The 10 Best Gardens in West Sussex, England

A restored pilgrim Inn dating from 1470, this half-timbered house has a wealth of interest and some unique painted and decorated rooms dating from Tudor times. It sits in 5 acres of gardens and has been lovingly restored by the present owners. Open May-Sept, Sundays, Thursdays, Bank Holiday Mondays, plus Wednesdays in August

A beautiful 20th-century masterpiece featuring colourful borders, a landscape garden and a collection of follies Woolbeding is a modern garden of two halves, with the colour-themed garden rooms surrounding the house, plus a landscape garden. A gentle stroll over the open pasture land provides views of the River Rother and leads to the ruined abbey and on to the Chinese-style bridge and waterfall. Please note that all visits to the gardens must be pre-booked and can be pre-booked online or by telephone.

Arundel Castle and Gardens open from 5th August 2020. Open Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive and August bank holiday Monday. Arundel Castle, home of the Duke of Norfolk, reflecting nearly 1,000 years of history,and commanding the surrounding landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and River Arun. Fine furniture and works of art in sumptuously furnished rooms. Ancient Motte & Keep. Spectacular gardens. 14th century Fitzalan Chapel. Collection of arms & armour. Personal possessions of Mary Queen of Scots. Pre-booked tickets only.

West Dean Gardens is one of the greatest restored Gardens open to the public in England. Wander through the 300 foot long Edwardian pergola, visit the restored Victorian glasshouses, Walled Kitchen Gardens, Sunken Garden and orchards. Finish with a walk through the arboretum, Spring Garden and the peaceful parkland. Enjoy an inspirational day out visiting West Dean Gardens. A rare oasis of beauty and tranquillity in the heart of the South Downs, now open year round.

Come and discover rescued rural buildings set in a beautiful landscape, which tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in them over 1,000 years. Explore our 40-acre site and visit our collection – we have more than 50 historic buildings, from a replica Anglo-Saxon hall house to an Edwardian tin church. Enjoy a regular programme of demonstrations, including milling in our 17th century watermill; cooking in our Tudor kitchen; blacksmithing in our Victorian smithy, baking in our newly opened bakehouse; plus seasonal demonstrations. Take a walk in the woods, bring the dog (we are dog friendly), visit our waterside cafe or enjoy your own picnic. New exhibit buildings include: a dairy and bakehouse, near the watermill, plus a late 18th century barn and early 19th century stable known as May Day Farm. Need a new hobby or a new skill? Try our day courses in traditional rural trades and crafts or historic building conservation.

A Great English Garden of rare plants and stunning landscapes make Borde Hill the perfect day out for horticultural enthusiasts, country lovers and families. Tranquil outdoor ' rooms' include the Azalea Ring and Rhododendron gardens, fragrant Rose Garden and scenic Italian Garden, plus subtropical dells and ruins. Woodland walks, adventure playground and events throughout the season. See website for details.

One of the top twenty in Simon Jenkins's book 'England's Thousand Best Houses'. Idyllically set in the heart of an ancient deer park, below the South Downs, the Elizabethan house contains an important collection of needlework, paintings and furniture. The spectacular Long Gallery is the third longest in England. The gardens include a four-acre Walled Garden with stunning herbaceous borders, plus Pleasure Grounds. Parham has always been a well-loved family home, and only three families have lived here since its foundation stone was laid in 1577. Its tranquillity and timeless beauty have changed little over the years. Now owned by a charitable trust, the house is lived in by Lady Emma Barnard, her husband James and their family. Open from Easter Sunday until the end of October. Please see the website for days and times.