Book Rummage
9–10 Oct (another 1 day)
A book sale in the lower parlour offers an eclectic range of books across different genres, available by donation.
East Sussex
East Sussex is a scenic ceremonial county in South East England known for its historic landmarks, dramatic cliffs like the Seven Sisters, vibrant coastal towns, and rich cultural festivals.
The Big Draw at Monk's House
9–10 Oct, 16–17 Oct…
The Big Draw at Monk's House offers a range of garden-based art activities themed around making marks, including drawing, sketching and creating pictures from natural forms. Activities are open to all ages and abilities.
2 miles from Firle Place
Firle Place is a historic country estate in East Sussex offering guided tours of its Grade One listed house with a rich collection of art and furniture, set within beautiful parkland in the South Downs National Park. Visitors can also enjoy the tea room and accessible facilities during a meaningful indoor and outdoor experience.
Display of Su Blackwell's 'Bateman's Reimagined'
5 Oct 2026–14 Feb 2027 (another 128 days)
An exhibition of Su Blackwell’s paper artwork, a house created from copies of Rudyard Kipling’s handwritten manuscript of The Jungle Book. The artwork is displayed in Elsie’s Room on the ground floor of Bateman’s.
Near Bateman's
Bateman's is a 17th-century Jacobean house in Burwash, East Sussex, known as the home of Rudyard Kipling. Visitors can explore the house preserved as it was in Kipling's time, including his study and collections, as well as the garden and the historic water mill on the estate.
Dream House Tours
6–9 Oct, 12–16 Oct…
A guided tour around the outside of Nymans house, exploring the building and how it developed after Ludwig Messel purchased it in 1890.
Sneak Peek Tours
6–9 Oct, 12–16 Oct…
A 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour inside Nymans house, led by a member of the conservation team, offering a glimpse into the house.
Near Nymans
Nymans is a Grade II* listed English garden in West Sussex, featuring extensive woodland, rare plants, and the picturesque ruins of a mock-medieval stone manor. Managed by the National Trust, it showcases a variety of historic horticultural styles and plant collections.
Display of Axel Scheffler's prints from Monkey Puzzle
23 May–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A display of four prints by Axel Scheffler from Julia Donaldson’s book *Monkey Puzzle*, showing the illustrations and their detail in the kitchen at Bateman’s.
Rudyard Kipling introductory talks
6–30 Oct (another 21 days)
A short outdoor introductory talk gives an overview of Rudyard Kipling’s life, family and writing, and explains his connection to Bateman’s before visitors go inside the house.
3 miles from Pashley Manor Gardens
Pashley Manor Gardens offers 11 acres of beautifully maintained English country gardens surrounding a historic Grade I listed manor house. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays of flowers including tulips, roses, and dahlias, art exhibitions, and a café with garden views. The site provides good wheelchair accessibility and facilities including accessible parking and toilets. Admission is free for Historic Houses members, with fees for others, especially during the annual Tulip Festival.
The Art of Illusion: The Theatrical World of Oliver Messel
13 Jun–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition at Nymans exploring the life and creative work of stage designer Oliver Messel, including objects relating to his work in interior design, film and theatre. A display in the Oriel Room features costumes created by students at Wimbledon College of Arts and inspired by Messel.
Near High Beeches Woodland & Water Garden
High Beeches Woodland & Water Garden in West Sussex is a 27-acre botanical garden featuring rare and exotic plants, woodland glades, water gardens, and an ancient wildflower meadow. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, owner guided tours, a picnic area, and accessible facilities in a peaceful outdoor setting.
Monkey Puzzle trail at Bateman’s
23 May–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A family trail at Bateman’s inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Monkey Puzzle. Visitors explore the house and garden, helping Little Monkey find his mum through interactive games and challenges.
Spookiful at Standen
5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A Halloween-themed trail around the garden, with spooky features including creepy crows and Standen bats. Visitors can explore the Spookiful Bothy and take part in creative activities in the Witchard den.
Near Standen
Standen is an Arts and Crafts house in West Sussex, featuring original Morris & Co. interiors and an extensive Arts and Crafts garden. Visitors can explore the historic house and surrounding gardens managed by the National Trust.
