Explore the History of East Sussex

Discover the many outstanding houses, gardens and historic places of Sussex and Kent

East Sussex is one of the seven Saxon kingdoms, dating back to the 5th Century AD and home of the famous Battle of Hastings 1066. The region is steeped in history, culture and tradition with many places to visit for a historic day out.

  • Anne of Cleaves House

    Enjoy an insight into Tudor and Elizabethan life at Anne of Cleves House in Lewes.

  • Batemans

    A 17th-century house, set in the landscape of the Sussex Weald; home of Rudyard Kipling.

  • Bluebell Railway

    Enjoy a day out at the Bluebell Railway to explore the Sussex countryside on a steam train.

  • Bodiam Castle

    Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior - a glimpse of medieval splendour.

  • Charleston House

    An exhibition and event space which was the modernist home and studio of the painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.

  • Glynde Place

    Glynde Place is a grade II listed, 600-year-old English country house with commanding views over the Weald and Sussex Downs.

  • Hastings

    Hastings is a seaside town and the place of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.

  • Herstmonceux Castle Estate

    Herstmonceux Castle is a brick-built castle, dating from the 15th century. It is one of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England.

  • Lewes Castle

    Climb to the top of Lewes Castle – a Norman Castle built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror – for stunning panoramic views across Sussex.

  • Michelham Priory

    Explore 800 years of history at Michelham Priory House and Gardens – a Tudor house set on a picturesque moated island.

  • Monk’s House

    Monk’s House - Leonard and Virginia Woolf's 16th-century country retreat located in the village of Rodmell, three miles south of Lewes.

  • Nymans

    A garden lovers' home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins.

  • Penshurst Place

    Penshurst Place is a historic building near Tonbridge, Kent. The original medieval house is one of the most complete surviving examples of 14th-century domestic architecture in England.

  • Pevensey Castle

    Founded in the 4th century as one of the last of the Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts, Pevensey Castle was also the landing place of William the Conqueror's army in 1066.

  • The Royal Pavilion Brighton

    The Brighton Royal Pavilion and surrounding gardens is a Grade I listed former seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who became the Prince Regent in 1811, and King George IV in 1820.

  • Rye

    A medieval citadel huddled against invaders and the sea, Rye reveals its history gently.

  • Sheffield Park & Gardens

    Acres of landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland.

  • Standen House and Garden

    Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden.

Please Note

If you are members, look out for those curated by The National Trust and English Heritage.