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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

The Forecourt Garden decorated at Christmas time.
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

Fully open today
A wintery scene over the lakes at Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex
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
A frosty winter day at Petworth with the exterior House in the background, Petworth House and Park, West Sussex
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

Fully open today
The castle and moat with sunshine behind the castle in winter, Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
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 Mornign Room decorated with trees and decorations for Christmas
Place
Place

Standen 

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

East Grinstead, West Sussex

Fully open today
The front of the house at Bateman's in winter with frosty grass
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
The Winter Garden 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

Christmas in Sussex

Nymans Christmas illustration, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
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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.

The Dining Room decorated for Christmas
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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.

Beaches and coast in Sussex

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

Woman walking her dog on the beach, with chalk cliffs behind, at Birling Gap, East USsex
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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

The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas 

Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, East Sussex

The Snowman™ is coming to Sheffield Park and Garden for the first time this Christmas

Event summary

on
28 Dec 2024 to 12 Jan 2025
at
09:00 to 16:00
+ 15 other dates or times
Event

Bargain Book Sale: Mon 2 Dec 2024 to Sun 23 Feb 2025 in the Potting Shed 

Nymans, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Visit the Potting Shed within the Garden at Nymans for our Bargain Book Sale.

Event summary

on
28 Dec 2024 to 23 Feb 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 57 other dates or times
Event

A Merry Medieval Christmas trail 

Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Help get Bodiam Castle ready for a medieval Christmas feast!

Event summary

on
28 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 8 other dates or times
Event

Save our Snowmen Trail 

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, near Eastbourne, East Sussex

S.O.S we need your help! Save our snowmen up on Lookout Hill.

Event summary

on
28 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 8 other dates or times
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
28 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 8 other dates or times
Event

Christmas at Bodiam Castle 

Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Visit Bodiam Castle this winter, to discover Christmas medieval style.

Event summary

on
28 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 8 other dates or times
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 3.30pm). The House opens 11am - 3.30pm (last entry 3pm)

Event summary

on
28 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 8 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
28 Dec 2024 to 31 Oct 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 307 other dates or times
Two visitors walking along the path with sun behind them whilst exploring the Christmas Light Trail in the garden at Belton Estate, Lincolnshire

Where will you visit next?

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