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.
National Trust Nymans
Staplefield Lane, Handcross, West Sussex, RH17 6EB
A garden for all seasons, with rare and unusual plant collections, set around a romantic house and partial ruins. The comfortable, yet elegant, house reflects the personalities and stories of the talented Messel family.
In spring see blossom, bulbs and a stunning collection of subtly fragranced magnolias. The Rose Garden, inspired by Maud Messel’s 1920s design, is scented by hints of old-fashioned roses. Dramatic shows of vibrant native tree colour in autumn precede winter’s structural form, with pockets of perfumed daphne throughout the garden.
Discover hidden corners through stone archways, walk along tree-lined avenues while surrounded by the lush countryside of the Sussex Weald. The adjoining woodland, with lake and bird hides, has plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
Large shop, plant centre and cafe. For house opening hours – please see website for details.
Attraction Facilities
Related Attractions.
Forests, Lakes & BeachesTheme Parks & Outdoor AdventuresWalks & Tourism
Vineyards & Gardens
Sussex Prairies Garden
Featured on BBC Gardeners’ World, crammed with colour, this eight-acre garden features huge borders interlaced with small pathways allowing the visitor to get right inside the plantings. Teas and delicious home baking. Unusual plants for sale.
Castles & Historic HousesCinemas, Theatres & Rainy Day
Smugglers Adventure & Hastings Castle
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.
Castles & Historic Houses
Petworth House & Park
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).
Vineyards & GardensWalks & Tourism
Bates Green Garden
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
Castles & Historic HousesMuseums & Art GalleriesTheme Parks & Outdoor AdventuresWalks & Tourism
Weald & Downland Living Museum
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.
Forests, Lakes & BeachesTheme Parks & Outdoor AdventuresWalks & Tourism
RSPB Nature Reserves
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.
Forests, Lakes & BeachesWalks & Tourism
RSPB Dungeness
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.
Forests, Lakes & BeachesTheme Parks & Outdoor AdventuresWalks & Tourism
RSPB Pagham Harbour
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.
Forests, Lakes & BeachesTheme Parks & Outdoor AdventuresWalks & Tourism
RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve
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.
Forests, Lakes & BeachesWalks & Tourism
Visit 1066 Country
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!
Forests, Lakes & BeachesMuseums & Art GalleriesWalks & Tourism
The Beachy Head Story
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.