National Trust: Nymans Garden

In my opinion, one of the Trust’s Jewels of the South. I have visited most of them, as a member, and find Nymans the most beautiful of gardens. The house is as reviewed by fellow Qypers. Terrific photo opportunities, particularly if you can get away of taking photos inside the house. Suggest you use an F1.8 50 mm lens. flash not needed! The natural light gives you fantasic results.

Nymans was one of the highlights of a recent country walk (part of walk 16 in Time Out’s Saturday Walker’s Club) and definitely worth a return visit in its own right.
As a lunch time stopover for hungry hikers the café is a bit of a let-​down, though. We had a sandwich and ploughmans which were both OK but rather overpriced. After a walk around the grounds which include romantic ruins, stunning views and beautiful gardens, we returned to the café for afternoon tea. Just to be even more disappointed — they have a problem with their water which makes hot drinks taste disgusting (apparently, we aren’t the first to notice and something is being done about this — to their credit, we did get a refund, but a nice cup of tea would have been more welcome).
If it weren’t for the lacklustre catering this place would definitely deserve a full five stars. The garden centre looked outstanding, even for the National Trust’s high standards.

This is an attractive 20^th century garden and imposing house ruins with wonderful views over the Sussex countryside towards the South Downs. The gardens really come into their own in the spring with the collections of magnolias to admire along with other rare and noteworthy plants (see photos). Part of the house can be explored with the help of knowledgeable and friendly guides and there are various events held at Nymans throughout the year. These include Easter trail, summer theatre and themed walks.
Admission prices are £8 adults, child £4 and family £20.

This is a good day out. There is something round every corner. You are greeted by the café which is always a good start and this one has some good outside seating as well as inside. There is plenty of room to picnic in the wooded car park.
You can then meander through the wonderful 20^th century gardens, the Rose Garden, The Walled garden with it’s amazingly colourful herbaceous borders (this must be one of the most photographed in England !), by which time you’ve almost forgotten about the house ! But not for long. Through an arch in the wall, there stands the Majestic house. Turn another corner and there is the most wonderful, Romantic, Gothic like ruin. It is hard to believe that it was only in 1947 that a fire ripped through the building and this part was left standing & unrepaired. An amazing back drop for the gardens & a golden photo opportunity.
The knot garden & the sunken garden are set around the house & ruins then lead on to a beautiful wooded estate, over 200 acres, with wonderful views across Sussex. Although a frequent visitor I still find walks & paths that I have never found before.
The rooms on the ground floor of the house contain fascinating day to day artifacts of the family and the NT Stewards are friendly and informative. I see different things every time I visit.
There is a good sized shop & small plant area. There is good access for the disabled.