Borde Hill Garden

A late-nineteenth century garden started by a keen horticulturalist. Col. Stephenson Clarke bought the property in 1893. The collection of trees and shrubs is outstanding but there is also an attractive Arts and Crafts garden near the house with terraces and herbaceous planting. Several copses, including Warren Wood and Stone Pits, are planted with exotic trees and shrubs. A restoration grant was made by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Head Gardener's Comment

Described as 'One of the country's truly great gardens' by Country Life magazine, Borde Hill Garden is more than just a beautiful and historic garden. With a fascinating history dating back to 1890's, it is the while away a day; enjoy the 200 acres of traditional parkland - perfect for a picnic, bbq, dog walking or for playing ball games!

There is also a children's playground

Borde Hill is a botanically rich Grade II* garden set in 200 acres of Sussex High Weald with magnificent views across the Ouse Valley Viaduct. The formal gardens are planted as distinctive outdoor 'rooms' each with unique style. They include the Azalea Ring, the first to be planted and comes alive with a rainbow of colour during May. The Italian Garden, centred on a large pool with stunning views over the park, The Rose Garden planted with 600 David Austin roses and sub-tropical dells. Early spring-flowering magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas give way to exuberant borders of roses and herbaceous plants. The plants originate from the Himalayas, China and the Andes, and collected by the great plant collectors in the early 1900s.

In amongst the acres of land are some of the finest collections of shrubs and trees in England, making Borde Hill one of the most stunning gardens in the south east. The vast area of woodland is great for taking long walks under the shade of the giant trees carpeted with bluebells. The garden has over 70 champion trees that are the tallest or largest girth in Britain, and during the autumn months they transform into a spectrum of reds, oranges and golds. With bird watching, an art gallery and a top quality cafe all on site, there is plenty to occupy visitors of all ages. Or you can simply enjoy the countryside by soaking up nature at its best.

Dogs on leads are welcome too.

It's a great place for families to relax with a picnic surrounded by the beautiful parkland and the lakes that are a favourite for fishing.