gardens to visit in sussex and kent

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Where and what is the garden of england.

The Garden of England is one of the greenest, most inspiring and most surprising parts of South East England.

Grab a deal on places to stay in Kent and Sussex and make your short break in the Garden of England extra special.

Gardens to visit in Kent and Sussex

Penshurst Place and Gardens, Kent

The Gardens of Kent and Sussex

The Garden of England has deservedly earned its name and reputation. Gardens of all shapes, sizes and interest are to be found here and in large numbers. From large, formal gardens to smaller, cottage gardens full of colour and interest to please both garden connoisseurs and keen amateur gardeners alike – and of course those of us who simply appreciate the peace and tranquillity of a beautiful garden.

Sissinghurst Castle and Great Dixter are just two of the big garden names in this area, and there are many others which are less well known but no less stunning in their appeal, such as Hole Park , Marle Place and Emmetts .

Many of the gardens to visit in Kent and Sussex are home to national plant collections or specialise in particular plants, such as the national conifer collection at Bedgebury Pinetum , the displays of 20,000 tulips at Pashley Manor Gardens near Ticehurst, the magnificent rose gardens at Hever Castle and varied displays of plants from all over the world at Lullingstone .

The whole family will enjoy Riverhill Himalayan Gardens , renowned for its rare rhododendrons and azaleas, spectacular views, carpets of primroses and drifts of bluebells as well as the fine specimen trees.

The National Garden Scheme arranges access for visitors to over 3500 privately owned gardens, many of which are located in the Garden of England, with all the proceeds going to charity. The annual ‘Yellow Book’ listing these gardens is available for purchase from the local Tourist Information Centres .

Discover more by browsing our listings of gardens in Kent and Sussex .

In This Section

10 things to do on a rainy day.

Top 10 things to do on a rainy day in Kent and Sussex.

Featured Attractions

Chapel down winery.

The Chapel Down Winery is home to the largest producer of English wines. Our visitor facilities feature a large wine and fine food store selling...

Biddenden Vineyards

Biddenden Vineyards is Kent's oldest commercial vineyard producing award winning wines, ciders and juices. The vineyard is open to visitors...

Explore period homes, historic buildings and discover authentic herb and hop gardens – within 28 acres of rich, vibrant Kent history. Children will...

C M Booth Collection of Historic Vehicles

Private collection specialising in Morgan cars, 1909-1937, 12 on display, plus 1929 Morris van, 1929 Ford 'A', 1904 Humber Tri-car, 1936 Bampton...

Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

Bedgebury is the perfect place for healthy outdoor exercise. The National Pinetum offers beautiful walks and picnics. Bedgebury Forest features...

The Hop Farm Family Park

Packed full of fun, attractions and undercover wonders to entertain and fuel imaginations. Giant jumping pillows, friendly farm animals, indoor and...

Hever Castle & Gardens

A romantic 13th century moated castle, once Anne Boleyn's childhood home. Magnificently furnished interiors, spectacular award winning gardens. ...

Penshurst Place and Gardens

Discover the beauty and tranquility of this historic family home and gardens. Medieval Baron's Hall, staterooms and Tudor walled gardens with colour...

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THE 10 BEST Kent Gardens

Gardens in kent.

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Chartwell

2. Scotney Castle Garden

3. Sissinghurst Castle Garden

4. Ightham Mote

5. Westgate Gardens

6. Walmer Castle and Gardens

7. Penshurst Place & Gardens

8. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

9. Godinton House & Gardens

10. Whitstable Castle & Gardens

11. Emmetts Garden

12. Groombridge Place - Enchanted Forest & Gardens

13. Franciscan Gardens

14. The Powell-Cotton Museum

15. Chiddingstone Castle

16. Mount Ephraim Gardens

17. Hole Park Gardens

18. Great Comp Garden

19. Dane John Gardens

20. Doddington Place Gardens

21. Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden

22. Goodnestone Park

23. The Pines Garden

24. Reuthe's The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks

25. Zig Zag Path

26. Chilham Castle

27. Waltrop Gardens

28. Sandown Castle Community Garden

29. Kingsnorth Gardens

30. Broadview Gardens

What travellers are saying

• Westgate Gardens
• Godinton House & Gardens
• Whitstable Castle & Gardens
• Scotney Castle Garden
• Ightham Mote
• Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
• Franciscan Gardens
• Penshurst Place & Gardens
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden

10 of the prettiest Sussex gardens to visit

Sussex has more than its fair share of beautiful and historic gardens. We've rounded up some of our favourites to explore

These gardens are a delight to explore at any time of year, whether decked out in the dazzling golden colours of autumn , covered in a sparkling frost on a crisp winter 's day, or bursting with vibrant floral colour in the spring and summer.

Borde Hill Garden

Borde Hill Garden makes a near-perfect day out for horticultural enthusiasts and lovers of the English countryside.

Dating back to the early 1900s, this Edwardian English Heritage Garden is renowned for its rare shrubs and award-winning trees.

Set within over 200 acres of traditional parkland, the garden is made up of a series of ‘living garden rooms’, where you'll see camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias and bluebells in the spring, while over 450 roses burst into fragrant bloom in the summer.

Another highlight is the extremely tranquil Garden of Allah, where you can spend a moment of peaceful reflection by the wildlife pond and enjoy the historic rhododendrons.

Where to stay: South Lodge is a luxury country hotel sitting within acres of beautiful grounds in the heart of the Sussex countryside, just a 20-minute drive from Borde Hill Garden.

READ OUR REVIEW AND BOOK A ROOM

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens was at one point almost lost forever, before being saved by one of the largest garden restoration projects in Europe.

