Gardens to Visit in Sussex

Visitors will find plenty of inspiration in this neatly laid-out garden. The site was planned and created by Rudyard Kipling and his wife Carrie. The core of the garden contains a formal lawn surrounding a rectangular pool, backed by pleached limes. An 18th-c water mill and duck pond (at the bottom of the plot), was the inspiration for his Puck of Pook's Hill stories.

Botanically rich garden displaying several award winning plant collections. Famed for its magnificent trees and shrubs, that provide a rich diversity of seasonal colours. Splendid rose garden and colourful herbaceous borders near to the house. The elegant Italian garden, with its rectangular pool carpeted by water lilies and edged with exotic planting, was designed by Robin Williams.

This large 19th-c estate has been transformed into a series of small ornamental gardens, with bold designs rich in foliage plants. Planted for all-year interest, with emphasis on shape, colour and texture. The lovely walled garden is filled with old-fashioned roses and herbaceous perennials. Includes a dry stream bed, a tranquil water garden and wild flower meadow with extensive native planting.

The family home of the distinguished garden writer Christopher Lloyd. These beautiful experimental gardens reach their peak in late summer and autumn, packed with vivid and exotic foliage. Enjoy long mixed borders, hot tropical bedding schemes, wild flowers and naturalised bulbs, augmented with topiary. Of particular interest is the tropical garden created by Christopher Lloyd and Fergus Garrett.

Grade I listed, 200 acre, woodland and water filled landscape. Renowned for its blaze of spring colour generated by stunning azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias. Set in an idyllic location within a luscious valley. It has rock gardens, streams, waterfalls and lakes teeming with fauna and wildfowl. Don't miss the deer park with sika deer and wallabies.

One of Sussex's greatest gardens. Come and enjoy this historic collection of early 19th-c plants, trees and shrubs from all over the globe. Grown in a natural setting around the atmospheric ruins of an old manor house. This enchanting garden is full of surprises. Massed rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias make Nymans a real delight to visit in late spring.

A delightful Elizabethan house, surrounded by exquisite gardens and deer park, set on the slopes of the South Downs. A garden for all seasons. Comprising a large walled garden with extensive herbaceous borders, rose gardens, greenhouses, orchards and a herb garden. The grounds also contain a brick and turf maze that is great for children to enjoy.

A quintessentially English garden with many fine mature trees and shrubs, augmented with sweeping lawns, fountains, springs and ponds. The woodland walks are carpeted with bluebells in spring. A real picture in summer with an outstanding rose collection (by Peter Beales), hot borders, lilies and herbaceous plants. The site is dotted with sculptures and beautiful vistas.

Historic 18th-c pleasure garden, dominated by four large lakes linked by cascades and waterfalls. The late spring displays of rhododendrons and azaleas are particularly spectacular, along with swathes of daffodils and bluebells. However, the lakes really come to life in summer, with a wonderful floating carpet of water lilies. The grounds also contain many rare trees and shrubs. Special events throughout the season.

Important collection of exotic/rare trees and shrubs, in a beautiful setting. Extensive parkland, valleys and woodland, with reflective lakes, watercourses and a bog garden. Good range of acid-loving plants, a heath garden and a rock walk. Natural History Exhibition. Part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.