Bewl Water is the largest reservoir in South East England with 800 acres of picturesque landscapes. Open all year, the parkland is dog-friendly and packed full of healthy, outdoor family fun.

We are now open.
On this spot in the year 1066, the armies of King Harold and William the Conqueror clashed at the Battle of Hastings. Now you can stand on the very site where this decisive struggle was fought and England’s future decided and explore the abbey ruins
In line with government guidelines, we have introduced visitor numbers to keep everyone safe. You now need to book timed tickets in advance and you won’t be able to visit without your booking confirmation. If you are an English Heritage member, your ticket will be free, but you still need to book in advance. There will be other new steps in place to ensure everyone’s safety, so your visit might be a little different.
To find out more and book tickets in advance please go to the website below.
Attraction Facilities
Bewl Water is the largest reservoir in South East England with 800 acres of picturesque landscapes. Open all year, the parkland is dog-friendly and packed full of healthy, outdoor family fun.
Be transported through time with an unforgettable visit to Smugglers Adventure; an amazing underground cave network of secret tunnels and vast caverns.
Hastings Castle sits on top of the West Hill overlooking the old town of Hastings. That can only mean one thing: it’s perfect for taking in the breath-taking views of the Hastings coastline, which will leave you open-mouthed in amazement.
Treasure house of art set amidst a 700 acre deer park designed by ‘Capability’ Brown. State rooms filled with paintings by artists including Van Dyck, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough, plus statues and wood carvings. Open daily (closed 24th /25 Dec).
A tranquil 1.5 acre Plant filled garden designed and planted by the late
Carolyn McCutchan, surrounded by farmland. This colourful garden has
distinct areas of interest, plus a 6 acre wildflower meadow
OPEN every Wednesday 22 Feb to 25 Oct 10.00am – 4.00pm Tel 01323 485151
A garden for all seasons, with rare and unusual plant collections, set around a romantic house and partial ruins.
Come and discover 50 rescued traditional buildings in a rural landscape, which tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in the Weald and Downland region over a 950-year period.
A wonderful mix of wetland, woodland and heathland. Spot birds and butterflies along our trails, enjoy views across the landscape, or a hands -on nature experience.
Jutting out into the English Channel, Dungeness is the UK’s only desert landscape and home to many special animals including lizards, rare bumblebees and the endemic Sussex emerald moth. It is a magnet for all kinds of birdlife, from huge flocks of waterbirds to beautiful birds of prey, notably hobbies in the summer and marsh harriers all year round. Dungeness is also one of the few places in the South East with bearded tits – delicately marked birds found only in reedbeds.
One of Sussex’s few undeveloped stretches of coastline, Pagham Harbour combines beautiful landscapes with a rich historical heritage – and a wealth of wildlife. As the sheltered inlet at the heart of the reserve fills and empties with the tide, watch ducks, geese and wading birds fly to and fro. Resident little egrets and lapwings are joined by passing migrants in spring, while summer sees breeding little terns, butterflies flitting along the hedgerows, dragonflies hovering over ponds and lizards basking in the sun.
In the glorious South Downs National Park, Pulborough Brooks has amazing views of the Arun Valley. It provides an all-year-round home for nature, with highlights including the nightingale, famed for the beauty of its song, whistling wigeons in flooded winter meadows, and pretty butterflies and dragonflies amongst the wild flowers in the sunnier months. The variety of habitats, including wetlands, woodland and heathland, bring with them a wonderful variety of species to enjoy.
Experience the echoes of England’s extraordinary past in this unique blend of historic coast and unspoilt countryside. With its famous arts, music and medieval festivals, enchanting gardens and walks, attractions to suit all ages, museums and castles, antique shops and unrivalled local produce. There is no other place with such a rich past and great future. 2016 – 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings – come celebrate!
From prehistoric sea creatures and ancient monuments through to smugglers and mystical fairy loaves, this NEW exhibition, visitor centre and gift shop at the start of the South Downs National Park reveals the stories behind the people who lived, worked and were inspired by the spectacular landscape around one of the UK’s most iconic lighthouses and chalk cliff coastline.