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? Kew 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.
Visit National Parks and landscapes in Sussex
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 Safaris
- New Barn Farm
Knepp is a trailblazing 3,500-acre rewilding project in Sussex that has changed the way we think…
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…
Discover the stunning gardens of Sussex
- 7 min read
If you’re looking for inspiration for a day trip where you can make the most of your natural surroundings, Sussex gardens are bursting into…
Search parks and gardens in Sussex
Glorious gardens
Visit Sussex to explore some of the best gardens in England
Kew Wakehurst
- Wakehurst
Have a day out like no other at Kew 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
- Sheffield Park and Garden
Explore Sheffield Park and Garden, a Grade-I listed garden in East Sussex formed through centuries…
Great Dixter House & Gardens
- Great Dixter
Great Dixter is a garden you can immerse yourself in, vibrant, daring and exciting. Originally home…
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…
What's On at Sussex Gardens & Parks
Christmas Wreath Workshops
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Nov 26, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
Surround yourself with friends, family or join in to make a new friend whilst indulging in warming…
Abstract Forest Painting Workshop
Join artist Jo Starkey in The Studio for a fun and inspiring day creating a vibrant abstract forest…
Forest Bathing
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Nov 7, 2026 - Dec 21, 2026
Emma Weaver is back for another soothing Forest Bathing session, taking you on a slow 5km walk in…
Arm Knitting Blanket Workshop
Create a beautifully soft throw using nothing but your arms as needles. Perfect for beginners and…
Christmas Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself to a Christmas-themed afternoon tea in the luxurious surroundings of West Dean House…
Winter Wildlife Detective Trail
Collect your activity booklet from Reception on arrival, then follow the trail map to six wildlife…
Reusable Christmas Wreath
Create your own faux Christmas wreath you can reuse year-after-year. Starting with a base, we will…
Festive Botanical Pottery
Step into a joyful, hands-on creative experience where you’ll design and make four beautiful…
Leonardslee Lights
“A Midwinter Light’s Dream - A Garden Awakening” This winter, Leonardslee Lights returns with a…
Leonardslee Comedy Club
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 12, 2027
Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a…
Creative Taster Sessions
Follow your curiosity and try something new. There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up…
Little Crafters
Let your little ones get stuck into this fun and creative crafting session for 18 months - 4 year…
Festive Candle Making Workshop
Embrace the season with our Festive Fragrances candle making workshop, a two-hour experience…
Leonardslee Wine and Dine
Discover a three-course menu inspired by a different world cuisine each month, thoughtfully paired…
Perfume Creation Workshops
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Nov 11, 2026 - Nov 18, 2027
Discover the hidden secrets of perfumery in this fascinating, half-day workshop with Jonathan…
West Dean Christmas Market
- West Dean Gardens
- Nov 27, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026
Experience the magic of the festive season at the West Dean Christmas Market, a celebration of…