East Sussex

Near Scotney Castle

Scotney Castle in Kent is a National Trust property featuring a medieval moated manor ruins and an early Tudor Revival country house surrounded by picturesque gardens with seasonal floral displays. Visitors can explore both indoor historic house spaces and outdoor gardens with historical and natural highlights.

Near 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.

Near Fore Wood

Fore Wood is a peaceful ancient woodland near Crowhurst, East Sussex, renowned for its wildlife and rare plants including bluebells and orchids. It offers outdoor nature trails through varied terrain and is managed for conservation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reserve is free to access but has limited facilities and accessibility challenges.

3 miles from Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey

10–11 Oct (this weekend)

A large-scale re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings, with Saxon and Norman soldiers, living history camps, falconry displays, traditional music and a performance telling the story of the Bayeux Tapestry. Children can take part in sword school and a re-creation of the battle.

3 miles from 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.

3 miles from 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.

2 miles from 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.

2 miles from 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.

3 miles from Bayham Old Abbey

Bayham Old Abbey is a historic 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey ruins located near Lamberhurst, Kent. Now maintained by English Heritage, visitors can explore scenic outdoor ruins featuring ornate stonework and a nearby gatehouse, set within landscaped grounds enhanced by famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton.

Near 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.

3 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.

2 miles from 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.

3 miles from Penns in the Rocks

Penns in the Rocks is an early 18th-century historic house with artistic and literary heritage, featuring a garden with a dedicated temple and situated near natural sandstone rocks, offering visitors a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences.

Located in Crowborough

Crowborough is a historic market town in East Sussex, notable for its picturesque setting on the edge of Ashdown Forest, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural heritage including ties to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Near Farleys House & Gallery

Farleys House & Gallery is a former Georgian farmhouse that showcases an art gallery and sculpture garden, offering guided tours of the house and seasonal exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy tea and cakes onsite and explore gardens featuring permanent and contemporary artworks.

2 miles from The Big Cat Sanctuary

The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent is a specialised animal sanctuary focusing on big cats, offering limited public open days and experience packages like overnight stays and photography workshops, with enclosures designed to mimic wild habitats.

3 miles from Priory Meadow Shopping Centre

Priory Meadow Shopping Centre in Hastings is a large indoor retail complex featuring numerous stores and a notable cricket-themed statue outside, offering a typical shopping experience with extensive parking.

Located in Hastings

Hastings is a historic seaside town and borough in East Sussex, England, known for its medieval old town, fishing fleet, cultural events, and coastal landmarks like Hastings Castle and Pier.

3 miles from Godinton House & Gardens

Godinton House & Gardens is a historic country house in Kent featuring guided tours, extensive gardens, and seasonal events. Visitors can explore formal and walled gardens, enjoy homemade refreshments, and discover centuries of history through a rich collection of furniture and art.

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.

Near 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.

2 miles from Stone House Country Estate

Stone House Country Estate offers a blend of Tudor and Georgian architecture with services for weddings and private events, featuring indoor drawing rooms and extensive gardens for an exclusive visitor experience.

3 miles from 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.

Near Royal Victoria Place

Royal Victoria Place is a partially covered shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with 99 retail units and a community centre, offering an indoor shopping experience.

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a historic spa town in Kent, England, known for its picturesque Pantiles, cultural venues, green parks, and convenient transport links including rail services. It offers a blend of heritage, shopping, and outdoor leisure for tourists.

3 miles from Broadwater Warren

Broadwater Warren is a nature reserve set in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with heathland and woodland restoration, offering wildlife habitats for threatened species, scenic viewpoints, and accessible trails for visitors including wheelchairs and pushchairs.

2 miles from Churchill Square (Brighton and Hove)

Churchill Square is a large indoor shopping centre in Brighton featuring around 85 shops including major chain stores, a food court with multiple restaurants, outdoor seating areas, and an IKEA City Store. It offers ample parking and easy access by public transport.