Ditchling Garden Trail

Q: Are there plants available for sale?

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Ditchling Garden Trail , please enquire with the owners for more details.

Set within the South Downs National Park, Ditchling is a thriving village dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. Today it is still home to artists, writers and craftspeople, along with musicians and winemakers. The museum holds an internationally important collection of work by the artists and craftspeople who were resident over many yrs. The Horticultural Society was established in 1822 and is one of the oldest in the country. The love and passion for gardening is evident in the gardens opening. Set within the narrow roads of Ditchling there will be time to explore each garden to discover the different planting and design styles, from formal to country gardens plus the smaller gardens packed with colour and plants, and to talk to the owners. Each garden has its own feel, united by a love of bees, birds, butterflies and wildlife. Maybe even spot a hedgehog family. Public WC below the village hall.

About
Location
Openings
Accessibility

Owner Info

About Ditchling Garden Trail

It is worthwhile researching the history of Ditching and the Museum before your visit to the gardens, as Ditchling has quite a history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period, with first mention of the village in 765AD. In the 9th century it was recorded as belonging to King Alfred the Great, and at the time of the Domesday Book (1086), Ditchling was recorded as a former Royal Manor, held by William de Warenne, Lord of the Rape of Lewis. According to the Book, Ditchling had 196 households. Today there are over 40 listed buildings in Ditchling and you will see a number of them as you walk around the village, garden to garden. In particular, note ‘Wings Place’ on West Street, given to Anne of Cleves, as part of her divorce settlement from King Henry VIII in 1541. The house is considered to be one of the best examples of a complete Tudor house in the country. Opposite in the Church wall there is a Sarcen stone.

In your research you will discover how the character of Ditchling changed by the arrival Eric Gill in 1907 and a community of artists and craftsmen. The community was part of the wider Arts and Crafts movement of the time, and the Guild remained active until 1989.
Ditchling continues as a place where creative people from all skills and interests, work and live. Enjoy the ambience of Ditchling as you wander around narrow streets from garden to garden.

Ditchling Garden Trail features

Location details

Ditchling Garden Trail,
nr Hassocks,
West Sussex,
BN6 8UL

Directions to Ditchling Garden Trail
No on road parking. Use new car park on B2116, West St, BN6 8TS. Ideally, follow signs through churchyard, Church Ln to High St & maps available at The Sandrock gardens.