Gardens
If you have green fingers, this day out should provide plenty of ideas for your own patch. Even if you know nothing about gardening, it might just inspire you to get your hands dirty.
Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest
The walled gardens here were laid out in 1674 by the horticulturalist John Evelyn and were designed as ‘outside rooms’ to the moated manor house they surround. Given a Tourism South East Award for Excellence in 2005, it is known for its stunning herbaceous borders and white rose garden. There is also an enchanted forest, with birds of prey, adventure play areas and unusual animals. It is open daily from the end of March to early November, 10am to 5.30pm (or dusk if earlier).
- Where is it? In the village of Groombridge, four miles south west of Tunbridge Wells on the B2110.
- How do I get there? From the A264 East Grinstead to Tunbridge Wells road follow the signs to Groombridge Place.
- Nearest train station: Tunbridge Wells – approximately three miles away; Spa Valley Railway, Groombridge (steam train) – approximately half a mile away.
- Cost: There is an entry fee. Combined tickets are available for the Spa Valley Railway and Groombridge Place.
- More information: Groombridge Place website
Pashley Manor Gardens
About 10 miles to the east are Pashley Manor Gardens, 1999 winner of Christie's Garden of the Year Award. Covering eleven acres and surrounding a Grade I listed timber-framed house dating from 1550, they are a mixture of romantic landscaping, fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds. Annual events include the Tulip Festival, Rose Weekend, Kitchen Garden Weekend, Lily Time and Sussex Guild Craft Show. There is a season long exhibition and sale of sculpture and botanical art as well as cafe, gift shop and plant sales. The gardens are open April to September, please check their website for more details (see link below).
- Where is it? On the B2099 between the A21 and Ticehurst village.
- How do I get there? From Groombridge head for Tunbridge Wells on the A264. Leave Tunbridge wells on the A26 (signposted Lewes) and turn left onto the A267. After about three miles turn left onto the B2099 (signposted Ticehurst) and follow the brown tourist signs.
- Nearest train station: Stonegate, Etchingham and Wadhurst – you will need a taxi from stations to the gardens.
- Cost: There is an entry fee.
- More information: Pashley Manor Gardens website
Great Dixter
Another 10 miles to the east is Great Dixter. This 15th and 16th century house, restored and enlarged by Sir Edwin Lutyens, was home to the gardening expert Christopher Lloyd. Experimental and often changing, the gardens display an exciting use of colour. They include topiary, meadow areas, mixed borders and exotic planting. House and gardens are open March to October – please check their website for more details (see link below).
- Where is it? Just off the A28, about half a mile north of Northiam in the East of the county.
- How do I get there? From the B2099 head east towards Flimwell and join the A268, then the A28. Turn off the A28 at the post office and follow the signs.
- Nearest train station: Robertsbridge – approximately seven miles away.
- Cost: There is an entry fee for the house and gardens, or gardens only.
- More information: Great Dixter website
