Our Open Gardens season returns for 2027 with a full season of events! From lakes to sculptures, exotic fruits to rose gardens, formal beds to wildflower meadows, there really is something for everyone at these beautiful Sussex gardens.
Many of the gardens will also feature wonderful extras, such as live bands, interesting stalls, delicious home baked cakes and refreshments.
It really is the perfect summer’s day out, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to a full season this year. No pre-booking is required – you can turn up on the day and make an entry donation. There will be card machines available for payments, otherwise payments are by cash.
The gardens
Squirrels
Saturday 3rd April 11am - 4pm
The Street, Arlington, BN26 6RX
Medium-size garden with far reaching views to the Downs and the Long Man of Wilmington, with two cherry trees and a variety of Camellias and Azaleas. Along with many spring bulbs there is a herbaceous border and large fish pond.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | No |
| Dogs allowed | No (except assistance dogs) |
| Wheelchair accessible | No |
| Parking | Available at the local Arlington Village Hall (will be signposted) |
If you have any trouble finding the exact location of this garden on the day, please call Michele on 07784238533 who will be able to assist you.
Carters Corner Farm
Saturday 10th April 11am - 4pm
Cowbeech Hill, Cowbeech, Hailsham, BN27 4JA
A large country garden with a small lake, parterre, large beds of mixed planting and a rose garden. There is an eight-acre wood full of white anemones and bluebells in Springtime. A variety of animals, ducks and chickens live on the attached smallholding.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | Yes |
| Dogs allowed | Yes (on short leads) |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Parking | On site |
Bates Green
Wednesday 21st April 10am - 4pm
Tye Hill Road, Arlington, BN26 6SH
Bates Green Garden, now an RHS Partner Garden, is a naturalistic garden in a rural setting. Divided into three distinct areas offering a sensory experience, with plants providing colour, scent and texture in all seasons. The Wildflower Meadow has a mown path through its five plus acres, with seating. St Wilfrid’s will also be providing refreshments for the Bluebell Walk on this day, which is the NHS Thank You Day, with free entry on presenting your NHS ID badge.
Entry to Bates Green Garden is by donation to the hospice.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | No |
| Dogs allowed | No (except assistance dogs) |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Parking | On site |
Carlisle Road & Chelmsford Lodge
Saturday 15th May 11am - 4pm
- Garden Flat 51 Carlisle Road Eastbourne BN21 4JR: Is a secluded, award-winning garden with glorious early summer colour from an abundance of old roses, perennials, mixed beds and diverse planting.
- 12 Granville Road Eastbourne BN20 7HE: A ¾ acre garden, which began in 1994, has developed from a former prep-school playing field and a neglected garden. With lawns, mature and unusual trees, pond, rockery, herbaceous beds and fruit trees.
| Refreshments | Yes at both venues |
| Stalls | No |
| Dogs allowed | Yes (on short leads) at both venues |
| Wheelchair accessible | Chelmsford Lodge only |
| Parking | Limited on street |
St Wilfrid's Hospice Gardens
Tuesday 18th May 10am - 3pm
St Wilfrid’s Hospice 1 Broadwater Way Eastbourne BN22 9PZ
Five different gardens at the hospice, all expertly maintained by our gardener Kevin Loveland and his team of volunteers. These tours have limited spaces, so please call 01323 434224 to reserve your £5 ticket (free with our Annual Pass). This is the first of our two open days of the hospice gardens, the other being in August.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | No |
| Dogs allowed | No (except assistance dogs) |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Parking | On site |
Oak Gate
Sunday 30th May 11am - 4pm
Oak Gate Hankham Street, Hankham, BN24 5BG
An English country garden, well planted with an artist’s studio and far-reaching views over Pevensey Marshes.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | No |
| Dogs allowed | Yes (on short leads) |
| Wheelchair accessible | No |
| Parking | On street |
Friston Place
Saturday 19th June - 11am to 4pm
Friston Place, Friston, BN20 0AH
Hidden in the Downs, this beautiful garden has large herbaceous borders, a very formal Italian garden, a vegetable garden and a flint walled rose garden. At the edge of the garden there is a new arboretum planted with 45 cherry trees, with more trees to come.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | Yes |
| Dogs allowed | No (except assistance dogs) |
| Wheelchair accessible | No |
| Parking | On site |
Peakdean Lane Walking Trail
Saturday 26th June - 11am to 4pm
- 24 Peakdean Lane East Dean BN20 0JD
- 34 Peakdean Lane East Dean BN20 0JE
Three large hillside gardens to explore, with terracing and steps to far reaching views to the sea, with plenty of places to sit. Wildlife ponds, meadow planting and summer colour. Gardens are within a short walk of each other. Plant sale outside number 30 on the day.