It reopened in 2019 after having been closed for 10 years, and now these spectacular Grade I listed gardens are known as some of the finest woodland gardens in Europe.

Wildlife lovers will truly appreciate these gardens, which are a real haven for animals, including including foxes, rabbits, grey squirrels, badgers, weasels and stoats.

A free-roaming troupe of adorable little wallabies was introduced to the garden in 1889. Visit at midday to watch feeding time at their enclosure.

Where to stay: Leonardslee Gardens is also within easy reach of South Lodge - you can walk there in just 15 minutes. Combine your trip with a visit to Borde Hill and then relax in the spa or one of the two restaurants.

Pashley Manor Gardens

Pashley Manor is a quintessentially English country garden on the border of Sussex and Kent. Here you'll be treated to a blend of romantic landscaping, imaginatively curated flowerbeds, and towering old trees.

You'll find all the elements of a classic English country garden, with well-maintained lawns, box hedges, a rose walk, a historic walled garden, and an inspiring kitchen garden to explore.

There are also glistening fountains, springs, and ponds to stroll between as you soak in the beauty of the 11-acre site.

All of this comes with the backdrop of an elegant Georgian house with a classic, timber-framed Tudor façade, once owned by the Boleyn family.

How to visit: You can visit Pashley Manor on Country Living's four-day tour of Kent and Sussex's gardens with Sarah Raven. You'll visit in June, when the roses and lavender are at their fragrant peak.

FIND OUT MORE

Great Dixter House and Garden

Another must-visit garden in Sussex is Great Dixter, which manages to be both classic and experimental.

Originally designed by famous architect Edwin Lutyens, the site was later taken over by distinguished garden writer Christopher Lloyd, who transformed it into a world-famous garden that draws visitors from far and wide.

Horticulturists are drawn to the long border and exotic garden with its bright and daring colours, the decorative topiary, and wildflower meadow.

One of the highlights is the Exotic Garden. You'll find lush tropical foliage in this miniature jungle, with the bold shapes and brilliant colours or dahlias and cannas lasting later in the year than typical country garden flowers.

How to visit: Great Dixter is another stop on our exclusive four-day tour of Kent and Sussex's gardens with Sarah Raven. Join us and spend a wonderful afternoon exploring this pretty place with other garden-lovers.

Nymans Garden

Nymans is a Grade II listed National Trust garden in the grounds of a romantic house and ruins.

In 1947, a devastating fire destroyed the central part of the grand Sussex house. In 2022, 75 years after the fire, The Garden in the Ruins was opened, bringing life back to the shell of the former Great Hall.

The fascinating garden is inspired by the creative legacy of Oliver Messel, a renowned costume and stage set designer, who spent part of his childhood at Nymans.

You can join daily guided tours to learn more about this intriguing place and its dramatic past.

Where to stay: You'll find stylish Ockenden Manor in nearby Cuckfield, just 10 minutes' drive from Nymans. The original building is a grand ivy-clad Elizabethan house, but you'll also find a modern spa where you can swim or lounge, with soothing views of Cuckfield Park.

Sheffield Park and Garden

Another of East Sussex's National Trust Properties, Sheffield Park is made up of acres of landscaped gardens surrounded by historic woodland.

The garden was originally laid out in the 18th century by Capability Brown and later developed as a woodland garden in the early 20th century.

The gardens delight visitors in all seasons. In spring, you'll find displays of bright daffodils and bluebells. In the summer, rhododendrons and azaleas burst into bloom around the lake, and in autumn, the park is particularly dazzling, with rich red and gold leaves reflected in the water's surface.

Where to stay: Like Nymans, Sheffield Park and Garden is also within easy reach of Ockenden Manor , just 25 minutes away by car. Why not make a weekend of it, visiting both gardens and treating yourself to a pampering afternoon tea, multi-course tasting menu or spa treatment at the hotel.

Brighton Royal Pavilion Garden

The Brighton Pavilion needs almost no introduction. This famous building was the seaside retreat of the eccentric King George IV and its design was heavily influenced by 19th-century Indian architecture, with beautifully ornate domes and minarets.

While you'll definitely want to take time to explore the interior of this historic palace, the gardens are worth spending time in too.

The Grade II listed garden is one of the few remaining Regency gardens in the country and has lawns to relax on in the warmer weather. There are beds of mixed shrubs and floral plants from all over the world, which you can wander between following the garden's curving paths. Where to stay: The Grand is one of Brighton's most iconic hotels and has pride of place right on the seafront. You'll be a short walk from the Royal Pavilion and the popular shopping district The Lanes.

Arundel Castle and Gardens

There are nearly 1,000 years of history for you to discover at Arundel Castle and its gorgeous gardens, as well as magnificent views to take in the Sussex countryside and River Arun.

The oldest parts of the castle date back to around 1070, and since the 11th century, the castle has been the seat of the Earls of Arundel and the Dukes of Norfolk.

One of the highlights of any visit is a walk around the Collector Earl’s Garden, named in memory of the 14th Earl of Arundel, an avid art collector.

At its heart is the magical 'Oberon’s Palace', an intricate English oak structure that houses a shell-lined interior and fountain.

Where to stay: Stay at Amberley Castle in the stunning South Downs countryside around Arundel. While not as old as Arundel Castle, parts of Amberley Castle date back to the 12th century, so you can continue the historic theme of your trip.

West Dean Gardens

You'll find the glorious West Dean Gardens at the foot of the South Downs, near Chichester in West Sussex. You'll want to make sure to allow a fair bit of time to make your way around West Dean Gardens as there's so much to see and do here.

