From 1.4 million bulbs at Arundel Castle to landmark anniversaries at Nymans and Borde Hill, Sussex is set for its most spectacular year of gardens yet in 2026, positioning it as one of the UK’s must-visit destinations for garden lovers this year.
A packed calendar of floral festivals, heritage milestones and major planting displays is being matched by a growing focus on nature recovery, with gardens across Sussex playing an increasingly important role in restoring habitats and supporting biodiversity.
Jo Williams from Experience Sussex said: “2026 is a standout year for Sussex. Our gardens are looking better than ever and are part of a wider story of nature recovery and landscape care.
“From large-scale planting to gardens of the future, there is a real sense of renewal. For visitors, it is a chance to experience Sussex at its most vibrant and meaningful and discover a landscape being carefully nurtured for generations to come.”
Heritage and landmark moments
At Nymans, near Haywards Heath, a major exhibition celebrates the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh, exploring how the Sussex landscape inspired the much-loved stories. The Grade II* listed garden is also home to rare plant collections and sweeping views across the Sussex Weald. The exhibition runs until 31 May 2026.
Borde Hill marks the 30th anniversary of its Rose Garden in June, showcasing hundreds of varieties at peak scent and colour. Created by five generations of the Stephenson Clarke family, the gardens remain one of Sussex’s most significant heritage landscapes.
Spring spectacle at scale
Arundel Castle will once again deliver one of the UK’s most impressive seasonal displays, with 1.4 million bulbs planted across the gardens over the past 12 years. Visitors can experience the Tulip Festival in April followed by the Allium Extravaganza in May, reinforcing its status as the Historic Houses Garden of the Year.
At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden, spring unfolds across 500 acres with daffodils, magnolia and bluebells, alongside the globally important Millennium Seed Bank. The gardens will also host a major Henry Moore sculpture exhibition from June to September.
Pashley Manor offers a more intimate but equally vibrant experience, with 30,000 tulips across more than 100 varieties during its spring festival, followed by Dahlia Days in early autumn.
Gardens with a difference
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens combines horticulture, art and wildlife across its restored Grade I listed landscape, with seasonal planting, a 100-piece sculpture trail and free-roaming wallabies.
Sheffield Park, near Uckfield features the Garden of the Future designed by Chelsea Gold medal winner Joe Perkins with plants chosen for climate resilience.
Famed for its autumn colour, the garden is a beautiful in every season, offering something for everyone throughout the year. Spring brings fragrant arbours and vibrant colours, including the National Collection of Ghent Azaleas, while waterlilies cover the lakes during summer.
More to explore across Sussex
Other standout gardens and events include:
- High Beeches, near Haywards Heath, known for its woodland displays of magnolias, bluebells and rhododendrons
- Great Dixter, near Rye, internationally recognised for its bold planting and spring colour
- Gravetye Manor, near East Grinstead, combining historic gardens with Michelin-starred dining
- Tulleys Tulips, near Crawley, featuring 1.5 million tulips alongside seasonal events and entertainment
- Chichester Cathedral’s Festival of Flowers (3–6 June 2026), marking its 30th anniversary with 50,000 blooms
With world-class gardens, a strong calendar of events and a renewed focus on nature and sustainability, Sussex offers an exceptional day out or short break throughout spring and summer.
For more information and to plan your visit, go to the website.
Image: Jay Robins Rose Garden at Borde Hill by Claudia Gaupp
