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Sussex

Sussex is a place of beautiful coastline, gardens, literary greats, rolling South Downs, vast art collections and a castle. Discover what to see and do and plan a day out to remember.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in Sussex

A winters day at Nymans
Place
Place

Nymans 

A garden lovers' home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins.

near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Partially open today
Autumn scene at Sheffield Park and Garden
Place
Place

Sheffield Park and Garden 

Acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland

Uckfield, East Sussex

Fully open today
Visitors scattered around over the extensive parkland at Petworth
Place
Place

Petworth 

A magnificent 17th-century house displaying one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust, nestled in a 700-acre deer park

Petworth, West Sussex

Partially open today
A slight mist rises from the moat at dawn at 14th-century Bodiam Castle, East Sussex. The moat reflects the castle along with golden leaves in the foreground
Place
Place

Bodiam Castle 

Step into history at Bodiam Castle. This 14th-century moated castle with a ruined interior features spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis.

near Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Fully open today
The garden in winter at Standen, Sussex
Place
Place

Standen 

Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden

East Grinstead, West Sussex

Partially open today
View across the fields towards Bateman's during autumn 2024
Place
Place

Bateman's 

Once the home of author Rudyard Kipling, celebrated for stories like The Jungle Book. Built in 1634, this Jacobean house is in the Sussex countryside.

Burwash, East Sussex

Fully open today
The cliffs in twilight at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Place
Place

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters 

A popular coastal hub, where the South Downs meet the sea

near Eastbourne, East Sussex

Fully open today
An autumn sunset reflecting golden light on the red bricks of Uppark House
Place
Place

Uppark 

Uppark is currently closed for essential repairs until summer 2025.

Petersfield, West Sussex

Closed now
A tree covered in orange leaves in autumn, with the sun shining through the branches, at Wakehurst, West Sussex
Place
Place

Wakehurst 

Wild botanic garden, managed by Kew and home to the Millennium Seed Bank

Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Fully open today

Looking ahead to Christmas in Sussex

Mr Tumnus and Lucy walking through through snowy wood.
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Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 

Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. Sat 23 Nov 2024 - Sun 5 Jan 2025: 10am – 4pm.

The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas
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Christmas and New Year at Sheffield Park and Garden 

The Snowman™ is coming to Sheffield Park and Garden for the first time this Christmas. Twelve decorated sculptures of The Snowman™ are waiting to be discovered, alongside games and activities for all of the family. On 7, 14 & 21 Dec, The Snowman™ will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day. Plus add festive magic to your day with a ride on the traditional fairground. Pre-booking not required for the trail or public appearances. Both are free but normal garden admission applies. 

Brilliant gold and festooned Christmas trees in the Carved Room at Petworth, West Sussex
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Christmas at Petworth House 

Step into a festive wonderland set in the grand state rooms of Petworth House. Marvel at beautifully decorated trees and garlands, and be sure to look closely as there are some mischievous mice hiding amongst the decorations.

Beaches and coast in Sussex

Discover shifting sands, salt marshes and a vibrant coastal hub on the Sussex coast.

People and dogs on wet sand at the beach, with chalk cliffs behind, at Birling Gap, East Sussex
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Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters 

Discover what to see and do at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters. Fossil hunt on the beach, walk on the historic downland or enjoy the views as you spot birds.

Two people walking across the sand at East Head in West Sussex with the rough wooden posts of an old groyne in the foreground and the sea sparkling in the distance
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The beach at East Head 

Explore East Head beach. With space to play, scenic walks and interesting wildlife to discover, there's lots to see and do at this popular spot.

Castles in Sussex

Sussex is home to one of the National Trust's top castles.

Visitors walk around in the open-air centre of Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
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Bodiam Castle 

With its full moat, original wooden portcullis, murder holes, spiral staircases and battlements, a visit to Bodiam Castle provides a glimpse back in time to the 14th century. Enough of the interior ruins survive to give an impression of castle life, and on selected dates, look out for tours, talks, armour demonstrations and family trails to find out more about the people who lived and worked here.

Places to stay in Sussex

The exterior of Woodlands Cottage, nr Haywards Heath, Sussex

Woodlands Cottage 

A former game keeper’s house, this classically-styled cottage is surrounded by woodland.

The exterior of The Morris Apartment within Standen House, West Sussex

The Morris Apartment 

A one-bedroom apartment in trademark Arts and Crafts style, on the second floor of Standen House.

Our work

Find out about the conservation, biodiversity, community, wildlife and nature work taking place in Sussex

Project
Project

Changing Chalk partnership 

The South Downs have been a place to live, work and play for thousands of years. Together we can make sure they will be enjoyed for thousands more. Learn how the projects of the Changing Chalk partnership, led by the National Trust, are restoring lost habitats, bringing histories to life, and providing new outdoor experiences across the eastern South Downs, and discover how you can get involved.

Find your local supporter group in Sussex

A view of the ruins of the old house in Nymans Garden, West Sussex
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Supporter groups in Sussex 

National Trust supporter groups across Sussex help to raise funds for places like Nymans and Sheffield Park, while also getting together for days out, talks and volunteering.

Upcoming events

Event

Fantastic Fungi Half Term Spotting Trail 

Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, East Sussex

Look out for giant red mushrooms dotted around the garden complete with Fantastic Fungi facts and jokes.

Event summary

on
14 Nov to 17 Nov 2024
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 3 other dates or times
Event

Pooch Passport 

Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Pooch passport is back! Explore new places with your furry friend until 28 February 2025. Find out more about the scheme and discover dog-friendly places to explore together.

Event summary

on
14 Nov 2024 to 28 Feb 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 106 other dates or times
Event

Pooch Passport 

Bateman's, Burwash, East Sussex

Pooch passport is back! Explore new places with your furry friend until 28 February 2025. Find out more about the scheme and discover dog-friendly places to explore together.

Event summary

on
14 Nov 2024 to 28 Feb 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 106 other dates or times
Event

Daily guided tours of the garden 

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Join a daily guided garden tour led by expert garden guides.

Event summary

on
14 Nov to 31 Dec 2024
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 47 other dates or times
Event

Conserving Kauffman 

Petworth, West Sussex

This summer, we’ll be shining a light on the recent conservation of Angelica Kauffman’s Diomed and Cressida (1788) with a spotlight display.

Event summary

on
14 Nov to 24 Nov 2024
at
10:30 to 16:00
+ 10 other dates or times
Event

Claire Fletcher: Illustrating the Jungle Book 

Bateman's, Burwash, East Sussex

Enter the world of The Jungle Book and discover new original illustrations created especially for Bateman’s by local artist Claire Fletcher.

Event summary

on
14 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
11:00 to 15:30
+ 50 other dates or times
Event

Guided Tree Tours for 2024 

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Join our Guided Tree Tours to learn more about our Champion Trees, see our seasonal highlights and understand the influence that the Messel family had on the creation of this wonderful garden.

Event summary

on
15 Nov to 30 Nov 2024
at
10:30 to 12:00
+ 1 other date or time
Event

A Christmas Surprise Family Trail 

Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead, West Sussex

Fun for all the family with a festive trail around the garden. £4 including a gift. Normal admission applies. Sat 16 Nov – Sun 5 Jan: 10am–3.30pm

Event summary

on
16 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 48 other dates or times
Man holding a child up in the air as they both smile, in the grounds at Powis Castle, Powys

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.