The carefully restored gardens are home to a 100-metre long Edwardian pergola designed by Harold Peto, adorned with clematis, roses and wisteria. You might even catch an open-air theatre performance in the amphitheatre if you visit during the summer.

You'll also find an orchard, a kitchen garden, an arboretum, a sunken garden, and 13 working Victorian glasshouses filled with strawberry plants, figs, nectarines, peaches, and more.

Where to stay: The Goodwood Hotel in Chichester is a lovely place to stay, with a health club, indoor pool, and three dining options to enjoy. Plus, if you haven't had your fill of the outdoors, you can spend time exploring the estate.

Charleston House and Gardens

Charleston House and Gardens should be visited at least once by anyone with an interest in literature and art. This charming house was once the country home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant and became the rural escape for the Bloomsbury Set.

Frequent visitors included Virginia and Leonard Woolf, E. M. Forster, Lytton Strachey and art critic Roger Fry. The artistic heritage of the house is honoured by an exciting programme of events and exhibitions within its walls.

The garden was redesigned in 1918 by Fry, who created the lawn, gravel paths and flowerbeds. It was designed as a living painting, filled with sculptures, and featuring borders planted with the flowers Bell and Grant loved to paint. Where to stay: Wingrove House is a speedy 10-minute drive from Charleston House. The smart boutique hotel offers a slice of idyllic Sussex countryside with cosy rooms and country-chic décor.

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This spring and summer, explore these extraordinary gardens in Sussex

Natasha Goodfellow's guide to Sussex gardens, A Sussex Garden Companion, is a fun, illustrated fold-out map highlighting over 50 of most picturesque gardens in southern England.

The UK’s sunniest county, Sussex is home to no end of beautiful gardens. Spreading from the rolling, wooded hills of the High Weald in the east to the chalk downlands and fertile greensands of the west, the varied geology and microclimates can accommodate a huge variety of plants, something garden owners have long used to their advantage.

Fifteenth-century aristocrats, 19th-century plant hunters, a Nobel Prize-winning novelist and countless other writers, artists and dreamers have all made their gardens here, each one as unique as their proprietor.

This guide opens the gate to over 50 of the finest (including a handful too good to miss in neighbouring Kent), leading you from the gardens of the Silk Route, South African meadows and contemporary prairies to splendid rose gardens, traditional cottage gardens and the sun-drenched orchards where the bohemian Bloomsbury Group idled away their summer afternoons.

This is a personal guide to garden destinations in Sussex (and neighbouring Kent, when they were too good to miss out) that we find enchanting, interesting or otherwise arresting. We have focused on those frequently, but not necessarily regularly, open to the public, so please do check opening times before visiting. Note too that most gardens are at their best between April and October, with varying seasonal peaks.

Five selected Sussex gardens to visit

Nymans offers a romantic ruin, a compelling story and plenty for the serious plant enthusiast. The Messel family arrived here in 1895 and subsequently supported the expeditions of plant hunters including Frank Kingdon-Ward and Harold Comber, son of Ludwig Messel’s first head gardener. The gardens continue to evolve, so alongside a grove of handkerchief trees (whose seed was first collected in China by Ernest Wilson in the early 1900s), you’ll find collections of rare Tasmanian and Chilean plants and of Sussex heathers, as well as new developments including a garden dedicated to South African plants – one of the Messels’ passions.

Handcross, near Haywards Heath RH17 6EB

‘A dithering blaze of flowers and butterflies and apples.’ This is how Vanessa Bell (1879–1961) described the garden that she and her lover Duncan Grant created at their Sussex home – the country hub where the Bloomsbury Group met to talk, drink and flirt. That atmosphere of happy abandon still prevails, with hollyhocks, lilies and evening primrose sashaying in the borders, blackbirds feasting on windfalls, and a santolina-edged lawn that invites some serious lolling.

Firle, Lewes BN8 6LL

Sheffield Park and Garden

In the Great Storm of 1987, Sheffield Park lost over 2,000 trees and shrubs– not that you’d notice now. Arranged around five water-lilied lakes, this Grade I-listed estate is more vital than ever and still home to dozens of veteran and champion trees, including a Montezuma pine and sweet-chestnut pollards over 400 years old. It was first laid out by Capability Brown and then Humphry Repton, but in the 1920s and 30s owner Arthur Soames decided it needed more oomph, introducing many varieties of rhododendron, kalmia and nyssa for seasonal colour.

Uckfield TN22 3QX

Sussex Prairie Garden

Quite unlike most English gardens, Sussex Prairies feels open, expansive and free. The creation of Paul and Pauline McBride, who worked in Luxembourg with renowned plantsman Piet Oudolf, the site is almost completely fl at, but the huge, naturalistic drifts of undulating perennials and grasses create interest and intrigue aplenty. There are now over 100,000 plants in total (the original 35,000 were planted by the couple with help from family and some very good friends back in 2008), making this a wonderful place to lose yourself, literally and metaphorically, in the deep, path-ribboned borders.

Morlands Farm, Wheatsheaf Rd, nr Henfield BN5 9AT

Expect to be stopped in your tracks several times before you even get to the ticket desk at Woolbeding, where the entrance garden, designed by Julian and Isabel Bannerman, sets the stage for the many pleasures within. These include resplendent borders in garden rooms designed by Lanning Roper (1912–1983), the prettiest orangery you’ve ever seen, and a ruined abbey, Chinese-style bridge and Gothic summerhouse. Thomas Heatherwick’s terrarium-like kinetic glasshouse and the new Silk Route Garden are the latest additions, each as mesmerising as the rest.

