High Beeches Gardens

Location

About

Nestled in the heart of Sussex, England, High Beeches Gardens is a stunning botanical garden that is a must-visit destination for tourists. The gardens are located near the village of Handcross and are easily accessible by car or public transport. Covering an area of 27 acres, the gardens are home to a diverse range of plants and trees, including many rare and exotic species.

The gardens were originally established in the early 1900s by the Loder family, who were renowned horticulturists. Today, High Beeches Gardens is run by a charitable trust and is open to the public from April to October each year. The gardens are a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

One of the standout features of High Beeches Gardens is the stunning woodland area. The gardens are set in a picturesque valley and are surrounded by ancient woodland. Visitors can take a stroll through the woodlands, which are carpeted with bluebells and other wildflowers in the springtime. The woodlands are also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers.

In addition to the woodland area, High Beeches Gardens also features a series of formal gardens. These gardens are beautifully designed and meticulously maintained, offering visitors a feast for the senses. From the vibrant colours of the herbaceous borders to the tranquil sound of the water features, there is something to delight visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of a visit to High Beeches Gardens is the chance to see some of the rare and exotic plants that grow there. The gardens are home to a vast collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, many of which were collected from around the world by the Loder family. Visitors can also see a variety of magnolias, including some of the largest specimens in the UK.

High Beeches Gardens is also a popular destination for birdwatchers. The gardens are home to a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and treecreepers. Visitors can take a guided birdwatching tour or simply spend some time wandering through the gardens, keeping an eye out for feathered friends.

Overall, a visit to High Beeches Gardens is a must for anyone interested in horticulture, wildlife, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in a stunning natural setting. With its stunning woodland, formal gardens, and vast collection of rare and exotic plants, it is a botanical garden that will linger in the memory for years to come.

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Things to do nearby

High Beeches Gardens, located in Sussex, England, is a stunning 27-acre botanical garden, well-known for its woodland and water gardens. The site features a variety of rare and exotic trees, shrubs, and plants, many of which were collected from around the world by the garden's founders, Sir Edmund and Lady Lucy Loder. With so much natural beauty and history to explore, High Beeches Gardens is an ideal location for tourists to visit. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best places and things to do nearby High Beeches Gardens.

1. Wakehurst Place

Just a 20-minute drive from High Beeches Gardens, Wakehurst Place is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. This National Trust property boasts an impressive botanic garden, with over 500 acres of stunning landscape, including a wild botanic garden, woodland, and water gardens. Wakehurst Place is also home to the Millennium Seed Bank, which houses over two billion seeds from around the world.

2. Sheffield Park and Garden

Sheffield Park and Garden is a short 10-minute drive from High Beeches Gardens and is another National Trust property that is well worth a visit. The site features four lakes and a stunning array of seasonal flowers and foliage, with rhododendrons, azaleas, and bluebells among the most popular. Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake or explore the woodland area.

3. Bluebell Railway

If you're a fan of vintage steam trains, the Bluebell Railway is just a 15-minute drive from High Beeches Gardens. This historic railway line runs for 11 miles through the beautiful Sussex countryside, with stops at several picturesque villages along the way. Visitors can step back in time and experience the golden age of steam travel, with the railway's beautifully restored engines and carriages.

4. South Downs National Park

The South Downs National Park is a vast area of protected countryside that stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. The park offers visitors a range of activities, including hiking, cycling, and horse riding, and there are many trails to explore. From High Beeches Gardens, it's just a 30-minute drive to some of the park's most popular destinations, such as the Devil's Dyke and Ditchling Beacon.

5. Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest, located just a 25-minute drive from High Beeches Gardens, is another popular destination for nature lovers. The forest covers over 6,500 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers. Visitors can explore the forest on foot, by bike, or on horseback, and there are many trails to follow. The forest is also famous for being the inspiration behind A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories.

In conclusion, High Beeches Gardens is a fantastic destination for tourists to visit, with many other attractions and activities nearby. Whether you're interested in nature, history, or just taking a relaxing break, there's something for everyone in the beautiful county of Sussex. So why not plan your next trip to High Beeches Gardens and discover all that this charming part of England has to offer?