Explore Nymans house

Lion Christmas tree decoration | © National Trust / Gary Cosham

Part ruin, part house, this medieval style manor is not as old as it seems. Ravaged by fire in 1947, the once Gothic mansion is now romantic ruins and unexpectedly charming rooms last occupied by Anne Messel in 1992.

What to see in the house at Nymans

Inside the house you will see small, intimate rooms furnished with tapestries, antique furniture, works of art and other treasures collected by Leonard and Maud Messel.

Paintings by their younger son, the renowned theatre designer Oliver Messel, are also on show. His sister Anne spent her last years here and was keen to preserve the unique feel of her parents’ home.

Although much of the house was lost to fire in the winter of 1947, surviving rooms include the Garden Hall, Dining Room, Book Room and Library.

Look out for paintings by stage designer Oliver Messel, family photographs and a collection of books, many of which relate to gardening.

Anne Messel's desk beneath the window in The Library, Nymans, West Sussex. Anne, later Lady Rosse, was the the granddaughter of Ludwig Messel, who bought the Nymans Estate in the 1890s, extending the house and founding its stunning gardens. — Anne Messel's desk beneath the window in The Library at Nymans | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Throughout the year the Broadwood piano in the Garden Hall is played by volunteers, filling the intimate spaces of the house with atmospheric music.

Some of the rooms are dark, which helps protect the original textiles and paintings.

The house and gallery close for short periods throughout the year for conservation cleaning.

Christmas in the house

Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. See the house decorated as the Professor's home, go through the wardrobe into the world of Narnia and peek into the Beaver's burrow and Mr Tumnus' cave. Upstairs see the witch's castle, while out in the garden get together with friends and family and have a go at The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe family trail designed by TIN SHED scenery. From Saturday 23 Nov 2024 until Sunday 5 Jan 2025: 10am – 4pm. Last entry to the house is at 3pm.

Christmas at Nymans

The Forecourt garden, with stone-paved paths, square lawns and small trees, with the house behind, at Nymans, West Sussex

Discover more at Nymans

Find out when Nymans is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Flame coloured Cornus pictured in winter in front of Nymans house

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Visiting Nymans garden

Romantic ruins, intimate gardens and internationally recognised plant collections, all set against a backdrop of the woodland and far-reaching views over the Weald. See a colourful tapestry of autumn trees, with flowerbeds in bloom until the first frosts.

View of woodland and lily pond at Nymans in winter, West Sussex

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Explore Nymans’ woodlands and wider estate

Nymans’ ancient woodland is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), nature reserve and home to a variety of plants and wildlife. Find a walk to suit your needs and wander pathways down to the lake spotting wildlife and fungi as you wander.

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Things to do with the kids at Nymans

Join in the fun with 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' this Christmas with a family trail and magically decorated house. Discover natural play in the Play Glade, activities and events in the school holidays and an ancient woodland and garden to discover, there's lots of fun for families at Nymans. Picnic anywhere in the garden, or pick up a snack from the cafe or kiosk. Baby change available by the house and in the cafe and car park.