Midhurst GU29 9RR

Extracted from A Sussex Garden Companion by Natasha Goodfellow with illustrations by Ruby Taylor, £8.50, ©Finch Publishing

More from Gardens To Visit

More from The English Garden

Gardens of Kent and Sussex

Kent is described as the ‘Garden of England’ and Sussex has a large percentage of beautiful woodland and miles of spectacular coast. It stands to reason that the people who live there are inspired by their exceptional surroundings enough to apply it to their own gardens, regardless of scale. Take a look at our guide to public gardens across both Sussex and Kent.

GREAT DIXTER

The garden of the late, great Christopher Lloyd, one of Britain’s best known, and most innovative gardeners. Christopher Lloyd grew up at Great Dixter, an impressive estate featuring a Tudor house, and landscaped its gardens for more than 40 years. The gardens are now run by a charitable trust and is one of the most famous twentieth century Arts and Crafts gardens.

• Where: Northiam, East Sussex
• Opening times: 11am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and bank holidays, from April-November
• Prices: adults from £9, children from £1.50, under-5s free
• Facilities: gift shop, café, picnic area, parking, toilets, some disabled access

PASHLEY MANOR GARDENS

Pashley Manor Gardens is located on the border of Sussex and Kent. The gardens showcase wonderfully romantic, mixed planting schemes and it is characteristic of the type of classic English Garden that many horticulturalists want to achieve. Surrounding the Tudor and Georgian manor house, the gardens are decorated with an array of fountains, old trees and ponds. Try to pay Pashley Manor Gardens a visit in the late spring when the tulips are in bloom.

• Where: Ticehurst, East Sussex
• Opening times: 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday and bank holidays, from April-October
• Prices: adults £10, children £5, under-6s free

HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE AND GARDENS

Herstmonceux Castle is a picture-perfect edifice of the kind you would expect to see in a fairy tale. Tours of the Castle must be pre-booked, however you are free to explore the gardens to your heart’s content. There are around 300 acres of woodland and a number of themed gardens to explore, which include the Elizabethan garden, the rose garden and the butterfly garden. The estate is also home to an amazing observatory, which is also open to the public.

• Where: Herstmonceux, East Sussex
• Opening times: 10am-6pm April-September, 10am-5pm in March and October
• Prices: adults £6, concessions £5, students and children £3, under-5s free, family tickets £14
• Facilities: tearoom, parking, toilets, dogs allowed

BORDE HILL GARDEN

With great views over the Sussex Weald, Borde Hill is home to 17 acres of formal gardens, designed as a series of ‘outdoor rooms’, and a previous winner of the HHA’s Garden of the Year. Each has its own individual theme, from the Azalea Ring to the Italian Garden, and is just as special as the last. The garden showcases the work of the Great Plant Hunters, who from 1893-1937 brought a variety of shrubs, trees and plants from around the world here.

• Where: Haywards Heath, West Sussex
• Opening times: 10am-5pm from 25th March-2nd October, 10am-6pm during July and August
• Prices: adults £8.20, concessions £7.80, children £5.50, under-3s free
• Facilities: café, restaurant, shop, parking, toilets, play area, disabled access, dogs welcome

HEVER CASTLE & GARDENS

The former home of the infamous Anne Boleyn, the second doomed wife of King Henry VIII. Set within magnificent gardens, from the majestic formal Italianate Garden and topiary chess set to the informal meanderings of the lakeside and Sunday Walk, the gardens of Hever Castle are a Kentish must-see. For children, try the Water Maze on Sixteen Acre Island, while the Yew Maze challenges both adults and children alike!

• Where: Hever, Kent
• Opening times: open from 10.30am – check website for seasonal opening times, closed from Jan 2nd-Feb 9th
• Prices: adults £14.20, seniors £12.70, students £12.10, children £9, under-5s free, family tickets £38.90
• Facilities: restaurant, café, shop, parking, toilets, play area, some disabled access, dogs welcome

LEEDS CASTLE

Leeds Castle is a revelation - you will never forget the first time you see the castle. Sitting majestically in the still waters of its moat, surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle is worthy of its accolade, ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’. Highlights include the Culpeper Garden, an informal cottage garden, the Woodland Garden, carpeted with daffodils, azaleas and rhododendrons, and the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terrace.

• Where: Leeds, Kent
• Opening times: 10am-6pm April-September, 10am-5pm October-March
• Prices: adults £24.90, seniors and students £21.90, children £16.90, under-4s free – tickets include repeat visits for a year
• Facilities: restaurant, café, shop, parking, toilets, play area, some disabled access

GODINTON HOUSE & GARDENS

Godinton House & Gardens is a tranquil haven of beautifully landscaped gardens tucked away in the Kent countryside. The 12 acres of gardens offer a mix of a secluded walled garden, fragrant rose gardens, and herbaceous borders, all surrounded by ancient parkland. Much of the design is based on Reginald Blomfield’s of 1898, though the gardens, which include the walled garden, rose garden and Italian garden, span four centuries of landscaping.

• Where: Ashford, Kent
• Opening times: 1pm-6pm from March-November
• Prices: adults £5, children free
• Facilities: tearoom, parking, toilets, picnic area

DODDINGTON PLACE GARDENS

Set within the grounds of a Victorian mansion, Doddington Place contains a series of notable gardens, as well as extensive lawns and avenues framed by impressive hedges and towering trees. Take the Wellingtonia Walk through the Woodland Garden, unusual for this part of the country, see the flowerbeds and clipped yews of the Sunken Garden and behold the sight of the Folly Garden in spring.

