Sussex is home to many abundant and splendid gardens. Discover our 17 best gardens in Sussex to visit throughout the seasons, whether it is a family day out or a nice catch-up with friends.
Sussex has a unique chalky and hilly, rolling landscape. It is steeped in fascinating history, giving rise to some exquisite gardens that flourish on the grounds of historic houses and castles.
Explore the gardens of Sussex throughout the seasons, whether in full bloom in the summer or dazzling with rustic autumn leaves later on in the year.
Gardens in West Sussex
Leonardslee Gardens
Leonardslee Gardens must be one of the more famous gardens in Sussex, and it is not hard to see why. Dotted with incredible sculptures, the art trail adds another layer to this beautifully kept, sprawling site.
There are several trails you can follow at Leonardslee Gardens, depending on your needs and ability. There is a lovely lakeside cafe that you can stop off for refreshments. There is also a restaurant on site should you wish to for something more substantial.
Leonardslee Lights during winter is the most spectacular light show, with giant colourful moons and dazzling light shows.
Some other key features of Leonardslee Gardens are the wonderful wallabies, a dolls museum and a well-equipped playground for kids, making it a great Family Day out in Sussex. There is even on option to stay on site.
Address: Leonardslee Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP
Wakehurst
Wakehurst Gardens is Kew Gardens’ sister site, spread across 500 acres, there are so many wonderful layers to explore at these wild, botanical gardens in Sussex. Immerse yourself in this wonderful botanical landscape brimming with a wide variety of planters, wetlands and woodland areas.
This is a great way to boost your wellbeing by walking in nature and taking it all in. Wakehurst is particularly spectacular in Autumn, when the trees and leaves turn a dazzling variety of reds, pinks and oranges.
Wakehurst Mansion has recently reopened to the public following extensive restoration works, where visitors can enjoy the library and exhibitions.
Wakehurst run several events throughout the year, in particular, their Christmas light show Glow Wild is spectacular and such a wonderful, festive event.
Address: Selsfield Rd, Haywards Heath RH17 6TN
West Dean Gardens
West Dean Gardens are a key place to visit in Chichester. It is a restored historic estate, currently under guardianship from West Dean College. The gardens combine art, history and horticulture.
The dramatic restored gardens are a blend of arts and crafts with whimsical surrealism.
Some key features include the 300‑foot Edwardian pergola, Victorian glasshouses, restored walled kitchen garden, arboretum with Edward James’s grave, flint bridges and surreal fiberglass trees.
Address: West Dean – The Edward James Foundation, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ
St. Mary’s House and Gardens
St. Mary’s House and Gardens is just a short walk from the more famous town of Steyning. The charming 12th-century house is a restored pilgrims’ inn. The site has links with literary ties to Oscar Wilde’s famous “The Importance of Being Earnest”.
The Gardens are a peaceful & intimate five acres with extensive Victorian secret gardens. Some other key features at St. Mary’s House and Gardens include the Elizabethan “Painted Room”, the landscape water garden and the prehistoric “Ginkgo biloba” living fossil.
Stop off at the charming tearoom for refreshments. It is open to the public from April – September annually.
Address: St. Mary’s House, The Street, Steyning BN44 3WU
Denmans Garden
Denman’s Gardens is a peaceful and serene Grade II-listed garden. It is famous for its curvilinear layout and ‘dry riverbed’ planting. Located on the Southern Slope of the South Downs, it is thriving with many semi-tropical and unusual plants.
It is a peaceful, design-led garden celebrated for original planting style, seasonal interest and a strong horticultural design legacy. It was once a post-war market garden which has been undergoing restoration since 2018.
Some key features include the dry riverbeds, ponds, walled garden, glasshouse, gravel gardens, café, plant nursery and gift shop.
There is free entry to Denmans Gardens to RHS members on a Thursday.
Address: Denmans Lane, Fontwell, near Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0SU
Borde Hill Gardens
Borde Hill Gardens is a sweeping 2000-acre estate, enveloping the stunning Elizabethan Mansion House. Open to visitors from February to December, this botanical landscape and parkland is a beautiful garden to visit in Sussex.
Address: Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1XP
Highdown Gardens
If you are looking for free gardens in Sussex, then Highdown Gardens is a great choice. Located just a short drive from Worthing. The founders transformed the chalk pit landscape into a National Plant Collection.
The garden was initially made as an experiment to see what plants would grow on the chalk soil of the Downs, originally started in 1909.
Collections of plants were sought from around the world and many from China. Thousands of plants, seeds and cuttings were bought or swapped.
On the same site is Highdown Hotel, which offers a delicious and well-crafted food menu. Booking is recommended, however, as it is a popular place to dine on the weekends, particularly.
Address: Highdown Rise, Littlehampton Rd, Worthing BN12 6FB
Arundel Castle and Gardens
Arundel Castle is surrounded by beautifully crafted gardens. The gardens at Arundel Castle are unique and perfectly manicured, offering a serene and tranquil place to visit.
The Arundel Tulip Festival is an annual event and a busy time for the gardens, but it is worth visiting as visitors are captivated by a kaleidoscope of colourful tulips across the grounds.
The Rose Garden is at its best in June. Many of the gardens’ sculptures and marble carvings were
acquired by the 14th Earl of Arundel, Thomas Howard, who brought many items back from around
Europe.
