Nymans Gardens |
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Nymans is a garden for true gardening enthusiasts. It successfully combines the horticultural attributes of a plant collector's garden with a clear design which is easy on the eye.
Nymans Gardens were created by Ludwig Messel in 1890 and cared for by three generations of the family including his son Leonard and grandson Oliver, before being passed to the National Trust.
Nymans Gardens and the remains of the mock-medieval house, which was badly damaged by fire in 1947, make a unique place to visit in West Sussex. It enjoys superb views across the South Downs from the balustraded terrace. The gardens also include 275 acres of woodland in the nearby Sussex Weald which now belong to the National Trust.
Highlights
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Ludwig Messel purchased the land and the elegant regency mansion of Nymans Gardens in 1890. He worked alongside head gardener, James Comber, who worked dedicatedly at Nymans for 58 years.
The Pinetum was the first part of Nyman's Gardens to be planted. Beyond it is the wildflower meadow followed by the Arboretum. Tupelos, sweet gums and American limes were planted to produce a riot of autumnal colour.
The summer borders provide more colour with beds of annuals and perennials set off against the dark green yew topiaries. Walking along the paths is an adventure of discovery as guests pass from one garden "room" to the next.
Oliver Messel was one of the most creative theatre designers of his day. Well-known family connections include Messel's nephew, photographer Lord Snowdon, and his son Viscount Linley who is an acclaimed furniture maker. Certainly artistic design seems to run strongly through this creative family.
A tour
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The Wild Garden offers a spread of delicate colour in summer and the gardens enjoy a rich perfume from the more exotic plantings. The Italian Garden is an elegant and quiet place of contemplation around the tinkling fountain.
The extensive woodland has maintained trails and marked footpaths beneath the trees. Enjoy daffodils and bluebells in spring, a carpet of wild flowers in the summer and rich gold, red and yellow foliage in the autumn.
With a shop selling tastefully selected items on a garden theme and a café for refreshments, Nymans Gardens is a treasure trove of English gardening at its best.
The gardens were one of the first to be acquired by the National Trust, back in 1953, and they have continued to flourish despite wide destruction by the freak storm in 1987, which destroyed 486 irreplaceable mature trees.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
Whole Property 19th February - 30th October: 11.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday - Sunday. 5th November - 18th December: 11.00am - 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday. Open Bank Holiday Mondays. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets):Adult £7.00 (£6.35); Child £3.50 (£3.15); Family £17.50 (£15.90) Joint ticket with Rievaulx Terrace: Adult £10.10 (£9.10); Child £5.30 (£4.80); Family £25.30 (£23.00) |
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Directions
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By Bus Metrobus 273 Brighton to Crawley, 271 Haywards to Crawley. Both stop outside Nymans. Both pass Crawley rail station. Cycling on the National Cycle Network route 20. By road on B2114 at Handcross, just off London to Brighton M23/A23 By train Balcome 4 miles, Crawley 5 miles On Foot 5 miles by footpath from Balcombe Ordnance survey reference 187:TQ26S294 |
| Show map of Nymans Gardens... |
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Nymans Gardens Postcode for SatNav: RH17 6EB |
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