• Where: Sittingbourne, Kent
• Opening times: 11am-5pm Wednesdays Sundays and bank holidays, from April 16th-September 30th
• Prices: adults £7, concessions £6, children £2
• Facilities: tearoom, parking, toilets, some disabled access, dogs welcome

RIVERHILL HIMALAYAN GARDENS

Riverhill is one of the most unusual gardens in Kent, showcasing a variety of gardens decorated with sculptures. The gardens here have been tended to for 170 years, and include both historic and contemporary styles. From the grass-sculpted terraces of the walled garden to the amazingly colourful jungle section, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

• Where: Sevenoaks, Kent
• Opening times: 10.30am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday and bank holidays, from March 18th-September 10th
• Prices: adults £8.25, seniors £7.45, children £5.95, under-4s free, family tickets £26
• Facilities: café, shop, picnic area, parking, toilets, some disabled access, dogs welcome

GOODNESTONE PARK GARDENS

Renowned for its collection of ancient trees, Goodnestone Park Gardens is home to parkland, woodland, gardens and an arboretum. In the woodland garden you’ll be able to marvel at the enormous sweet chestnuts and oaks, as well as the tallest southern beech in the UK. The walled garden is one of Kent’s best, the walls decorated with climbers and many surprises are found throughout, including enormous wisterias.

• Where: Goodnestone, Kent
• Opening times: 11am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, Sundays and bank holidays, between April and September
• Prices: adults £7, seniors £6.50, students £5, children £2, under-6s free, family tickets £16
• Facilities: tearoom, shop, parking, toilets

GARDENS MAP

Find all of the gardens mentioned in this guide in the handy map below and look for a great garden near you.

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LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS?

If you’re looking for more ideas on great places to go in Kent and Sussex, check out our guide to vineyards in Kent and vineyards in Sussex . Here you can get an insight into the vastly growing wine industry in south-east England and of course taste some of the products made on site.

Our family days out guides are also full of great ideas of attractions and places to visit if you’re visiting Kent or Sussex with the kids:

• Family days out in Kent
• Family days out in Sussex

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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Welcome to Pashley Manor Gardens

At Pashley you will discover 11 acres of beautiful borders and vistas – the culmination of a lifetime of passion for gardening, an appetite for beauty and an admiration of the tradition of the English Country garden.  These graceful gardens, on the border of Sussex and Kent, are family owned and maintained – visitors often express delight at the attention to detail displayed throughout and the intimate, peaceful atmosphere.

All the ingredients of the English Country Garden are present – sweeping herbaceous borders, ha-ha, well maintained lawns, box hedges, espaliered rose walk, historic walled garden, inspiring kitchen garden, venerable trees and the Grade I listed house as a backdrop.  The gardens are a haven for wildlife – bees, butterflies and small birds as well as moor hens, ducks and a black swan.  Then, of course, the plants!  Borders overflowing with perennials and annuals – the look changing through the seasons, but always abundantly filled, and each garden ‘room’ planted in a different colour theme.

Pashley is also renowned for fantastic displays of tulips, roses and dahlias.  Our annual Tulip Festival features more than 45,000 tulips this year!  During Special Rose Week over a hundred varieties of rose swathe the walls, climb obelisks and bloom in flower beds.  Then in late summer our Dahlia Days event transforms the gardens once more with bountiful, brightly coloured dahlias in every border and pot.

Add to all this a Café and Terrace with excellent garden views, serving delicious homemade lunches, scones and cakes; Sculpture and Art Exhibitions; a Gift Shop with Plant Sales; and a friendly, knowledgeable team waiting to welcome you,  and the recipe for a wonderful day out is complete.

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Pashley Manor Gardens Ticehurst Near Wadhurst East Sussex TN5 7HE

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Gardens, Café and Gift Shop Open 1st April to 28th September 2024; Tuesday to Saturday, Bank Holiday Mondays and Special Event Days; 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm) ( click here for Special Event days and times ).

Explore our wild botanic garden in the heart of Sussex, home to the Millennium Seed Bank, over 500 acres of diverse landscapes and plants from across the globe.

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Find out more about prices, time slots and planned closures.

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10am – 6pm (last entry 5.30pm)

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On the High Weald of West Sussex, Wakehurst is accessible by car and bus, and is a short drive from Haywards Heath station.

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Enjoy unlimited entry to Wakehurst and the Millennium Seed Bank all year round as a Wakehurst member.

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Roam across our 500 acre site and spot the seasonal delights..

Perch yourself in the fairy-land like glory of Wakehurst's Iris Dell.

The Slips and Black Pond

Explore the boardwalks to discover aquatic plants on the way to our serene pond.

Eating and drinking

Enjoy tasty food and delicious treats at our cafés and restaurants.

Browse our fantastic range of gifts, plants, books and homeware.

We have extraordinary living collections of rare and important plants from across the globe.

What's on at Wakehurst

Explore our events, exhibitions and workshops.

Nature Heroes: Nature Olympics

Planet Wakehurst

Nature Unlocked

At Wakehurst, scientists are using the landscape as a living laboratory, exploring nature-based solutions, and answering questions needed to increase the resiliency of UK ecosystems.

We have a few  dos and don'ts  in place to keep everyone happy. Please also check our  planned closures  before your visit to avoid disappointment.

We need you

If you love Wakehurst, help us conserve the world’s plants and fungi and protect the millions of lives that depend on them.

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Kew Gardens

Discover a world of science hiding behind our beautiful botanical collections filled with over 40,000 living plants.

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Gardens to visit in Kent

Known as the ‘garden of England’, Kent boasts some of the finest gardens in the country. Here’s our guide to the best gardens to visit in Kent.

Abigail Whyte

From a bountiful orchard to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, we recommend the best gardens to visit in the beautiful county of Kent.

Don't miss our guide to the best gardens to visit in London and gardens with mazes for a fun day out.

