About Nymans
Calling all families of West Sussex! Are you looking for things to do this summer? Get outdoors and explore Nymans, the rolling National Trust estate near Haywards Heath. Discover hidden corners through stone archways, spot the animal-shaped topiary, and walk along tree-lined avenues while surrounded by the lush countryside of the Sussex Weald. Have free-range fun for all the family in The Play Glade, Nymans' natural play space, with a woodland cabin, play stage, balancing logs and wooden chimes.
Picnic in a shady spot in the garden, stroll in the adjoining woodland with its tranquil lake and abundant wildlife, and, during the summer holidays, join in the fun with games and activities in Comber's Field, named after Nyman's first Head Gardener, Harold Comber.
Summer Holiday 2024 Activities
Looking for a day out that'll keep the whole family entertained? Discover fun-filled activities on offer as part of our Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank. Comber's field is jam-packed full of races, games and active challenges! The play glade, a natural play space, is the perfect shady spot for nature explorers. There's also a den-building activity and a woodland cabin to discover. School holiday activities are free. Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members.
There's even a Children's Theatre show taking place! Five Children and It will be shown on Bank Holiday Monday, August 26th, 2024 (gates open at 5 pm, performance at 6 pm)! Prices apply for children's theatre.
Things To Do
Once you've completed your activity sheet on this family-friendly trail, why not explore the rest of the gardens and the medieval manor house? Browse exhibitions in the gallery or head to the charming second-hand bookshop for a sweet momento.
Did you spot The Wall Garden? It's well known for its vibrant, flamboyant mixture of flowers and has an outstanding display of bulbs in the springtime, like the pretty magnolias! Nyman's gardens are truly spectacular, from ruins, statues and all-year-long flora to magical snowdrops in the winter - the gardens are pretty impressive! Admire the old-fashioned roses in the rose garden, the South African meadow and even the uniquely shaped topiary. Can you spot the topiary lions? You can also explore the ancient woodland, where you'll find an enchanting lake, cascades, and even bird hides!
Down at the Play Glade, you can try your hand at den building and natural play. Act out your own play or bust out some dance moves on a mini stage, balance on logs, and sound the chimes. If you stumbled across a few wonderful views during the trail, then why not revisit them? There's a whole world beyond the intimate gardens—there is so much more beautiful countryside to explore during your visit!
With so many colourful views on offer at Nymans Garden to explore, you'll find a world like no other. Whether you're looking to take artistic photographs with a stunning backdrop of woodland or you wish to run wildly beyond the far-reaching views.
Food & Drink
If you've worked up an appetite, why not stop by the café for a filling lunch or warming treat? Enjoy a wide range of tasty treats and winter warmers, from delicious cakes to quick snacks and endless pots of tea.
Shopping & Gift Shops
Stop by the large shop and plant centre for locally sourced artisanal products, home accessories and plants from the Nymans Nursery! Fancy picking up a new read for your picnic? Check out the second-hand bookshop (based in the former potting shed) for a wide selection of books for every interest! They even have a collection of garden books - so you can turn your own beautiful garden into Nymans Garden!
Garden lovers will be left in awe after a trip to Nymans! Its stunning collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers showcases the very best of the English gardens and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This peaceful country garden should definitely be on your bucket list!
Why We Recommend Nymans
- There's plenty of fun for families to be had at Nymans Garden!
- You'll find the most breathtaking views!
- It's a grade II listed garden with a range of rare and unusual plant collections.
- There's an extensive plant collection to explore!
Plenty of Family-Friendly Activities!
Nymans offers an array of activities for the whole family, including free-range fun in The Play Glade with a woodland cabin, play stage, balancing logs, and wooden chimes. During the summer holidays, Comber's Field is filled with races, games, and active challenges as part of the Summer of Play.
Discover Spectacular Gardens and Scenic Trails!
You can explore a variety of gardens, including the vibrant Wall Garden, the rose garden, and topiary features like animal-shaped topiary and topiary lions. The extensive grounds also offer scenic trails through ancient woodland, featuring an enchanting lake, cascades, and bird hides.
There's A Second-Hand Bookshop!
The second-hand bookshop has a wide selection of books for every interest! That's not all! The large shop and plant centre features locally sourced artisanal products, home accessories, and plants from the Nymans Nursery, making it a great place to pick up unique gifts or souvenirs.
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
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
Closes 16:00 from 1st November to 31st December.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £9.00
- Adult (18+-18+) : £18.00
National Trust members - Free
Children under 5 years go free.
Family (2 adults + 2 children) - £45
Family (1 adult + 2 children) - £27
You don't have to book in advance.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Choose from a wide range of tasty treats and winter warmers from delicious cakes, quick snacks, and endless pots of tea.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Contact Details
Staplefield Road, Handcross
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH17 6EB
England
Off London to Brighton M23/A23. Follow the brown signs from the A23.
Tel: 01444405254
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
On Foot
Nymans is 5 miles from Balcombe station.
By Train
The nearest stations are Balcombe (5 miles), Crawley (5 miles) and Haywards Heath, which is 9 miles away.
By Bus
Metrobus routes 271 and 273 stop nearby. They provide hourly service from Crawley (station) and Brighton and every two hours from Burgess Hill and Hurstpierpoint.
By Bike
NCN20 route
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 11:58 06/05/2026
Nymans Reviews
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