National Parks & Gardens in Sussex
With some of the most stunning landscapes, national parks and gardens in England, Sussex is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor explorers alike. For beach-lovers, there are over 140 miles of coastline, beaches and coastal paths to discover.
The South Downs National Park, stretching across the county, is home to the South Downs Way walking trail with chalk cliffs, ancient woodlands, and stunning views over the English Channel. You can also explore the High Weald National Landscape that stretches from Horsham down to Rye. You'll find rolling hills, sandstone outcrops and ancient routeways.
On the coast you’ll also find the Seven Sisters Country Park – a series of rolling hills that provide the backdrop for films including Harry Potter, and more recently Wicked. Or why not head to Ashdown Forest, which inspired the magical world of Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin?
Love gardening? Wakehurst – known as “Kew’s wild botanic garden” – features exotic plants and the Millennium Seed Bank. Nearby, Sheffield Park and Garden also delights visitors with vibrant displays throughout the seasons, from blooming azaleas in spring to fiery autumn colours.
Extraordinary by nature
From wetlands to chalk cliffs, Sussex is full of natural landscapes to enjoy
Arundel Wetland Centre
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to spot water voles in their natural habitat, why not…
Ashdown Forest
Covering over 10 square miles, Ashdown Forest is one of the largest open access areas in Southeast…
Birling Gap
- Birling Gap
Birling Gap is a popular coastal hub, where the South Downs meet the sea. It’s part of the…
Castle Hill Nature Reserve
- Fort Road
With stunning views over the sea and hidden glades full of wildflowers this is place to lose…
Devil's Dyke
Immerse yourself in one of the longest, deepest and widest dry valley areas in the UK. The inner…
Ebernoe Common Nature Reserve
Ebernoe Common Nature Reserve is an ancient wood pasture with ponds, streams and grassy meadows in…
Friston Forest
- East Dean Road
Friston Forest is a great place for walking, cycling and horseriding. Just a few miles from Cuckmere…
Hastings Country Park Visitor Centre
- Lower Coastguard Lane
The Bale House visitor centre at Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve provides an…
Kingley Vale Nature Reserve
Nestling in the South Downs National Park, Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve is a beautiful area…
Knepp Safari
Experience the thrill of the dawn chorus and wild animals undisturbed in their natural habitat with…
Pied-A-Terre Adventures Self-guided walking
- 5a Glynde Place
Pied A Terre Adventures is an expert walking and hiking travel company. The collection of…
RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve
Located within the Arun Valley, Pulborough Brooks has beautiful views across to the South Downs and…
RSPB’s Pagham Harbour
- Selsey Rd
Pagham Harbour, just south from the hustle and bustle of Chichester, is a beautiful nature reserve…
Rye Harbour Discovery Centre
- Rye Harbour Road
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is one of the largest and most important wildlife sites in England, set…
Seaford Head
- South Way
Seaford Head is the best spot to enjoy the iconic view of the majestic Seven Sisters cliffs. Please…
Seven Sisters Country Park
- East Dean Road
Seven Sisters Country Park is a poular destination to experience the iconic Seven Sisters white…
Tilgate Forest
Located in the High Weald area of West Sussex, near Crawley - only half an hour from the hustle and…
Warnham Local Nature Reserve
Warham Nature Reserve is a 92-acre site with millpond, marshes, grassland and woodlands. The new…
Woods Mill
Part of Sussex Wildlife Trust, Woods Mill is a small but perfectly formed nature reserve close to…
9 places to see the best Autumn colours in Sussex
- 8 min read
Experience the changing season in Sussex As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Sussex begins its annual transformation into a landscape of…
National Parks in Sussex
Search parks and gardens in Sussex
Glorious gardens
Visit Sussex to explore some of the best gardens in England
Wakehurst
- Wakehurst
Have a day out like no other at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden. With over 500 acres to…
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is described as ‘The Finest Woodland Gardens in England’. Its rich…
Sheffield Park and Garden
About Sheffield Park and Garden The Grade I listed garden is a horticultural work of art formed…
Great Dixter House & Gardens
- Great Dixter
Great Dixter is a garden you can immerse yourself in, vibrant, daring and exciting. Originally home…
High Beeches
- High Beeches Lane
High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is 27 acres of natural beauty. Listed as Grade II by English…
Pashley Manor Gardens
- Pashley Road
At Pashley you will discover 11 acres of beautiful borders and vistas - the culmination of a…
Nymans
- Staplefield Road
One of the National Trust’s premier gardens, Nymans has views stretching across the Sussex Weald…