Surrey, Sussex & Kent
The scenery of this part of England is varied yet distinctive: the South Downs rolling down to the cliffs at Beachy Head, the sparsely wooded heathland of the Ashdown Forest, and the intricate landscapes of the Weald. The National Trust protects some of the best stretches of countryside and many fine houses and outstanding gardens. Apart from houses such as Bateman’s, much-loved family home of Rudyard Kipling, the enchanting Bodiam Castle, Petworth House and Park with its sumptuous interiors and rolling parkland, Polesden Lacey on the North Downs and Chartwell, family home of Sir Winston Churchill, the Trust also owns several glorious gardens including Nymans Garden, Sheffield Park Garden and Sissinghurst Castle Garden. There is a holiday home at Standen – approximately half way between London and the south coast. Alternatively, you can choose Saxon Cottage, a delightful thatched cottage in Steyning, Frensham Common Cottage near Hindhead, or Garden Cottage at Polesden Lacey. To the west of the capital, the River Thames meanders majestically through the verdant countryside. This is a region of contrasts, with magnificent historic houses and beautiful varied countryside, offering some of the finest scenery in Southern England, yet within easy reach of central London by train. Sitting on a cliff-top on one of the most idyllic stretches of the Thames, Cliveden has magnificent Grade I listed gardens and woodlands for guests at our two cottages to enjoy.

Nymans
The Nymans Estate is the achievement of three generations of the Messel family and their gardeners. Created in the 20th-century it has one of the great gardens of the Sussex Weald, internationally known for its beauty, atmosphere and collection of rare and important plants. The garden is laid out in a series of outdoor rooms and there are wonderful views over the Sussex countryside towards the South Downs. Nymans is open throughout the year so that you can experience the garden as it changes each season. The beautiful family rooms in Nymans house are open to the public, displayed largely as the family would have used them. The majestic house ruins, left by a fire in 1947, form a romantic backdrop to the garden. Nymans Woods are 275 acres of natural wooded valleys with way marked walks, a conifer avenue, cascades, medieval lakes, seasonal wild flowers and the tallest tree in Sussex. Holiday Cottage guests have access to Ightham Mote grounds out of hours.

National Trust places nearby: Devil's Dyke, Petworth, Sheffield Park, Standen, Wakehurst Place Shop and pub: Handcross, Stapleford, Haywards Heath, Crawley. Tea-room/café/restaurant: restaurant at Nymans. Railway station: Balcombe, Crawley. Other attractions: Brighton. Activities: walking, horse riding, golf, cycling.

Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 198