Sussex

Heritage Attractions

Castles, Historic Monuments, etc

HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE

Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN
Tel: 01323 833816     Fax: 01323 834499
E-mail: c_cullip@isc.queensu.ac.uk
Web: www.herstmonceux-castle.com

This 15th Century moated castle is set in 550 acres of glorious woodland and gardens. Visit the gift shop, tearoom, visitor centre and children's woodland play area and take a leisurely walk along the nature trail.

Don't forget the beautiful gardens. For further details on Herstmonceux Castle near Hailsham, Sussex see our website.

Opening Times: 12th April to 26th October, 10am - 6pm, last admission 5pm. Closed at 5pm during October, last admission 4pm. Castle is not open to the public, however Guided Tours are available (extra charge) subject to availability. Special events include a medieval festival in August.

 * Sorry access is not available to all areas

WEST BLATCHINGTON WINDMILL

97 Holmes Avenue, Hove, BN3 7LE
Tel: 01273 776017
Web: www.blatchington.virtualmuseum.info
Admission Charges: Adults £1.00, Children 50p. 2.30pm - 5.00pm Sunday & Bank holiday Mondays May - End September. Schools and group bookings welcome all year by prior arrangement.

This 19th century smock mill (last operated in 1897) with its neighbouring church continues to mark the site of the old downland village of West Blatchington.   The windmill is almost fully restored and contains much of the original machinery.

 
It is particularly interesting as it sits on top of a flint tower and barn, and the timber smock is unusually hexagonal. A permanent exhibition and exhibits of rural life and milling. Winner of 1988 Civic Trust Commendation. Teas served in barn.

Events held throughout the year. For further details on West Blatchington Windmill in Hove, Sussex see our website.

ARUNDEL CASTLE

High Street, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LH
Tel: 01903 883136     Fax: 01903 884581
E-mail: info@arundelcastle.org
Web: www.arundelcastle.org

This great castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk, dates from the Norman Conquest. Containing fine collections of paintings by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Canaletto etc, 16thC continental furniture, armour, clocks, tapestries etc, it is still a family home and reflects the changes of nearly 1000 years.

 
Cromwell held siege to the Castle in 1643 and it subsequently underwent considerable restoration, right up until 1900. There is much to see also in the restored Victorian kitchen and flower gardens and Fitzalan Chapel. Shop, self-service restaurant. For further details on Arundel Castle, Arundel, Sussex see our website.

Open 21st March - November 2nd, Tuesday to Sunday, Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays and August Mondays). Grounds, Gardens & Fitzalan Chapel 10.00am - 5.00pm, Restaurant 10.30am - 4.30pm, Shop 10.30am - 5.00pm,
Castle Keep 11.00am - 4.30pm, Main Castle Rooms 12 noon - 5.00pm.
Last entry 4pm

BODIAM CASTLE

Bodiam, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
Tel: 01580 830436
E-mail: bodiamcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

*

Bodiam Castle - Photo: Nigel Freeman CCL

LEWES CASTLE

169 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YE
Tel: 01273 486290
E-mail: castle@sussexpast.co.uk
Web:

From the high towers of Lewes Castle visitors can see both the town and the distant views of downs, river and forest.

 
The best way to appreciate this view is to visit Barbican House Museum first and watch 'The Story of Lewes Town', a sound and light show based on a scale model of the town. Please see our website for further information.

BIGNOR ROMAN VILLA

Bignor, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1PH
Tel/Fax: 01798 869259
E-mail: brv@btconnect.com
Web: www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk
Please contact for opening times.

In 1811 a site was unearthed near Arundel, West Sussex that was a Roman Villa rich in Roman mosaics and with a hypocaust.   The site is one of the largest Villa's in the UK and has many mosaics depicting Venus, Gladiators, Ganymede and many others.

 
In the north corridor is the 80 ft. long mosaic which is one of the longest in Britain. The museum contains many artefacts that have been found over the years and they tell the story of Bignor villa.

Free parking. Gift shop in museum. Cafe and picnic area. Coach parties welcome. Wheelchair access - limited. For further detail on Bignor Roman Villa near Pulborough, Sussex see our website.

THE LONG MAN OF WILMINGTON

Windover Hill, Wilmington, East Sussex
Tel: 01273 487188
E-mail: pro@sussexpast.co.uk
Web: www.sussexpast.co.uk

The Long Man of Wilmington, mysterious guardian of the South Downs, has baffled archaeologists and historians for hundreds of years. The Long Man of Wilmington is situated 6 miles north-west of Eastbourne.

