Historic Houses and Gardens
East Sussex is renowned for offering both the rural and urban, from unspoilt countryside, medieval cottages, castles and picturesque villages, to the thriving city of Brighton with it mix of rakish eccentricity reflected in the Royal Pavilion. East Sussex is steeped in history and culture; the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066; Bateman's - the home of Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book; Charleston Farmhouse, the country home of the Bloomsbury Group. There is an abundance of inspirational historic houses and gardens in East Sussex to be explored.
West Sussex offers epic views of the South Downs, unspoilt coastlines to explore, and ancient woodlands to get lost in. A beautiful rural region where you can experience many elements of England's history from Fishbourne Palace, the site of a sumptuous Roman palace, to Weald and Open Air Downland Museum and it's fascinating collection of nearly 50 historic buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century, together with farm animals, woodland walks and a picturesque lake.
You can also find out more at:http://www.greatgardensofsussex.com/
Featured Pages
Arundel Castle
There are nearly 1,000 years of history at this great castle, situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex and built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel.
Timeless Treasures
Sussex is home to the heart of English History - the historic Battle Abbey. It was here, in 1066, that England as we now know it was born and it follows quite appropriately that the surrounding countryside captures life since that infamous date.
Wakehurst Place
An adapted sixteenth century house with a mainly twentieth century garden. 'Kew in the country' is managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Petworth House Gardens & Park
Petworth House and Park is a grand house steeped in history and features The National Trust's largest art collection including numerous works by Turner, Van Dyck, Titian, Claude, Gainsborough, Bosch, Reynolds and Blake.
Leonardslee Gardens
Created from 1801, Leonardslee Gardens have been maintained by the Loder family since 1889. Leonardslee is listed Grade I in the Register of Parks and Gardens and is set in a peaceful 240 acre valley with walks around seven beautiful lakes, giving delightful views and reflections.