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Places to visit
Alfriston Clergy House - East Sussex
The first building purchased by the National Trust in 1896 for £10. A fine Medieval hall with a chalk and sour milk floor. The cottage garden is home to a rare array or traditional flowers and scents. Situated on the green in Alfriston there are stunning views across the Cuckmere valley.
Amberley Working Museum - West Sussex
A 36 acre open air museum dedicated to the industrial heritage of the south- east. The Museum contains a wide range of exhibits ranging from transport-based collections such as the Southdown bus collection and the village garage, to industry-based collections such as the Print Workshop and Wheelwrights. The Museum is also home to a number of resident craftspeople, who work to traditional methods.
Arundel Castle - West Sussex
The seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens. Arundel Castle has been open to visitors seasonally for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England, each having its own unique place in history and is home to priceless works of art. See paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculpture and carving, heraldry and armour in stunning room settings.
Arundel Wildfowl & Wetland Centre - West Sussex
26 hectares of naturalised landscapes and wetland habitats holding many hundreds of exotic wildfowl from around the world. Set adjacent to the River Arun, the centre attracts many wild birds to the lakes, reed beds and woodland areas that are on the site. Free safaris on quiet, electric boats are offered every day, weather permitting.
Ashdown Forest Llama Park - East Sussex
The Ashdown Herd of llamas and alpacas was started in 1987. Over the years the numbers have increased and in 1995 what is now the Park was purchased, and opened to the public in 1996. There are now more than 100 llamas and alpacas at the Park as well as it being home to five beautiful reindeer.
Batemans - Burwash East Sussex
A Jacobean house that was the home of Rudyard Kipling between 1902 and 1936. The house reflects the author's strong associations with the East. There are many oriental rugs and artefacts, and many of the rooms including his book-lined study are much as Kipling left them. The delightful grounds run down to the River Dudwell with its watermill. Kipling's Rolls Royce is also on display.
Battle Abbey - East Sussex
Perhaps the most famous date in English history - 1066 is the year the Normans defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror founded 'Battle' Abbey to commenorate his victory. On the site of its high alter you can stand at the very spot where King Harold of England fell.
Bentley Wildfowl & Motor Museum - Halland East Sussex
Set in a beautiful Sussex estate, Bentley is a unique place offering a wonderful variety of things to do. There is a beautifully furnished Palladian mansion with gardens to match. A woodland with a collection of prehistoric reconstruction buildings, a wildfowl reserve and a motor museum. In addition Bentley also has a range of resident craftworkers and there are many attractions to entertain children.
Bignor Roman Villa - West Sussex
Bignor Roman Villa is the stunning remains of a Roman home and farm with world-class mossaic floors in a spectacular Downland setting. Find out why the Roman owners chose to develop such a magnificent settlement at Bignor in the 3rd century AD.
Bluebell Railway - Sheffield Park East Sussex
The Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway reopening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line in 1960. It has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex yet remains true to its objectives of the preservation for posterity of a rural branch line. Travel from the Victorian era at Sheffield Park, to the 1930's at Horsted Keynes and to the 1950's at Kingscote.
Bodiam Castle - Nr Robertsbridge East Sussex
One of the most famous and evocative castles in Britain, Bodiam was built in 1385 as both a defence and comfortable home. The exterior is virtually complete and the ramparts rise dramatically above the moat. Enough of the interior survives to give an impression of castle life. There are wonderful views of the Rother Valley from the top of the towers.
Borde Hill Garden - Haywards Heath West Sussex
Described as 'One of the country's truly great gardens' by Country Life Magazine. Borde Hill boasts outstanding views across 200 acres of Grade II listed parkland and woodland and also has a nationally important collection of trees and shrubs that includes 80 champion trees. The formal garden is planted as distinctive 'rooms' each offering an abundance of colour and interest throughout the year.
Charleston - Charleston Firle East Sussex
The country home of the Bloomsbury Group. In 1916 the artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant moved to Sussex with their unconventional household. Over the next half century Charleston became the country meeting place for the group of writers, artists and interlectuals known as Bloomsbury. Virginia and Leonard Woolf, E.M. Forster, Lytton Strachey and Roger Fry were frequent visitors.
