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.

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Place

Nymans

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

Reflections at Sheffield Park and Garden

Place

Sheffield Park and Garden

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

Visitors scattered around over the extensive parkland at Petworth

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

The castle and moat with sunshine behind the castle in winter, Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

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.

The Mornign Room decorated with trees and decorations for Christmas

Place

Standen

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

The front of the house at Bateman's in winter with frosty grass

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.

The cliffs in twilight at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex

Place

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters

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

An autumn sunset reflecting golden light on the red bricks of Uppark House

Place

Uppark

Uppark is currently closed for essential repairs until summer 2025.

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

Place

Wakehurst

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

Child sitting on the bench under the colourful archway in the enchanted winter garden in the Marble Hall at Petworth, West Sussex

Family friendly places to visit

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

Houses and buildings in Sussex

Public footpath signpost at Devil's Dyke, West Sussex

Countryside and woodland in Sussex

Signpost and stile on Ditchling Beacon, East Sussex

Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

23 Nov - 5 Jan. Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. Inspired by C.S. Lewis’ classic tale, ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ explore enchanting scenes on a magical, festive journey through the house and garden.

The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas

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Christmas and New Year at Sheffield Park and Garden

30 Nov - 12 Jan. The World of the Snowman™ is coming to Sheffield Park and Garden. Families are invited on a festive walk, re-living the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book. Look out for twelve decorated sculptures of The Snowman™. Traditional fairground rides and games add to the fun.

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

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Christmas at Petworth House

30 Nov - 5 Jan. Discover a festive wonderland at Petworth House. The historic state rooms are filled with showstopping trees, twinkling lights and atmospheric lanterns. Look out for mischievous mice and a beautiful paper-crafted nativity scene.

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Christmas at Standen

16 Nov - 5 Jan. Step inside Standen - an imaginatively decorated Arts and Crafts home at Christmas, atmospherically lit with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. Follow a family trail around the garden and meet Father Christmas in his woodland den.

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.

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.

Woodlands Cottage

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

The Morris Apartment

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

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

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.

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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.

See all events

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

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

Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. From Sat 23 Nov 2024 until Sun 5 Jan 2025: 10am – 4pm. Last entry to the house is at 3.30pm.

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

Daily guided tours of the garden

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

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

Event

Festive Wreath Making Workshop - fully booked

Alfriston Clergy House, Polegate, East Sussex

Event fully booked, no more space available. Nothing kick starts the Christmas season off quite like making a beautiful wreath to adorn your door for the festive period.