Alfriston Clergy House

This rare 14th-century Wealden 'hall house' was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust, in 1896. The thatched, timber-framed house is in an idyllic setting, with views across the River Cuckmere and surrounded by a delightful, tranquil cottage garden featuring a magnificent Judas tree. Note: no toilet, nearest in village car park.

Don't miss

• Admire the first house the National Trust saved.
• Enjoy the tranquillity of our English cottage garden.
• Discover the chalk and sour milk floor in the hall.

Making the most of your day

Children's quizzes and trails. Varied events programme all year. Short circular walks and longer distance hikes over South Downs. Situated in the interesting and historic medieval village of Alfriston.


Ted's review- A very interesting property of the National Trust with a lovely view of the Cuckmere river. Lots of exciting activities for all ages too.

Contact- alfriston@nationaltrust.org.uk

Opening times

Whole property
26 Feb - 9 Mar 11	11 - 4	Mo	Tu	We			Sa	Su
12 Mar - 31 Jul 11	10:30 - 5	Mo	Tu	We			Sa	Su
1 Aug - 28 Aug 11	10:30 - 5	Mo	Tu	We		Fr	Sa	Su
29 Aug - 30 Oct 11	10:30 - 5	Mo	Tu	We			Sa	Su
31 Oct - 18 Dec 11	11 - 4	Mo	Tu	We			Sa	Su

Getting there- http://bit.ly/iw1c88


The Tye, Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex BN26 5TL

Telephone: 01323 870001

Wakehurst Place

The National Trust’s most visited property. Open throughout the year, Wakehurst is the country estate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This beautiful botanic garden is internationally significant, for both its collections and its vital scientific research and plant conservation. Enjoy visiting woodland and lakes, formal gardens, the Elizabethan house and Kew's Millennium Seed Bank. Wakehurst marked an international conservation milestone in 2010, conserving the seeds of 10 per cent of the world’s plant species for the future, and now embarks on the target of conserving a quarter of the world’s plant species by 2020. Note: funded and managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (www.kew.org).

Don't miss

• Journey through changing landscapes of garden, wetland and woodland.
• Discover and enjoy plants from all around the world.
• Explore the nature reserves.

Making the most of your day

Spring and autumn colour weekend events, Christmas celebrations. Children’s trail. Kingfisher and badger-watching evenings. Loder Valley nature reserve with wetland and meadowland: admission limited to 50 people per day. Dogs: assistance dogs only


Ted's review- Fantastic gardens with a massive variety of plants. Although open throughout the year, my favourite time to visit was in the autumn, at this time the colours are awesome! Spring is a great time to visit too.

Contact- wakehurst@kew.org

Opening times

Whole property
1 Jan - 28 Feb 11	10 - 4:30	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa	Su
1 Mar - 31 Oct 11	10 - 6	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa	Su
1 Nov - 31 Dec 11	10 - 4:30	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa	Su

Getting there- http://bit.ly/jjjjQv

Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 6TN
Telephone: 01444 894066

Sheffield Park and 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 and azaleas are spectacular in early summer. Autumn brings stunning colours from the many rare trees and shrubs, and winter walks can be enjoyed in this garden for all seasons. Visitors can now also explore South Park, 107 hectares (265 acres) of historic parkland, with stunning views.

Don't miss

• Don't miss the 'What's in the garden' board.
• Enjoy a cricket match on our historic cricket pitch.
• Enjoy the mirror-like reflections in the lakes.

Making the most of your day

Special events throughout the year (telephone or visit website for details). Family activities available for garden and parkland – just pop into our reception to find out more. Dogs: allowed under close control in parkland (assistance dogs only in garden). Please observe restrictions

Ted's review- Beautiful scenery throughout the year. My favourite time due to the colours would be autumn (Look over the lakes) it is amazing! Also variety of activities can be enjoyed including playing cricket!

Contact- sheffieldpark@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Opening times

Garden
1 Jan - 13 Feb 11	10:30 - 4	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa	Su
14 Feb - 31 Oct 11	10:30 - 5:30	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa	Su
1 Nov - 31 Dec 11	10:30 - 4	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa	Su
Parkland
Open all year	Dawn till dusk	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa	Su

Getting there- http://bit.ly/lRTQtA

Sheffield Park, East Sussex TN22 3QX

Telephone: 01825 790231

Standen

Late Victorian family home brought vividly to life in this gem of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Standen is hidden at the end of a quiet Sussex lane with breathtaking views over the High Weald and Weirwood Reservoir. The design of the house is a monument to the combined genius of architect Philip Webb and his friend William Morris. All the big names of the Arts and Crafts period are represented, including ceramics by William De Morgan and metalwork by W. A. S. Benson. The beautiful hillside gardens provide year-round interest; the woodlands, a number of easily accessible walks.

Don't miss

• Experience being a guest in this Victorian family's home.
• Explore the Sussex countryside through our picturesque woodland walks.
• Enjoy many designs of Morris and Co. throughout the house.

Making the most of your day

Open-air theatre, guided walks, children's school holiday activity days, regular temporary exhibitions and workshops, introductory talks, conservation demonstrations, lecture lunches, special Christmas programme of festive events and activities. Dogs: welcome on leads in designated areas, including the extensive woodland walks.


Ted's review- Fantastic display of Arts and Crafts in the house and a equally spectacular view of the scenery   surrounding the house. Some lovely walks can be done here too.

Contact- standen@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Opening times

Whole property 19 Feb - 6 Mar 11 11 - 4:30 Sa Su 12 Mar - 10 Apr 11 11 - 4:30 We Th Fr Sa Su 11 Apr - 25 Apr 11 11 - 4:30 Mo We Th Fr Sa Su 27 Apr - 24 Jul 11 11 - 4:30 We Th Fr Sa Su 25 Jul - 4 Sep 11 11 - 4:30 Mo We Th Fr Sa Su 7 Sep - 23 Oct 11 11 - 4:30 We Th Fr Sa Su 24 Oct - 30 Oct 11 11 - 4:30 Mo We Th Fr Sa Su 5 Nov - 18 Dec 11 11 - 3 Sa Su 19 Dec - 21 Dec 11 11 - 3 Mo Tu We

Getting there- http://bit.ly/ko98zU

West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4NE

Telephone: 01342 323029