Chichester Cathedral - West Sussex
For 900 years Chichester Cathedral has welcomed visitors through its doors - worshippers, seekers, tourists, people of all faiths and none. A wonderful combination of the ancient and the modern, it holds a number of treasures including the 12th century Lazarus Reliefs and works by Sutherland, Chagall and Piper.
Denmans Gardens - Fontwell West Sussex
A four acre garden full of ideas to take home which can then be interpreted within smaller garden spaces. There is use of gravel both to walk on and as a growing medium so you progress through the planting rather than past them. It creates a casual jungly effect in particular in the walled garden, whilst allowing the plants to develop naturally.
Drusillas - Alfriston East Sussex
No ordinary zoo! With hundreds of fascinating and entertaining creatures you can be certain there will be plenty to enthral and excite everyone from the youngest to the oldest visitor!
Firle Place - Nr Lewes East Sussex
Few country houses can boast such a notable collection of English and European paintings, furniture and porcelain. There are five distinct collections of works of art preserved here. The Long Gallery houses some well known art such as the Lamb Children by Sir Joshua Reynolds and the Wine Harvest by David Teniers.
Fishbourne Roman Palace - Chichester West Sussex
Fishbourne Roman Palace was discovered by accident in 1960, The discovery led to nine seasons of excavations that showed the site had developed from a military base at the time of the Roman invasion in AD43 to a sumptious palace by the end of the first century.
Fishers Farm Park - Wisborough Green West Sussex
A great family day out for families with young children. Farm attractions, adventure rides and animals
Goodwood House - Chichester West Sussex
Goodwood combines the glamour of a great English country house with the warmth of a family home. Home to the Earl and Countess of March this elegant Sussex house provides a dramatic setting for one of the most significant private art collections in the country. Restored to their original Regency splendour the State Apartments reflect exoticism and opulence.
Great Dixter House & Gardens - Northiam East Sussex
One of the pleasant features of Great Dixter is that the gardens lie all around the house. Make a circuit of the gardens and you have made a circuit of the house exterior. Each has good views of the other.
Herstmonceux Castle - Nr Hailsham East Sussex
Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens. Built originally as a country home in the mid 15th century, Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of Medieval England and the romance of Renaissance Europe.
Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre - East Sussex
The Observatory Science Centre is unique amongst science centres because of its connection with astronomy. It occupies buildings that were the site of The Royal Observatory when it moved from Greenwich in the 1950's. With the copper clad domes and historic telescopes the buildings retain a very special atmosphere. The centre offers hands on exhibits, activities and science shows.
High Beeches Gardens - Handcross West Sussex
27 acres of magnificent woodland and water gardens full of rare, exotic and unusual plants. RHS award winning plants, a botantical treasure trove and one of the great gardens of Sussex.
Hinton Ampner - Nr Alresford Hampshire
Best known for its fine gardens, Hinton Ampner is an elegant country house with an outstanding collection of furniture, paintings and objets d'art. The gardens are widely acknowledged to be a masterpiece of 20th century garden design with their manicured lawns and fine topiary they cleverly combine formal design with informal planting.
Jack and Jill Windmills - Clayton West Sussex
Jack (in private ownership) and Jill Windmills sit atop the South Downs at Clayton right next to the South Downs Way and have spectacular views over the Sussex Weald. Jill Windmill has been fully restored to working order and is now maintained by the Jack and Jill Windmills Society. Although Jill is only open on limited dates through the year she occasionally produces stoneround wholemeal flower the vast majority of which is sold to visitors.
Kent & East Sussex Railway - Nr Robertsbridge East Sussex
The country's finest example of a rural light railway. The Kent & East Sussex line gently wends its way for ten and a half miles through the unspoilt Rother Valley from the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam to Tenterdon 'The Jewel of the Weald' in Kent.
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens - Lower Beeding West Sussex
Leonardslee is one of England's most spectacular gardens and is world famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas. It benefits from the rich Weald soil combined with an idyllic sheltered valley. Five generations of the Loder family have lived at Leonardslee and each generation has had the opportunity to make their mark.
