woodland or towards the South Downs. Until 31 January 2024 (inclusive) dogs are welcome in the garden between 1.30pm and 4pm. When visiting the woods, please keep dogs on leads and stay on paths to protect nesting birds. Nymans is a one pawprint rated place.
Explore Nymans’ medieval style manor, part house, part ruin following a devastating fire in 1947. It now offers romantic ruins and charming rooms to explore.
With natural play in the Play Glade, activities and events in the school holidays and an ancient woodland and garden to discover, there's lots of fun for families at Nymans. Picnic anywhere in the garden, or pick up a snack from the cafe or kiosk. Baby change available by the house and in the cafe and car park.
Under generations of the Messel family, Nymans in West Sussex has been through several transformations since the 1890s to become the house, ruin and garden you see today.
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Discover the wide array of countryside settings around Sussex, from the highest point of East Sussex at Ditchling Beacon to the incredible rolling landscape of the South Downs.
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