Sissinghurst Castle

One of the most iconic English gardens to visit, created in 1930 by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson. Renowned for its remarkable rose collection, Sissinghurst was voted the best National Trust garden by Garden Illustrated readers in 2020.

Read about Sissinghurst's remarkable rose collection .

Sissinghurst Castle , Nr Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB. Tel 01580 710700, nationaltrust.org.uk

Ightham Mote Garden

A particularly fine view to enjoy at Ightham is the medieval manor house reflected in the South Lake. The lake and moat are fed by a stream flowing down the valley garden, which also boasts a cutting garden , orchard, rich summer borders and a 'secret garden'. Natural springs have been tapped to supply the fountain pools and open channels.

Mote Rd, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT, nationaltrust.org.uk

Walmer Castle and Gardens

Eight acres of award-winning gardens surrounding a country house that was home to Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

The replanted borders in the Broadwalk Garden were unveiled in 2016 – the colour and planting scheme inspired by the influential British garden designer Gertrude Jekyll.

The Queen Mother's Garden was designed by Penelope Hobhouse, reflecting Hobhouse's interest in Islamic gardens with its classical lines, still water, rich planting and cool shade.

Walmer Castle and Gardens , Kingsdown Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 7LJ, english-heritage.org.uk

Hever Castle

Hever Castle was Anne Boleyn's childhood home, and among the award-winning grounds you'll find a maze, an Italian Garden, a Rose Garden and a Tudor Garden, laid out as it might have been during the time of Henry VIII and his doomed second wife.

Hever Castle , Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG, hevercastle.co.uk

Leeds Castle

At Leeds Castle there are 500 acres of gardens and parkland to explore, including the Culpeper Garden (named after the family who owned Leeds Castle in the 17th century), which blooms with roses , lupins and poppies .

The gardens also boast a remarkable maze, which is set in a square, yet when viewed from the air the pattern is circular (part of it resembles a queen's crown).

Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, leeds-castle.com

Little Buds Peony Farm

This peony specialist grows over 50 varieties on their farm, including the blousy Etched Salmon and heavenly Coral Sunset. Visitors are welcome to walk through the fields and take photos, and there are freshly cut bunches and potted up plants for you to buy. Open late May to mid/late June.

Little Budds Peony Farm , Coldblow Lane, Thurnham, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3LR, littlebuddspeonyfarm.co.uk

Godinton House

Godinton House in Kent is a Jacobean house surrounded by a fine garden with herbaceous borders, a rose garden and a three-acre wild garden that in March and April is filled not only with daffodils , but fritillaries , primroses and other spring flowers . Chosen by Keith Wiley

Godinton House & Gardens , Godinton Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 3BP, godintonhouse.co.uk

Great Comp Garden

You know you’ve made it as a nurseryman or gardener , when your name becomes synonymous with a particular plant. This is true of William Dyson and his collection of salvias at Great Comp Garden. William is curator of the garden in Sevenoaks, and his adjoining nursery offers a huge range of salvias that can be seen in varied garden situations. Visitors can also explore gardens that wrap around a 17th-century manor house and showcase many unusual perennials , including kniphofias , crocosmias , dahlias and many grasses and shrubs . Chosen by Tom Brown

Great Comp Garden , Comp Lane, St Mary’s Platt, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 8QS, greatcompgarden.co.uk

Brogdale Farm

Set in the weald of Kent, it houses an impressive collection of fruit trees. Its October Apple Festival offers the chance to try and buy more than 2,200 apple cultivars from all over the world and from almost every county in Britain – including many heritage cultivars. A visit is guaranteed to spark an interest in growing your own fruit . Chosen by Tom Brown

Brogdale Collections, Brogdale Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8XZ. Tel 01795 536250, brogdalecollections.org

Doddington Place Gardens

These lovely landscaped gardens, recognised of being of historical importance by Historic England, are set in the grounds of an imposing Victorian mansion and cover 10 acres. They are surrounded by wooded countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Downs.

There is a notable woodland garden – especially spectacular in May and June – which includes many different varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas. Also, watch out for the large Edwardian rock garden with pools, a formal sunken garden with herbaceous borders, and a flint and brick folly.

Doddington Place Gardens , Church La, Sittingbourne ME9 0BB, doddingtonplacegardens.co.uk

Penshurst Place Gardens

Penshurst Place has been home to the Sidney family since 1552 making it one of the oldest family-owned estates in England.

Surrounded by 11 acres of walled formal gardens and housing one of the few surviving medieval Baronial Halls in England, Penshurst Place is an historical gem in the Weald of Kent countryside. The stately home and gardens were once used as a hunting lodge for Henry VIII, and now feature beautiful staterooms and grounds that are frequently showcased in popular TV and film productions.

Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the 11 acres of formal walled gardens, discovering hidden corners brimming with fruit trees, an abundance of tulips, roses, colourful borders and water features .

Penshurst Place , Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG, penshurstplace.com

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

The gardens at Riverhill are an intriguing mix of historic and traditional planting, with contemporary and quirky twists, making it a fascinating ‘must visit’ garden for families and garden lovers alike.

The principal features are the Walled Garden, restored in 2011, with sumptuous contemporary grass curves and frothy fountains, Rose Walk, Italianate terraces and Wood Garden.

The Wood Garden displays magnificent colour from carpets of bluebells with a vast array of specimen rhododendrons and azaleas. The gardens also have fantastic views over the Weald of Kent.

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens , Riverhill, Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0RR, riverhillgardens.co.uk

Find inspiration for more days out with our guide to 25 of the best English gardens .