Lewes Castle - East Sussex
This imposing Norman castle, offers magnificent views across the town of Lewes and the surrounding downland. The adjacent Barbican House holds an extensive collection of local history and archaeological artefacts.
Michelham Priory and Gardens - Nr Hailsham East Sussex
Enter through the 14th century gatehouse and wander in seven acres of gardens and tour the historic house. The range of furniture and artefacts on display trace the property's religious origins and its development over 800 years to a grand country house.
Newhaven Fort - East Sussex
Offering the perfect family day out there is much to explore at Newhaven Fort including the vast echoing tunnels built into the chalk cliffs. There are breathtaking panoramic views of the the South Downs and Sussex coast. This scheduled ancient monument tells the story of life in a Victorian Fortress and the military museum demonstrates the Fort's role during two World Wars.
Nymans - Handcross West Sussex
An outstanding 20th-century garden set around a romantic house and ruins in beautiful woodland. Theatrically designed with plants from around the world Nymans is internationally renowned for its garden design, rare plant collection and intimacy. Visit the Messel family rooms in the house and see the dramatic ruins that form a magnificent backdrop to the main lawns.
Pallant House Gallery - Chichester West Sussex
Situated in the centre of Chichester, Pallant House Gallery is a rare Queen Anne townhouse open to the public and a contemporary building designed by Long & Kentish. The Gallery holds one of the best collections of 20th century British art in the country. There is an extensive exhibition programme and a lively events, education and outreach programme.
Parham House and Gardens - Storrington West Sussex
Parham House has been a well loved family home and only three families have lived there since its foundation stone was laid in 1577 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Parham's tranquility and timeless beauty have changed little over the centuries. Parham House and Gardens are now owned by a Charitable Trust and are home to Lady Emma Barnard and her family.
Petworth House and Park - West Sussex
A magnificent country house and park with an internationally important art collection. There are numerous works by Turner who immortalised Petworth in his paintings. See fascinating servants quarters with a 'state of the art' Victorian kitchen. The house is set in a 'Capability' Brown landscaped deer park.
Pevensey Castle - Nr Eastbourne East Sussex
Pevensey Castle chronicles more graphically than any other fortress the story of Britain's south coast defences. Beginning in the 4th century as one of the last and strongest Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts - two thirds of whose towered walls still stand, it was the landing place of William the Conqueror's army in 1066.
Pulborough Brooks - West Sussex
Set in beautiful countryside, this RSPB reserve is part of the Wildbrooks beside the River Arun. There are walks that lead through hedge-lined paths to viewing areas and hides where volunteers are often on hand to help point out the wildlife.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park - Nr Petersfield Hampshire.
Hampshire's biggest country park, 20 miles of trails for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It includes Butser Hill National Nature Reserve, the highest point on the South Downs and 1,400 acres of open access woodland and downland within the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sea Life Centre - Brighton East Sussex
The Brighton Sea Life Centre offers a fun and educational day out whatever the weather. There are over 150 species and 57 displays. Watch in amazement as giant turtles and sharks glide above you in the underwater tunnel.
Seven Sisters Country Park - East Sussex
Situated at Cuckmere Haven, the park comprises 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland. It is a popular place for a number of outdoor activities including walking, birdwatching, cycling and canoeing. The Country Park is named after the famous Seven Sisters that form part of the chalk cliffs on the Sussex Heritage Coast, one of Britain's finest unspoilt coastlines.
Sheffield Park Garden - East Sussex
Internationally renowned landscape garden and parkland. Magnificent 'Capability' Brown landscaped garden, waterfalls, cascades and four large lakes. There is a profusion of colour all year, including bluebells, rhododendrons and trees with spectacular autumnal colours. Sheffield Park is home to the National Collection of Ghent azaleas.
South Downs Planetarium - Chichester West Sussex
A 100 seat auditorium providing an opportunity to view 4500 stars, planets, Sun and Moon projected onto a 10.8 metre dome. An astronomer is present to provide a commentary on the night sky.