 
The Long Man may be reached by public footpaths to the base and the top of the figure and interpretation boards are located at the car park and at the bottom of the hill showing details of these. The rights of way to the base of the figure are reasonably easy for walkers, but are probably not suitable for wheelchairs. Please see our website for further information.

Belle Tout - Photo: Christine Matthews CCL

How do you stop an 850-ton lighthouse from toppling over the edge of crumbling cliffs and falling into the sea below?



Simple -- you lift it up on runners and drag it slowly back some fifty metres onto safer ground.



This is exactly what happened in 1999 to Belle Tout lighthouse, situated on the top of famous Beachy Head cliffs in East Sussex, England.



This quaint historic building, just 15m high and being used as a family home, was perilously near the eroding cliff edge.



In 1834 it was situated some forty metres away from the edge, but now, one more rock fall and the lighthouse would be a heap of rubble on the beach below. More...

Cathedrals, Churches, etc

CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL

The Royal Chantry, Cathedral Cloisters, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1PX
Visitors office: 01243 782595
E-mail: visitors@chichestercathedral.org.uk
Web: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

Delicious food and unique gifts in the new Cloisters Cafe and Shop.

Located in the heart of the Georgian city of Chichester, the magnificent 900 year old Cathedral is home to significant works of art, from Romanesque stone carvings to famous 20th century sculpture, tapestries and paintings. Free guided tours Monday to Saturday, 11.15am and 2.30pm. Coach drop-off point. Disabled access. No fee, although donations are greatly appreciated. For further details see our website.

Medieval thatched cottage and picturesque garden.

This 14th-century thatched Wealden ‘hall house’ was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust in 1896.

It has an unusual chalk and sour milk floor and its pretty cottage garden is in an idyllic setting beside Alfriston’s parish church, with views across the meandering River Cuckmere.

The Clergy House Alfriston -
Photo: Colin Smith CCL

Stately Homes & Gardens, Country Houses, etc

ARUNDEL CASTLE

High Street, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LH
Tel: 01903 883136     Fax: 01903 884581
E-mail: info@arundelcastle.org
Web: www.arundelcastle.org

This great castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Norfolk, dates from the Norman Conquest. Containing fine collections of paintings by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Canaletto etc, 16thC continental furniture, armour, clocks, tapestries etc, it is still a family home and reflects the changes of nearly 1000 years.

 
Cromwell held siege to the Castle in 1643 and it subsequently underwent considerable restoration, right up until 1900. There is much to see also in the restored Victorian kitchen and flower gardens and Fitzalan Chapel. Shop, self-service restaurant. For further details on Arundel Castle, Arundel, Sussex see our website.

Open 21st March - November 2nd, Tuesday to Sunday, Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays and August Mondays). Grounds, Gardens & Fitzalan Chapel 10.00am - 5.00pm, Restaurant 10.30am - 4.30pm, Shop 10.30am - 5.00pm,
Castle Keep 11.00am - 4.30pm, Main Castle Rooms 12 noon - 5.00pm.
Last entry 4pm

NYMANS GARDEN

Stapleford Road, Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6EB
Tel: 01444 400321     Fax: 01444 400253
E-mail: nymans@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Please contact for opening times.

One of the great 20th century gardens, Nymans has an exceptional collection of rare trees and plants from around the world, including important collections of Magnolias, Camellias and Rhododendrons.

Nymans was created by the Messel family, who's theatrical creativity can be seen in the decorative rooms in the house. The wider estate makes for wonderful walks through woodlands and a wild garden. Full program of events throughout the year. Group bookings taken at all times throughout the year at a discounted rate. Disabled access, battery cars and wheelchairs available free of charge please contact to book. Please contact for opening times.

GREAT DIXTER HOUSE & GARDEN Great Dixter, High Park, Northiam, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6PH Tel:  01797 252878     Fax: 01797 252879 E-mail: office@greatdixter.co.uk Web: www.greatdixter.co.uk

 
Opening times 2008: House and gardens open 21 March to 26 October, Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Gardens 11.00 to 5.00pm (last admission). House 2.00 to 5.00pm Groups welcome by appointment.

Great Dixter was the birthplace and home of the late gardening author, Christopher Lloyd.   The gardens include topiary, wild meadow areas, natural ponds, a formal pool and the famous Long Border and Exotic Garden.

 
Gift shop, toilet facilities (toilet for wheelchair users) dogs not allowed, (guide dogs only), plants/produce for sale, refreshments, famous gardener link, car parking on site, coach parking on site, picnic area. For further details on Great Dixter House & Gardens see our website.

