Sussex

Borde Hill Garden

Rich with botanical beauty and heritage, Borde Hill is set in 200 acres of stunning parkland and boasts an immense diversity of plants including many ‘champion’ trees.

The formal section of the garden (17 acres) is laid out in a series of garden ‘rooms’ demonstrating different styles of design and presentation including a lavish Rose Garden, romantic Italian Garden, sub-tropical Dells and the exuberant Azalea Ring. The flora and fauna extends to the tranquil Garden of Allah. The enchanted woodland area contains giant rhododendrons and is carpeted with bluebells and anemones during early spring.

Panoramic views reach north across the Ouse Valley Viaduct and south across parkland and lakes.

Extensive Children’s adventure playground with Wild West Fort, Tree Top Walk, Obstacle Course and toddler’s area is fun for the kids.
Course fishing and picnics overlooking the lakes.
Kite Fair 3 August 2008
Country Fair 16 & 17 August 2008

Garden open daily 21 March – 3 September 2008 10 am -6pm
01444 450326, www.bordehill.co.uk

Observatory Science Centre

Hands-on science and discovery among the domes and telescopes of a world-famous astronomical observatory. All ages and abilities will find something to entertain and educate, from the wide range of fun hands-on exhibits indoors, giant-sized exhibits outdoors in our Discovery Park, tours of the historic telescopes, and our exhibition ‘Domes of Discovery’, and our amazing interactive science shows! Science learning is not just for the young, but also for the young at heart – we aim to put the ‘fun’ back into ‘science’ for everyone! Set amid beautiful Sussex countryside, the Observatory Science Centre provides a unique environment and is an ideal venue for a ‘Family Fun’ day out. Café, gift shop, picnic areas and ample free parking. Special events and activities throughout the year. For more details go to www.the-observatory.org.

Weald and Downland Museum

For a fascinating day out, visit England’s leading Museum of historic buildings and traditional rural life. Over 45 original buildings have been rescued from destruction and rebuilt in a beautiful 50 acre parkland setting in the South Downs, bringing to life the homes, farms and workplaces of the south east over the past 500 years. Watch the Shire horses at work; meet the traditional breed farm animals; visit the working Tudor kitchen; relax by the lakeside; visit the café or picnic on many quiet spots around the site. The enchanting atmosphere and the historic collections mean that it’s a great day out for all the family.

Special events are held throughout the year, with hands-on children’s activities every half term and weekly during the summer holidays. For more details go to www.wealddown.co.uk.

Herstmonceux

Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificanet moated castle, set in beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens and parkland. Built originally as a country home in the mid-15th century, Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe. 

Set among carefully maintained Elizabethan gardens and parklands, your experience begins with you first sight of the caslte as it breaks into view.

In the grounds youwill find the formal gardens including a walled garden dating from before 1570, a herb garden, the Shakespeare Garden, woodland sculptures, the Pyramid, the water lily filled moat and the Georgian style folly.

The castle is not open to the public, however guided tours are conducted at an extra charge and subject to availability, but die to the operation of a busy working university we strongly advise you to phone for confirmation of times before you visit. For more details go to www.herstmonceux-castle.com.


Fact Box

To find out more about Sussex visit www.visitsussex.org