Here's our gardens to visit guide

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You may also like, gardens illustrated, 10 of the best museum gardens to visit, 25 english gardens to visit, inside sissinghurst's mediterranean-inspired delos garden, creating the perfect romantic rose garden.

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Nine stunning stately homes and gardens to visit in Sussex

These grand buildings are rich in history and boast impressive architecture and stunning gardens

• 10:32, 25 AUG 2020

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Sussex is associated with some of Britain's greatest historical and literary figures, and there are many houses around the county in which they lived and spent time.

The most beautiful landscapes and stately homes are open to the public throughout the year for you to visit and enjoy.

Some of these grand homes are rich in history and boast impressive architecture and stunning gardens.

Many have now been allowed to re-open with social distancing measures in place, while some are still making arrangements to reopen, so if you plan to visit soon it's worth checking before you go.

Take a look through the list and plan your next trip!

If there's a stately home that you'd like to see featured on this list, do let us know by emailing [email protected]

Battle Abbey

At Battle Abbey, in the year of 1066, armies of King Harold and William the Conqueror clashed at the Battle of Hastings.

Now, you can stand on the very spot where the decisive struggle was fought and England's future decided.

Open to the public, you can view the Harold Stone which marks the spot where King Harold fell, or walk the battlefield trail to encounter carved wooden sculptures depicting Norman and Saxon soldiers.

Not only that, but the settings mean you can take in the beautiful Sussex landscape and open spaces that surround the ruins of the Abbey, which was built by William shortly after his victory.

Visit the website to book your visit.

Where is it?: Butter Cross, High St, Battle TN33 0AE

Arundel Castle

As one of the largest inhabited and complete castle in England, Arundel Castle is a jewel in the crown of UK visitor attractions.

Set high on a hill in West Sussex and the stately home of the Dukes of Norfolk it also commands a landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun.

Founded in 1067, the castle is steeped in 1,000 years of history, and offers a full day out with guided and free-flow tours of finely preserved rooms.

Many of the original features such as the Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse and Barbican survive. This is where the whole family can have fun learning about the castle’s sieges with interactive exhibits, games and costumes.

Visitors can also The Collector Earl's Garden which was opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2008.

Book your visit here .

Where is it?: Arundel BN18 9AB

Herstmonceux Castle

Set within 300 acres of carefully managed woodland with themed formal gardens to the rear, the 15th century moated Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe. Starting at the front of the castle, visitors have the perfect opportunity to take some photographs before walking around to Chestnut Tree Walk and heading towards Chestnuts Tea Room and the visitor centre, before taking a gentle stroll around the formal gardens and woodland trails.

View the new COVID-19 safety measures, and book tickets here.

Where is it?: Hailsham BN27 1RN

Bodiam Castle

Situated near Robertsbridge in East Sussex, Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and evocative castles.

The National Trust property is complete with spiral staircases, battlements, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights.

Bodiam Castle was saved from demolition by the MP John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller, who bought the castle at auction in 1828. Fuller – an anti-abolitionist who held extreme views on the benefits of slavery – inherited huge wealth made from slavery in Jamaica, and he continued to profit from the sugar trade during his life.

Currently, the car park, grounds and castle cafe are open but the castle itself remains closed.

You can book in advance here .

Where is it?: Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA

Michelham Priory House & Gardens

Michelham Priory boasts England’s longest medieval water filled moat and offers a great day out for all the family. The moat encircles a site steeped in history dating back to 1229, from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the destruction caused by the dissolution of the monasteries in Tudor times and into its later life as a country house.

As well as a picturesque island with the magnificent Tudor mansion, you will also be surrounded by seven acres of grounds and can discover the kitchen, garden, physic and medieval herb garden.

Visit the website here to find out more.

Where is it?: Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham BN27 3QS

Bateman's

The home and garden of Rudyard Kipling, author of the Jungle Book is nestled amongst the beautiful countryside of the Sussex Weald.

Bateman's is a 17th-century house surrounded by gardens, farmland and trees.

You'll find a Grade I listed watermill, a natural play area for den building and even a tea room for homemade meals and cakes.

Se more information about the National Trust property here.

Where is it?: Bateman's Lane, Burwash, Etchingham TN19 7DS

St Mary's House & Gardens

St Mary's is an enchanting and historic 15th century timber-framed house, with magnificent gardens and charming cottage-style tea rooms, situated in the downland village of Bramber.

It is still a lived-in home, with panelled rooms and five acres of beautiful gardens.

Guests can see the prehistoric Ginkgo Biloba 'living fossil' tree, amusing animal topiary, and Secret Garden with original Victorian fruit wall and pineapple pits, beautiful rose garden, unusual circular English Poetry Garden, landscape water garden and Rural Museum.

You can find more information and pre book tickets for your visit here .

Where is it?: Bramber, West Sussex, BN44 3WE

Petworth House & Park

Set in the rolling South Downs National Park is a magnificent treasure house with a 700 acre deer park, waiting to be explored.

Petworth House is an extraordinary and surprising ancestral seat created by just one family over 900 years. The 17th-century building you see today comprises grand state rooms which form the centrepiece of your visit.

Designed to display the taste, lifestyle and artistic patronage of generations, the state rooms offer an expanse of paintings and sculpture, including major works by Van Dyck, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough.

The landscape surrounding Petworth gives every impression of being totally natural but in reality nothing is further from the truth. The park was transformed in the 1750s and early 1760s by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

You can also visit the servants quarters and imagine the hustle and bustle of servant life too.

You can book in advance here.

Where is it?: Church St, Petworth GU28 0AE

Standen House & Garden

This National Trust owned family home is set in a beautiful hillside garden, with views across the Sussex countryside.

