Nymans




A Grade II* listed garden for all seasons, with rare and unusual plant collections, 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 blossom, 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 in summer. 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, walk along tree-lined avenues while surrounded by the lush countryside of the Sussex Weald. The adjoining woodland offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. New for 2023 is the Garden in the Ruins created in the ruined Great Hall of the house and inspired by acclaimed 20th-century British costume and stage set designer Oliver Messel, whose grandfather Ludwig first began the gardens at Nymans.
See around the house too and look out for paintings by Oliver Messel, family photographs and a collection of books, many of which relate to gardening. Enjoy afternoon tea and cake in the new Riding House, browse the shop and garden centre or join one of the guided tours and walks which are available daily and led by our knowledgeable garden guides, who'll share a wealth of knowledge, pointing out the highlights of the season and the stars of our special plant collection.
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans to find out more.
©National Trust Images/Lawrence Perry ©National Trust Images/Gary Cosham
©National Trust Images/Gary Cosham ©National Trust Images/Gary Cosham
Fact File
Opening Times: Garden, café and shop open all year 10am – 5pm. House open all year 11am-4pm*
*Garden: June and July, open to 8:30 on Fridays. Closed 24 and 25 December. Garden, cafe and shop: closed 4pm, 1 to 31 January and 30 October to 31 December. **House open by tours only: 7 January to 31 March; House closed, 3 January to 6 January, 30 October to 17 November.
Admission Rates: Adult (GA) £17.60 Adult (S) £16.00. Child (GA) £8.80 Child (S) £8.00.
Family (2 adults, 2 children) (GA) £44.00 Family (S) £40.00 (1 adult, 2 children) £26.40
(1 adult, 2 children) (S) £24.00 Group Rates: Group - Adult £15.20 Child £7.60. Groups must pre book.
Facilities: Visitor Centre, shop, plant sales, cafe, teas, gallery.
Disabled Access: Yes, wheelchair loan available, accessible toilets on site.
Tours/Events: Guided tours and trails available. Mobility buggy tours of garden and woods. Events include family activities, gardening workshops, woodland wildlife walks, creative workshops.
Parking: Yes, coach and car parking available.
Length of Visit: 3 hours
Booking Contact: 01444 405250
Email: nymans@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans
Location: Handcross, 5 miles south of Crawley. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans for directions
Updated: March 2023