FISHBOURNE ROMAN PALACE

Salthill Road, Fishbourne, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 3QS
Tel: 01243 785859
E-mail: adminfish@sussexpast.co.uk
Web:

Our major new £3.5 million pound Heritage Lottery funded redevelopment of the 'new' Fishbourne Roman Palace.

 
Come and see the newly-lit North Wing building over the spectacular Roman mosaics, see the brand new audio-visual with stunning computer graphics reconstructing the Palace as it was, and get to handle actual Roman objects in the brand-new Collections Discovery Centre. So come along to Fishbourne Roman Palace and enjoy the fun. You won't be disappointed and you won't want to leave!!

MICHELHAM PRIORY & GARDENS

Upper Dicker, near Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3QS
Tel: 01323 844224
E-mail: adminmich@sussexpast.co.uk 
Web: 

Michelham Priory is a beautiful historic property nestling deep in the Sussex countryside and offers much to interest visitors – history, exhibits, superbly kept gardens, art exhibitions, wildlife, working watermill.

There is a well-stocked Gift Shop and a self-service restaurant. The annual Garden Sculpture Trail features works by local artists and are specially selected for their merit and their ability to complement the garden. The Watermill on the property was recently refurbished with the assistance of grants obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund, East Sussex County Council and The Friends of Michelham Priory.

THE PRIEST HOUSE

North Lane, West Hoathly, West Sussex, RH19 4PP
Tel: 01342 810479
E-mail: priest@sussexpast.co.uk
Web: www.sussexpast.co.uk

Standing in the beautiful surroundings of a traditional cottage garden on the edge of Ashdown Forest, the Priest House is an early 15th century timber-framed hall-house with a dramatic roof of Horsham stone.

 
It was probably built for the Priory of St Pancras in Lewes and in Elizabethan times was modernised into a substantial Yeomen’s dwelling. It is now a museum containing a fascinating array of domestic country furniture, kitchen equipment, needlework and household items. Outside there is a formal herb garden containing over 170 culinary, medicinal and folklore herbs.

Batemans - Photo: Stephen Nunney CCL

Jacobean house, home of Rudyard Kipling.


The interior of this beautiful 17th-century house, Rudyard Kipling’s home from 1902 to 1936, reflects the author’s strong associations with the East.


There are many oriental rugs and artefacts, and most of the rooms – including his book-lined study – are much as Kipling left them.


The delightful grounds run down to the small River Dudwell with its watermill, and contain roses, wild flowers, fruit and herbs.


Kipling’s Rolls-Royce is also on display.

Fine brick-fronted house with literary associations.

The house dates from the early 18th century and is typical of the attractive town of Rye.

This was the home of writer Henry James from 1898 to 1916, and later of authors E. F. Benson and Rumer Godden.

Some of James’s personal possessions can be seen and there is a charming walled garden.

Lamb House - Photo: Stephen Craven CCL

Petworth House - Photo: Janine Forbes CCL

Magnificent country house and park with an internationally important art collection.




The vast late 17th-century mansion is set in a beautiful park, landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown and immortalised in Turner’s paintings.

The house contains the Trust’s finest and largest collection of pictures, with numerous works by Turner, Van Dyck, Reynolds and Blake, as well as ancient and neo-classical sculpture, fine furniture and carvings by Grinling Gibbons.

The Servants’ Quarters contain interesting kitchens (including a splendid copper batterie de cuisine of over 1000 pieces) and other service rooms.

On weekdays additional rooms are open to visitors by kind permission of Lord and Lady Egremont.

Deer Petworth House - Photo: Laura CCL

Sheffield Park Garden -
Photo: Stephen Nunney CCL

Internationally renowned landscape garden.

This magnificent, informal landscape garden was laid out in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ Brown and further developed in the early years of the 20th century by its owner, Arthur G. Soames.

The original four lakes form the centrepiece.

There are dramatic shows of daffodils and bluebells in spring, and the rhododendrons, azaleas and stream garden are spectacular in early summer.

Arts & Crafts family home with Morris and Co. interiors, set in a hillside garden. Philip Webb, friend of William Morris, designed this family house in the 1890s.




A showpiece of the Arts & Crafts Movement, it is decorated throughout with Morris carpets, fabrics and wallpapers, complemented by contemporary paintings, tapestries and furniture.

Standen - Photo: Charles Rawding CCL

Kew’s ‘country garden’, with plants from across the world.






The 200 hectares (500 acres) at Wakehurst Place include walled gardens, water gardens, a wetland conservation area, woodland, lakes and ponds.






Four National Collections plus rare and exotic plants from the Himalayas and the Southern hemisphere, and the Millennium Seed Bank, are amongst the highlights.

Wakehurst Place -
Photo: Martyn Davies CCL