Designed by Philip Webb, the house is one of the finest examples of Arts and Crafts workmanship, with Morris & Co. interiors creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The house is dressed for a weekend stay in 1925, so you can imagine you are a guest of the family.

A major restoration of the 5-hectare (12-acre) hillside garden showcases year-round seasonal highlights and an award-winning plant collection. On the wider estate, footpaths lead out into the woodlands, Ashdown Forest and wider High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Where is it?: W Hoathly Rd, East Grinstead RH19 4NE

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Our Gardens are now open 11am to 6pm daily to 30th June. Book tickets before midnight the day before and save £1 per Adult.

A delightful country house garden

This is one of the best-known gardens in Kent, a worthy winner of Visit Kent’s Garden of the Year award in 2016. Four generations of the Barham family have created a wonderful 16 acre garden in a magical parkland setting that must be everyone’s dream.

Hole Park Gardens and tearoom will reopen on 1st April from 11am to 6pm daily to 30th June.  During July, August, September and October opening hours will be Wednesdays and Thursday 11am to 6pm and also on Sundays during October.

Hole Park is also one of the special attractions which make up the Seven Wonders of the Weald.

Please see our Visitor Information page for all the latest information on opening times and dates. In spring visitors can enjoy the wonderful carpet of bluebells, daffodils, camellias, wisteria, magnolia and other spring delights. In summer the long borders are filled with colourful herbaceous plants with the exotic border coming to life in late summer.  The woodland area and gardens are also a delight in autumn with trees planted specifically with autumn colour in mind.

Hole Park has been owned by the Barham family for the past four generations and is set in over 200 acres of superb classic parkland. The colourful gardens enjoy far-reaching views over the hills, woods and fields of the picturesque Kentish Weald. They are a skilful mix of formal design and more naturalised planting, giving colour throughout the seasons.  The house, which is a private family home and therefore not open, was largely reconstructed in 1959 and is now little more than a quarter of its previous size. It resembles the house as it used to be before additions in the Elizabethan style were built in 1830.

The nearby village of Rolvenden and the  town of Cranbrook  are equally worth visiting for picturesque white weatherboarded buildings, mills and attractive high streets in typical Kentish scenery.

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King Charles and Prince Harry's 'diary' clash revealed - as William chosen to lead brother's old regiment

The Duke of Sussex has arrived in the UK for a series of events to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, including a ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral, but he won't see his father the King.

Thursday 9 May 2024 07:14, UK

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The King and Prince Harry won't meet up on Wednesday during the Duke of Sussex's trip to the UK due to a timetable clash between a royal garden party and an Invictus Games event.

Harry is in London this week, celebrating 10 years of the Invictus Games.

Since his trip from California was announced, there was press speculation over whether he would spend time with his father amid ongoing tensions between the self-exiled prince and the rest of the Royal Family.

However, a spokesperson for the duke said on Tuesday there would be no meeting because the King was too busy .

This comes about because of a diary clash between the two.

The King, who is thought to have been receiving cancer treatment as an outpatient this week, has been hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace today.

The monarch was joined by the Queen as he met with guests on one of the warmest days of the year so far.

He was also joined by the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

The King attended three events last week as he resumed engagements, indicating the positive effect of his treatment.

He is due to meet military staff and their families at a training base for the Army's Royal Engineers on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry has arrived at St Paul's Cathedral for a service to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

Harry joined a congregation of around a thousand people inside the London landmark where he is due to give a bible reading.

Among the guests are Princess Diana's siblings Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Spencer, and former Army officer Mark Dyer, who acted as the duke's mentor, playing the role of a supportive big brother figure for Harry after Diana's death.

Crowds had gathered around crash barriers to see the duke's car pull up, and there was a large number of journalists, photographers and cameramen covering his every move.

It comes after Harry spent Tuesday attending a London summit that reflected on the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, which stages sporting events for wounded, sick or injured veterans or serving military to aid their recovery.

Harry 'understanding of father's diary of commitments'

The duke's spokesperson released a statement on Tuesday saying: "In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty's full programme.

"The duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon."

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It comes as the King is set to make Prince William Colonel-in-Chief of Harry's old regiment, the Army Air Corps.

The role was previously held by the King for 31 years during his time as Prince of Wales, and will be handed down on Monday 13 May.

Harry was attached to the regiment for his second tour of Afghanistan between September 2012 and January 2013, working as an Apache pilot.

Harry's claim that King has 'other priorities' doesn't bode well

Royal correspondent

I'd just recorded a prearranged interview with the chief executive of the Invictus Games when an unexpected guest arrived at the Invictus conference.

With his arm propped up against the car window to hide his face, Prince Harry was back, a day earlier than most of us had thought.

The duke's spokesperson said the King was too busy for a catch-up with his son.

But another phrase stood out even more, as the spokesperson added that Harry understands his father has "other priorities".

Now it's easy to read too much into a couple of words, but at a time when we're looking for any signs of reconciliation it doesn't read well if a son, who spends most of his time in America now, is suggesting his father is prioritising other things over him.

Read the full analysis here.

He spent three-and-a-half years with the Army Air Corps, in training and in service. William flew helicopters with the Royal Air Force.

The King only returned to public duties last week for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.

Buckingham Palace has said the King's diary will be carefully managed to avoid any unnecessary risks to his health.

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The palace also said it wouldn't comment on matters relating to Harry.

Yesterday, a Sky News camera captured Prince Harry arriving at the Honourable Artillery Company's headquarters on the edge of the City of London for a one-day summit, called the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation.

Following his visit to Britain, Harry will be joined by his wife Meghan for a trip to Nigeria.

Related Topics

• Invictus Games
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