Bateman's House and Garden
Etchingham, East Sussex
About Bateman's House and Garden
'That's She! The Only She! Make an honest woman of her - quick!' was how Rudyard Kipling and his wife, Carrie, felt the first time they saw Bateman's.
Surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Sussex Weald, this 17th-century house, with its mullioned windows and oak beams, provided a much-needed sanctuary to this world-famous writer and inspired his work.
The rooms, described by him as 'untouched and unfaked', remain much as he left them, with oak furniture, Persian rugs and artefacts reflecting his strong association with India. Kipling wrote Puck of Pook’s Hill and Rewards and Fairies at Bateman's, which includes the poem ‘If’. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1907.
Bateman's is very much a family home that feels as though the Kiplings have just gone out for the day.
There are a range of family-friendly activities throughout the year including trails, exhibitions, workshops and storytelling. For upcoming events and activities, take a look at our website and follow Bateman’s on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date.
The house is open for you to see where the Kipling family lived. The house is much how the family left it, with its original trinkets and mementoes. See the 120-year-old doll 'Crocus', who was given to the Kipling’s middle child Elsie. She was so well loved; her nose has rubbed off with so many kisses. While upstairs, see the necklace made by Kipling to go alongside his Just So Story, 'How the Alphabet was Made', that has intrigued children for generations. Plus don’t miss seeing the original illustrations by the Detmold Brothers for Kipling's The Jungle Book.
The Mulberry tea-room serves hot and cold drinks, light lunches, ice cream and homemade cakes, with indoor and outdoor seating. Plus, the Oast House shop is filled with gifts, homeware, toys, plants and local artisan products.
Once home to renowned author Rudyard Kipling
Celebrated for timeless stories like The Jungle Book.
Nestled in the High Weald countryside
As you enter the garden at Bateman’s through the orchard and vegetable garden you’re met with a sweeping view towards the house, sitting beautifully within the garden and the valley beyond.
Natural play area
Play area with swings, see-saw, climbing frames and space to build a den or enjoy a picnic. Carved oak tree centrepiece featuring images of Sussex wildlife.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Last admission to the grounds and house 30 minutes before closing.
Please check our website for more detailed information.
Pricing & Tickets
- Adult (17-18+) : £15.00
- Child (5-17) : £7.50
Family tickets are available.
Free parking for National Trust members, non-members £4 per car.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Bateman's House and Garden by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Bateman's
Bateman's Lane
Burwash
Etchingham
East Sussex
TN19 7DS
England
Please do not use SatNav instructions taking you down School Lane by the war memorial as this road is very narrow. Please look out for National Trust signs.
Tel: 01435882302
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
By train - nearest mainline station at Etchingham, 3 miles. Connects with public bus service. No taxi rank at the station.
By bus - 231 Compass Travel bus service from Heathfield to Etchingham (Mon-Sat). Pre-booking is required. Please check the bus timetable before travelling: www.compass-travel.co.uk
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 14:08 27/04/2026
Bateman's House and Garden Reviews
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