St Mary's House & Gardens - Bramber West Sussex
St Mary's is a magnificant Grade I historic house set in the downland village of Bramber. It is surrounded by formal and topiary gardens with pools and fountains. The origins of St Mary's go back to the days of the Knights Templar when five acres of land were given to them by the widow of Philip de Braose before the middle of the 12th century. The present building was constructed around 1470 by William de Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and founder of Magdalene College Oxford.
Standen - East Grinstead West Sussex
Life in a Victorian family home is brought vividly to life. Standen is hidden at the end of a quiet Sussex lane with breathtaking views over the Sussex Weald and Weir Wood Resevior. The design of the house is a monument to the genius of architect Philip Webb and his friend William Morris.
Stansted Park - Rowlands Castle Hampshire
Stansted Park is a friendly stately home on the South Downs overlooking the coast, within 1800 acres of ancient forest on the borders of Hampshire and Sussex. The House at the end of a two-mile beech avenue, its private chapel, splendid mansion rooms and the fully furnished servants' quarters below stairs are open to visitors from Easter to September.
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum - Nr Chichester West Sussex
Situated on the old RAF Tangmere airfield which was a frontline fighter base during WW2, the museum contains the world record breaking Hawker Hunter flown by Neville Duke and countless other fascinating exhibits.
The Royal Pavillion - Brighton East Sussex
The Royal Pavillion's lavish interiors combine Chinese-style decorations with magnificent furniture and furnishings. Adorned with gilded dragons, carved palm trees and immitation bamboo staircases, the Palaces' unique style mixes Asian exoticism with English eccentricity. Daring and inventive colours feature throughout and there are many original items on loan from HM The Queen.
The Shipwreck & Coastal Heritage Centre - Hastings East Sussex
The Centre is in the heart of Hastings on the fishing Stade beside the medieval Old Town. It tells the fascinating stories of the shipwrecks that have been discovered around the area and has many artefacts from these wrecks on display.
The Wey and Arun Canal - Loxwood West Sussex
The Wey Arun Canal runs through Surrey and West Sussex, and the rural waterway is recognised as a natural heritage asset as well as providing a haven for wildlife. There are several ongoing restoration projects and lengths of the canal are now in water. Trip boats with up to 60 seats now run cruises on the idyllic Loxwood section of the canal.
Uppark House & Garden - South Harting West Sussex
This gem on the South Downs, rescued after a major fire in 1989, houses an elegant Georgian interior with a famous Grand Tour collection which includes, paintings, furniture and ceramics. The beautiful and peaceful garden is now fully restored in the early 19th century Picturesque style.
Wakehurst Place - Ardingly West Sussex
Explore 188 hectares (465 acres)of country estate with ornamental gardens, temperate woodlands and an Elizabethan mansion. Visit the Millennium Seed Bank to see scientists at work and discover how Kew is helping to safeguard the world's most endangered plants.
Warnham Nature Reserve - Horsham West Sussex
A 92 acre nature reserve dominated by the 17 acre Warnham Mill Pond that was originally created as part of the Sussex iron working industry. The mill pond is fed by two streams and there are three smaller ponds for pond dipping. Two board walks give access to wetlands and woodlands and there is a wide range of wildlife to be seen such as heron, deer and foxes.
Weald & Downland Open Air Museum - Singleton West Sussex
The leading museum of historic buildings in England that is set in 50 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside. There is a fascinating collection of nearly 50 buildings dating from the 13th to he 19th century, many with period gardens. Rescued from destruction, the buildings have been carefully dismantled, conserved and rebuilt to their original form.
West Dean Gardens - Nr Chichester West Sussex
The garden at West Dean is set in a beautiful valley at the foot of the South Downs. The gardens surround the large house now used as a college. There is a 300 foot pergola designed by Harold Peto and beautifully dressed with clematis, roses and wisteria. There is a pretty sunken garden, lily pond and one of the finest walled kitchen gardens in the country.
West Wittering Beach - West Sussex
Offering wonderful views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs beyond, the natural and unspoilt sandy beach at West Wittering has been a favourite destination for a family day out for generations. The highest water quality and excellent facilities have made it one of the premiere Blue Flag beaches in the country.
