Southover Grange Gardens
A serene and historic garden oasis in the heart of Lewes, offering beautiful floral displays, charming wildlife, and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom
Southover Grange Gardens
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene and historic garden oasis in the heart of Lewes, offering beautiful floral displays, charming wildlife, and a peaceful escape.
"A real hidden gem, packed full of spring colours and a lovely spot for a short walk or a few minutes break."
🎯 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the beautiful scenery. Benches and open spaces are perfect for a relaxing meal.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the gardens at your own pace with comfortable footwear for walking the paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enchanting Pumpkin Arch
Main Garden Area
A magical archway adorned with pumpkins, creating a whimsical and photo-worthy spectacle. A true highlight for garden enthusiasts!
Charming Duck Pond
Near the entrance
Watch the resident ducks glide gracefully across the water, adding a touch of serene wildlife to your garden visit.
Vibrant Floral Borders
Throughout the gardens
Experience a riot of color with meticulously maintained flowerbeds bursting with blooms in spring and summer.
The Sussex Guild Shop
Adjacent to the gardens
Discover unique handcrafted treasures, from jewelry to pottery, in this delightful shop connected to the gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Footwear for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the beautiful scenery. Benches and open spaces are perfect for a relaxing meal.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the gardens at your own pace with comfortable footwear for walking the paths.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning floral displays, charming arches, and playful wildlife. 
☕ Grab a Coffee
The Hatch at The Grange offers delicious coffee, snacks, and cakes to enhance your garden visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the beautiful scenery. Benches and open spaces are perfect for a relaxing meal.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the gardens at your own pace with comfortable footwear for walking the paths.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning floral displays, charming arches, and playful wildlife.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The Hatch at The Grange offers delicious coffee, snacks, and cakes to enhance your garden visit.
🐿️ Befriend the Squirrels
These friendly locals are happy to pose for photos and add to the garden's charm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Southover Grange Gardens as a peaceful and beautiful hidden gem in Lewes. Many enjoy the well-maintained floral displays, the charming wildlife, and the opportunity for a relaxing picnic. The adjacent Sussex Guild shop is also a popular draw for unique crafts.
"The most peaceful park where one can enjoy a coffee and a pastry in a lovely green space. The flowers and the birds are gorgeous in this public garden."
Sophie
"Lovely garden, we spent some time walking around here and taking photos. A lot of squirrels came up to us and were happy to pose for us. There were benches and places to do a little picnic as well, and we managed to pick up a Geocache!"
Even D.
"Very enjoyable gardens to wander road. Well used, lots of groups of all ages picnicking. Ice cream from kiosk was very nice. There are toilets as well. Access from the gardens into Sussex Guild, there are some very beautiful items in there, jewellery, pottery, woodwork, cards and textiles etc."
VALERIE PHILIPSON
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southover Grange Gardens are located in the heart of Lewes, East Sussex. They are easily accessible by public transport, with local bus services stopping nearby. For those driving, there is parking available in Lewes town center, though it can be busy.
Yes, Southover Grange Gardens make for a lovely day trip from London. It's often combined with other attractions in Lewes for a full day of exploration.
Absolutely! The gardens are conveniently located within Lewes town center, making them easily walkable from most areas.
Look for signs directing you towards Southover Grange or The Sussex Guild shop in Lewes. The gardens are a well-known local spot.
The train is a popular option from London, offering a scenic journey. Buses also serve the Lewes area, connecting it to surrounding towns and cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Southover Grange Gardens are open for public access and generally do not require an entrance fee, making them a fantastic free attraction.
The gardens are typically open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, regardless of the weather, offering ample opportunity for visits.
The gardens are a popular venue for events, including wedding photography and picnics. Keep an eye out for local listings for any special happenings.
Generally, there is no admission fee to wander through the beautiful Southover Grange Gardens.
Yes, the gardens are open year-round, and even in winter, they offer a unique charm with their structure and waterways.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, admire the floral displays, have a picnic, spot wildlife like ducks and squirrels, and visit the adjacent Sussex Guild shop.
Yes, there are toilets available, and The Hatch at The Grange serves coffee, snacks, and ice cream, making it a comfortable visit.
The gardens are very family-friendly, with open spaces for children to explore and enjoy. The ducks and squirrels are often a hit with kids.
Absolutely! The gardens are incredibly picturesque, with beautiful flowers, arches, and historical elements perfect for photography.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, public gardens often welcome well-behaved dogs on leads. It's always best to check local signage upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Hatch at The Grange, located within the gardens, offers a variety of fresh, homemade lunch options, snacks, coffee, cake, and ice cream.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at Southover Grange Gardens. There are benches and plenty of green space to spread out a blanket.
Lewes town center, just a short walk away, offers a range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants for a more substantial meal.
The Hatch serves a variety of treats including cakes, ice cream, and light lunch options, perfect for a garden visit.
Yes, ice cream is available for purchase at The Hatch, making it a delightful treat on a warm day.
📸 📸 Photography
The pumpkin arch, vibrant flower borders, the duck pond, and the historic manor house offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, the beautiful gardens and historic setting make it a popular and picturesque location for wedding photos.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and gardens to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check local regulations.
The gardens are known for their seasonal blooms, charming arches, and wildlife, offering diverse themes for photographers. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a small bag of duck food (check local guidelines first!) to make the experience even more interactive. The relatively compact size of the gardens makes it manageable for little legs, and the visual appeal of the flowers and arches will keep them entertained.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
+1 Grab a coffee from The Hatch and find a secluded bench to simply soak in the serenity. The gardens offer a welcome escape from the bustle of daily life. It's also a great place to practice mindfulness or enjoy a solo photography session, capturing the subtle beauty of nature and the historic architecture. The lack of overwhelming crowds, especially during off-peak times, enhances the sense of personal tranquility.
📸 Photographers & Garden Enthusiasts
The historic manor house and the well-maintained pathways add to the visual appeal. Garden enthusiasts will appreciate the meticulously cared-for flowerbeds and the thoughtful design that blends structure with natural beauty. Visiting during different seasons can offer unique photographic perspectives, from spring blooms to autumn colors.
Don't forget to explore The Sussex Guild shop for inspiration and unique finds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
+1This historical backdrop adds a layer of depth to the tranquil beauty of the gardens. Wandering through the grounds, you can almost imagine the lives lived here centuries ago. The blend of historical significance and natural splendor makes Southover Grange Gardens a unique destination.
The gardens themselves are a testament to enduring beauty, with well-maintained flowerbeds and ornate walls. Even during winter, the structure and waterways offer a captivating sight, while spring and summer bring vibrant floral displays.
The Art of English Garden Design
Visitors often remark on the peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of flowers and wildlife. The gardens are designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, encouraging visitors to wander through the paths and appreciate the details. The presence of ducks and squirrels adds to the charm, making it a delightful spot for nature lovers.
Whether it's the iconic pumpkin arch that captures attention or the subtle beauty of the floral borders, the gardens offer a sensory experience. The inclusion of elements like herbs and berries further enhances the 'cottage feel' that many visitors appreciate.
Exploring Lewes and Beyond
+1Visitors often combine a trip to the gardens with exploring other nearby attractions. The Charleston Trust and various other historical sites in Sussex are easily accessible, making Southover Grange Gardens a convenient stop on a broader itinerary.
For those looking to extend their stay, Lewes offers a vibrant atmosphere with opportunities for dining and shopping. The proximity to other charming towns and the Sussex countryside means that a visit to Southover Grange Gardens can easily be part of a longer, more immersive travel experience.
+1
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