Historic Sussex Gardens to Admire in Full Bloom

This is a guest blog written for 1066 Country by Dakota Murphey.

With a welcome burst of sunshine, anyone visiting Sussex's famed 1066 Country can look forward to seeing some of the area’s finest gardens as they come into full bloom. 

If you love plants, flowers, or ancient woodlands, this region is renowned for having some of the most colourful and unforgettable garden settings with dramatic backdrops to the assortment of significant heritage sites stretching across this unique part of the south coast. 

Whether you love peaceful courtyard settings, ancient walled gardens, or contemporary sculpted designs, exploring 1066 Country's spectacular gardens can be a heady mix of manicured grand estates to historic hidden gems.

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Michelham Priory for Daffodil and Bluebell Displays

The 1066 Country has a wealth of incredible attractions and natural settings to enjoy either this spring, on a further Bank Holiday or during the summer holidays. One of the most striking landscaped gardens can be found at Michelham Priory in the heart of the Wealden district. Regally situated and dating back to 1229, these gardens are next to England's longest medieval moat. Once here, visitors will be greeted by thousands of bright daffodils and a brilliant carpet of canary yellow. 

These exceptional gardens feature a unique physic garden, their ancient cloister area, a lovely orchard, vegetable garden, herbaceous borders, a bluebell walk and even a sculpture trail for anyone who loves art. The contrast between the ancient stone walls and spring flowers are a nature photographer's dream and an idyllic setting for a Sunday picnic.

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Photo: Sam Moore Visual Air

Battle Abbey for Horticultural Beauty

No exploration of 1066 Country’s gardens would be complete without a visit to the grounds around Battle Abbey. Meandering here offers visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on the famous Battle, in what is arguably the most important event in English history.  The walled garden and herbaceous borders come alive in spring, so you won’t be disappointed if you want to combine your garden tour with a family-friendly, fun and educational day out. 

While Battle Abbey's gardens are clearly steeped in history, they continue to attract artists and historians who seek to capture the garden’s unique fusion of natural beauty and historical significance with gorgeous floral blooms and ancient trees that have witnessed centuries of change. With time to spare, the award-winning Almonry Gardens are also within easy reach. Honoured to be a previous gold winner of the South and South East in Bloom competition, they are a tranquil retreat from Battle’s main high street. A wider exploration of Hastings can be indulged by further picturesque walks at nearby Abbot’s Amble forest together with Alexandra Park, which is a true testament to Victorian designs.

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Photo: Kate Wilson

Tulips at Pashley Manor’s Tudor Gardens

Spring is arguably the best season for tulip enthusiasts with Pashley Manor Gardens in Ticehurst being a firm favourite for an outing. The gardens here are an impressive extension of the main and elegant Tudor house. The grand property has exquisite Georgian facades that make a perfect venue for one of the country’s top Tulip Festivals. This annual celebration showcases over 100 different tulip varieties, creating sweeping colours throughout immaculate gardens. 

Meanwhile, for avid artists, poets or photographers, local art societies across Sussex organise friendly outdoor painting sessions at these gardens during the season. Drawn by the chance to view classic tulips and rare highlights, the floral beds are artfully arranged to maximise visual impact. Artists are invited to bring along both their easels and watercolours to capture these lush landscapes in a dramatic destination. 

If the floral vistas are inspiring enough, a number of the 1066 Country's landscaped designs have their own unique history. For instance, the 15th-century Great Dixter House and Gardens in Northiam is a thriving legacy to Christopher Lloyd, one of Britain's most influential gardening writers and plantsmen. Lloyd dedicated his life to transforming these gardens and boldly experimented in blending colours, textures and plants. Today, visitors enjoy seeing the fruits of his labour at the Long Border or at his Exotic Garden.

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Photo: Laurence Perry

Bateman's in Burwash for Literary Splendour

In the heart of the Wealden district lies the former home of author Rudyard Kipling known as Bateman's in Burwash. Here, visitors can catch a glimpse of the writer's life amid enchanting grounds and appreciate why he called this "a good and peaceful place." The 17th-century Jacobean house, too, is surrounded by a wild garden that reflects Kipling's love of the natural world and a working watermill adds to the rustic charm. 

However, Bateman's gardens hold a special significance for literary enthusiasts who trace Kipling's footsteps through grounds that directly influenced his writing. Fabulous formal lawns at the front comprise the must-see Mulberry Garden, the Lily Pond and Rose Garden. A spring visit here will be filled with the heavy scent of blossom and bluebell that won’t fail to captivate the interest of passionate gardeners.

Likewise, gardens, it seems, will never cease to offer painters and photographers inspiring natural canvases to respect and record the ever-changing seasons. And, in the words of another acclaimed artist, Claude Monet famously stated that “my garden is my most beautiful masterpiece. I can only draw what I see”.

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Photo: Suzanne Jones (@SussexBloggers)

Herstmonceux Treasures and Royal Secrets

Near Bateman's lies one of East Sussex’s best-kept secrets: King John's Nursery. This romantic five-acre garden captivates visitors with its mature trees, vibrant rhododendrons, fragrant roses, and tranquil water features. Less formal than some of the region's grander estates, this intimate garden offers winding paths with surprises around every corner. Plant enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to purchase specimens for their own gardens.

Similarly, the magnificent castle estate at Herstmonceux, dating back to the 15th century is another unbelievable backdrop perched atop themed gardens. Here, visitors can marvel at a traditional Elizabethan garden, resplendent with fragrant rose bushes. A dedicated rosarium and a special Shakespeare Garden containing plants mentioned in the Bard's works, are  artfully positioned with geometric precision. If you have a love of castles though, you might want to plan a memorable 1066 Country Walk.

Whether you're a gardener, artist or photographer looking for natural inspiration amid a historic garden setting, then you can’t fail to enjoy any or all of the 1066 Country's gardens. As well as their instant wow factor, set amid some of England's most significant heritage sites, they provide the perfect backdrop for exploring gardens throughout the spring and summer months.