The oak “Oberons Palace” is a centrepiece of the garden, surrounded by beautiful tropical planters. Inside Oberons Palace, is a shell work grotto with a magical fountain that supports a floating golden crown.
The stumpery is an interesting element of the gardens, with stumps of ancient yew trees, chestnut
and oak trees forming a part of the planting arrangements. Many of these stumps were recovered
from the October 1987 storms.
A visit to these brilliant and unique gardens is a must-do when exploring things to do in Arundel.
Address: Arundel, BN18 9AB
Nymans
Nymans is a stunning country garden, with many interesting planters and surprises throughout the estate. The house was once a gothic mansion; however suffered a significant fire in the 1920s, leaving some interesting ruins.
Some of the house is still open today and has some magnificent rooms, displaying some of the elegance and splendour of previous owners, the Messel family.
The ancient woods are perfect for a woodland walk, which is attractive throughout the seasons. Take a peek through the bird hides on the lake, with lots of opportunity to bird watch.
It is a National Trust site, meaning there are interesting events throughout the year, with lots to do for children.
Address: Staplefield Road, Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6EB
Parham House and Gardens
Parham House and Gardens is a stunning, impeccably preserved Elizabethan manor house, surrounded by an ancient deer park in the heart of the South Downs. The gardens include a four-acre Walled Garden with stunning herbaceous borders and Pleasure Grounds.
The house contains a number of interiors, rich needlework and paintings. The needlework is said to belong to Mary Queen of Scots.
Address: Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 4HS
Sussex Prairie Gardens
The Sussex Prairie Gardens is a stunning 32-acre farm which is transitioning to a re-wilded landscape. With biodiversity at the forefront of this project, guests can visit the gardens throughout August, or check out the wonderful Bazar Indian Summer Market.
Group bookings or visits by appointment are accepted outside of the August opening times. Events run throughout the year and bookings are currently open for the garden tour and cream tea, which sounds perfectly quintessentially British.
Address: Morlands Farm, Wheatsheaf Road (B2116), near Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9AT
Standen House Gardens
Standen House is an amazing Arts and Crafts home, surrounded by an idyllic 13-acre hillside garden. The gardens are stunning to explore throughout the seasons, with springtime they become emblazoned with rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and spring bulbs.
Being a National Trust site, this is a great day out for families with children as there are woodland walks and a children’s play area.
Address: West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4NE
Gardens in East Sussex
Sheffield Park and Gardens
Sheffield Park and Gardens is a stunning National Trust Site, with acres of Grade I listed landscapes and historic woodland. It is a beautiful place to visit throughout the year. The landscape here, particularly in Autumn, is a stunning backdrop for colourful pictures.
Discover the iconic bridges and the Pullham Falls cascade link five mirror-like lakes that create dramatic reflections of shape, texture and colour.
Enjoy a bite to eat at the Coach House café, where they serve a variety of cakes, sandwiches, hot lunches and ice cream. There is indoor and outdoor seating available. Alternatively, grab a refreshment from The Shant and enjoy this by the picturesque lake.
Address: Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX
The One Garden
The One Gardens are located just outside of Brighton, set within one of England’s oldest working villages, Stanmer, in Stanmer Park. The One Gardens are old walled gardens that have been repurposed to welcome the public to relax and enjoy.
The One Gardens are a lovely, tranquil place to visit with a cafe and market on site. This would make a lovely place to meet a friend for a day out and I always recommend a visit here as one of the top things to do in Brighton, especially to escape the bustle of the City.
Address: Stanmer Park, Lewes Rd, Brighton BN1 9SE
Great Dixter House and Gardens
The Great Dixter Gardens are ones you can immerse yourself in and really relax. Once home to the great gardener and garden writer, Christopher Llyod, the subsequent keepers of the Great Dixter estate have upheld Lloyd’s personality and ethos within the gardens.
The Great Dixter House and Gardens feel like a real hidden gem in Sussex and a special place to visit.
Address: Great Dixter House & GardensNorthiam, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6PH
Herstmonceux Castle Estate
Herstmonceux Castle Estate is nestled in the stunning East Sussex countryside. The gardens that envelope the iconic Herstmonceux Castle are interesting and varied. The Castle is moated and surrounded by woodland, trails, meadows and carefully curated themed gardens.
The site spans 300 acres and the gardens range from the more formal Elizabethan and Shakespeare Gardens to the enchanting and whimsical Magic Garden.
My kids loved exploring the gardens and meadows here one summer, as we made our way to Hastings for the famous “Jack in the Green” festival. There is a cute wooden play area and picnic area too that our children enjoyed playing.
Address: Herstmonceux Castle Estate, Wartling Road Entrance, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN
Michelam Priory House and Gardens
Michelam Priory House and Gardens spans 800 years of rich Sussex history, located on a unique, picturesque moated island. This is England’s largest medieval moat, with Tudor style house a prominent feature.
Michelam Priory Gardens blooms with rich, yellow and daffodils (over 80,000!) in the Spring. Whilst the gardens are lovely for a wander whatever the weather or season. The wildflower gardens are a great addition to this interesting, historic place.
Address: Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham BN27 3QS
I hope this list of varied, interesting and tranquil gardens in Sussex has been helpful to you.
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