Autumn scene at Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex — Autumn at Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex | © National Trust Images/Laurence Perry

Gardens in Sussex

Beautiful gardens are found all over Sussex. The romantic gardens at Nymans and Bateman's; and Capability Brown landscapes at Sheffield Park and Petworth are all yours to explore.

This is the time of year when autumn colour is at its peak. From the bright reds and ambers of the acer and maple leaves to the soft golds and ambers of the beech and oak trees. Don't miss the best autumn highlights at Nymans, Sheffield Park and Garden, Petworth, Standen and Wakehurst.

Trees with green and bright red leaves around a lake at Sheffield Park, East Sussex

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Autumn at Sheffield Park and Garden

Famous for its autumn colour, this is the season the garden was planted for. Take in the natural beauty of Sheffield Park as it glows with brilliant displays of reds, oranges, purples and greens. The dazzling displays of autumn colour are a show-stopper, especially where they are reflected in the historic lakes.

Flame coloured Cornus pictured in winter in front of Nymans house

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Autumn at Nymans

Fiery colours take over in the South African and summer borders in this romantic garden, surrounding the ruins at Nymans. There are uplifting views of the High Weald, from all around the gardens, as the trees in the landscape turn golden and red. Look out for the red foliage of the American nyssa trees, liquidambers and acers and the bright yellow foliage of the hickories.

An exterior view of the roofs and red brick facade of Standen House, West Sussex surrounded by autumnal trees

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Autumn at Standen

The arts and crafts garden at Standen has winding walkways, lined with acers, which are enchanting in autumn. The kitchen garden is a particular delight, while the trees in the orchard hang low with seasonal fruits. The Barn café has delicious treats, made from seasonal produce from the garden. On the wider estate, you can crunch through autumn leaves on way-marked trails.

The Ionic Rotunda, a round stone structure with a domed roof supported by columns, stands on raised grassy ground, with bare-branched trees to both sides

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The Pleasure Garden at Petworth

Find out what to see in the garden at Petworth House. From the peaceful woodland walk to the impressive Doric Temple, there's much to take in during a stroll.

A view of the ornamental fountain, church and south front of Woolbeding House (not National Trust) at Woolbeding Gardens, West Sussex

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Things to see and do at Woolbeding Gardens

Explore the 26-acre garden and see the garden rooms, classical Tulip Folly, ruined abbey, gothic summerhouse, river-god grotto and the new Silk Route garden and glasshouse.

Dahlias in the garden at Monk's House, East Sussex

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Discover the garden at Monk’s House

Tucked behind the house, the cottage garden is packed full of perennial borders with brick paths weaving throughout, a productive orchard, and climbers trailing across flint walls.

Poppies and other flowers are seen growing in the garden at Alfriston Clergy House East Sussex

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The garden at Alfriston Clergy House

Discover a classic cottage garden with perennial borders, topiary and an orchard. This compact, peaceful garden is a great place to unwind and relax at any time of year.

Discover the top Sussex gardens designed or influenced by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown or Humphry Repton.

A wintery scene over the lakes at Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex

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The garden at Sheffield Park and Garden

Explore a horticultural work of art at Sheffield Park in East Sussex, formed through centuries of landscape design, famed for its autumn colour but beautiful in every season.

The Ionic Rotunda in the Pleasure Garden at Petworth House, West Sussex, with green lawn and avenue of trees

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The Pleasure Garden at Petworth

Petworth’s Pleasure Grounds and majestic deer park are one of ‘Capability’ Brown’s finest unspoilt landscapes, full of vistas and impressive features such as the Doric Temple and woodland walk.