Back to Partner Gardens

Nymans

RHS Partner Garden

Free access for RHS members throughout open period

Handcross
Haywards Heath
RH17 6EB

Free Access
Free access (member 1 only for joint memberships) applies when open.

Tel
01444 405250

Visit website

Opening Hours

Daily. Please check opening times for winter and summer on website.

Admission

Please see website for admission prices.

RHS members

Free access (member 1 only for joint memberships) applies when open.

Facilities

  • Toilets
  • Children’s play area
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children's activities
  • Gift shop
  • Accessible facilities
  • Free carer entry
  • Parking
  • Picnic area
  • Group rates
  • Plant sales
  • Refreshments
  • Assistance dogs only

Features

  • Rock garden
  • Herbaceous border
  • Autumn colour
  • Winter garden

About the garden

Owned by

National Trust

This garden for all seasons, with rare and unusual plant collections, is set around a romantic house and partial ruins. The comfortable, yet elegant, house reflects the personalities and stories of the talented Messel family. 

In spring see blossoms, bulbs and a stunning collection of subtly fragranced magnolias. The Rose Garden, inspired by Maud Messel’s 1920s design, is scented by hints of old-fashioned roses. Dramatic shows of vibrant native tree colour in autumn precede winter’s structural form, with pockets of perfumed daphne throughout the garden. Discover hidden corners through stone archways, and walk along tree-lined avenues surrounded by the lush countryside of the Sussex Weald. The adjoining woodland, wildflower meadows, streams and lake provide plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.    

There is a shop and plant centre, second-hand bookshop and a choice of cafes, with a welcome cafe at the entrance to the garden, and Riding House next to the house for afternoon tea and wait to table service. A horsebox in the garden serves light refreshments during peak times.     

There are events and activities for all the family throughout the year, and changing exhibitions all year round in the gallery (gallery closes for short periods to change exhibitions).

Please note: this garden is partially accessible.

Plants of special interest

  • Camellias
  • Cornus (for winter stems or spring bracts)
  • Daffodils
  • Dahlias
  • Grasses
  • Heathers
  • Magnolias
  • Rhododendrons/azaleas
  • Roses
  • Shade-loving plants
  • Topiary
  • Wisteria

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.