Moat tour with a costumed medieval character
9 Oct, 16 Oct…
Join a costumed medieval character for a guided tour around Bodiam Castle’s moat, hearing about the castle’s construction, landscape and past inhabitants.
Near Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, England, known for its distinctive quadrangular design with towers and battlements. Set in a landscaped environment with an ornamental moat, it showcases medieval architecture and history. The castle is a ruin open to the public under the care of the National Trust and has been featured in films and television.
Stranger Folk Adventure at Sheffield Park
7 Oct–15 Nov (another 37 days)
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to take part in an outdoor, games-based adventure inspired by British folklore. Guided by the Old Crone, teams complete magical tasks to find the Stranger Folk and decide their fate.
Near Sheffield Park and Garden
Sheffield Park and Garden is a large landscape and woodland garden in East Sussex, originally designed by Capability Brown. It features a significant collection of rare plants and trees, natural ponds, and extensive grounds for outdoor exploration. The garden remains a National Trust property and offers visitors a serene and historic natural environment.
Captured by Caricature: Max Beerbohm and Henry James
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
An exhibition exploring the connection between Max Beerbohm and Henry James, featuring Beerbohm’s caricatures of James alongside sketches by William Rothenstein and John Singer Sargent.
Near Lamb House
Lamb House is an 18th-century writer's house museum in Rye, East Sussex, showcasing the home and garden of renowned authors like Henry James. Visitors can explore the historic interiors and the walled garden, enjoying both indoor and outdoor heritage experiences.
Located in Rye
Rye is a picturesque historic town in East Sussex, known for its medieval streets, cobbled lanes, and rich maritime history as a former Cinque Port. It offers a vibrant arts scene, cultural festivals, and local seafood specialties, making it a popular tourist destination.
New Ideas and Old Loves: Sissinghurst and Italy
26 Sep 2026–6 Jun 2027 (another 240 days)
An exhibition exploring the influence of Italy on Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, featuring objects, love letters, photographs and multimedia experiences.
Flapper Fashion
5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A display in Scotney Castle’s Mansion House showcases early 20th-century dresses belonging to Betty Hussey and Maud Kerr-Smiley, including a Schiaparelli designer dress. It also presents research into the garments and their owners.
Display of the Sir Philip Burne-Jones portrait of Rudyard Kipling
5 Oct–31 Dec (another 83 days)
A portrait of Rudyard Kipling by Sir Philip Burne-Jones goes on display in Kipling’s Study at Bateman’s, alongside the portrait of his wife, Caroline. The display marks the start of a three-year loan from the National Portrait Gallery.
Photography Display
25 Jun–31 Oct (another 22 days)
A display in the ground-floor rooms of Scotney Castle’s Mansion House presents previously unseen photographs of the Old Castle and the Hussey family, drawn from the estate’s photography collection.
Styling Smallhythe: From the functional to the unconventional
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
A display at Smallhythe Place traces changes in women’s fashion from the late 1800s into the 1900s, using clothing, photographs and paintings to explore changing attitudes and the lives of some of the house’s residents.
Object of the month
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
Visitors can discover collection items linked to the history of Smallhythe Place and Ellen Terry, including theatre props and historic pub objects from the 1800s. The items are rotated monthly and displayed inside the house.
Near Smallhythe Place
Smallhythe Place is a Tudor-era historic house and theatre museum in Kent, dedicated to Victorian actress Ellen Terry, featuring her theatrical collection, costume displays, beautiful gardens, and an active barn theatre hosting numerous productions annually.
Diwali at Bateman's
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Celebrate Diwali at Bateman’s with displays of Indian objects, artworks and decorations, family crafts, and opportunities to browse Indian gifts and books. The event also highlights Rudyard Kipling’s connections with India.
Book of the Month
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
Visitors can discover a featured novel inspired by or connected to Lamb House and the history of its notable residents. The featured book changes monthly.
2 miles from Camber Castle
Camber Castle is a 16th-century Device Fort built by Henry VIII near Rye, East Sussex, to protect the coast from invasion. It is a ruined concentric artillery fortress operated by English Heritage, open to visitors for guided tours. The castle is notable for its historic military architecture and coastal location.