| Refreshments | Light refreshments are available at number 24 |
| Stalls | No |
| Dogs allowed | No (except assistance dogs) |
| Wheelchair accessible | No |
| Parking | On street parking available but limited, please car share if you can. Parking also available locally, adjacent to East Dean Village Green. |
Longleys Farmhouse
DATES TBC - 11am – 4:30pm both days
Longleys Farmhouse, Harebeating Lane Hailsham, BN27 1ER
An 18th century farmhouse set in peaceful rural countryside. The home of artist Veronica van Eijk and husband Mike Lodge, with plenty of places to sit, relax and enjoy the garden art and sculptures. There is the opportunity to take refreshments across the wildflower meadow, by the pond or under the oaks, surrounded by wildlife.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | No |
| Dogs allowed | Yes (on short leads) |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Parking | On site |
St Wilfrid's Hospice Gardens
Tuesday 13th July 10am – 3pm
St Wilfrid’s Hospice 1 Broadwater Way Eastbourne BN22 9PZ
Five different gardens at the hospice, all expertly maintained by our gardener Kevin Loveland and his team of volunteers. These tours have limited spaces, so please call 01323 434224 to reserve your £5 ticket (free with our Annual Pass). This is the second of our two open days of the hospice gardens, the other being in June.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | No |
| Dogs allowed | No dogs (except assistance dogs) |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Parking | On site |
Foxhunt Manor
Saturday 31st July 11am - 4pm
Foxhunt Green, Nr Waldron TN21 0RX
Edwardian garden in the early stages of restoration, set in 50 acres. Sunken Italian garden, wildflower walk, walled kitchen garden and orchard, with extensive lawns and flower borders.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | Yes |
| Dogs allowed | Yes (on short leads) |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Parking | On Site |
Limekiln Farm
Saturday 7th August 11am - 4pm
Chalvington Road, Chalvington BN27 3TA
Flint walls enclose the main lawn, herbaceous borders and rose garden. With a Nepeta lined courtyard, informal pond and specimen trees, including a very ancient oak and a newly planted prairie garden. Fascinating Physic Garden with talks at 11.30 and 2.30pm on the day about medicinal plants from the owner, a retired anaesthetist.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | Yes |
| Dogs allowed | Yes (on short leads) |
| Wheelchair accessible | No |
| Parking | On site |
Monkyn Pyn Barn
Saturday 4th September 11am – 4pm
Thornwell Road Wilmington BN26 6RL
Set in 3-acres, this 3-year-old garden is an evolving , naturalistically planted cottage garden. With an orchard, dry courtyard to the front and beautiful views of the Downs and Long Man of Wilmington. Bee hives on site.
| Refreshments | Yes |
| Stalls | No |
| Dogs allowed | Yes (on short leads) |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes (some uneven surfaces) |
| Parking | On Site |
A special thank you to...
Westways Vending Specialists for proving supplies and equipment
Further Information
If you require any assistance with finding the location of the garden you wish to visit please contact us.
Please be aware these venues may have some uneven surfaces and limited access.
We will always offer assistance where possible.
If you'd like to speak to someone, please contact Michele on 01323 434224. She will be able to assist with any queries including details of accessibility and disabled parking at each garden.
Annual Pass
Our Open Gardens Annual Pass is a fantastic way to enjoy all our beautiful Sussex gardens. The Pass makes a lovely gift for a friend or family member, or a well-deserved treat for yourself! For just £40, you can gain entry to every one of these gorgeous gardens and enjoy a free hot drink too.
Support St Wilfrid’s Hospice
Our Open Gardens season raises vital funds every year to help St Wilfrid’s Hospice continue supporting local patients and their families. It costs just over £22,000 a day to run all of our services here at the hospice and out in our community.
Save Money
Our Open Gardens have a suggested donation of £5 entry per garden, so you only need to visit a few of the gardens open this year to start saving!
Free Hot Drink
Your card entitles you to a Free Hot Drink of your choice at each of the Gardens, (Except the St Wilfrid’s Hospice gardens and any other specified in the brochure or on our website).
Physical Pass
Your annual pass will be sent to you in the post.
Open Gardens E-newsletter*
You will receive a monthly Open Gardens e-newsletter during the season, with information about the upcoming gardens.
Please note this newsletter is only available via email.
