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Ditchling Garden Trail

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 love and passion for gardening is evident in the six gardens opening. Five being in the village centre whilst White Rails Cottage is ½ mile walk away. Three of the gardens are mature, whilst the three new ones are at various stages of 'work in progress'. These are exciting projects, each different and complementing each other. Each garden has its own feel, united by a love of bees, birds, butterflies, and wildlife. Maybe even spot a hedgehog family or the very rare fungus Sarcodontia crocea at Meadow Cottage.

Owner Info

Ditchling Garden Trail
Ditchling Garden Trail
Ditchling Garden Trail
Ditchling Garden Trail
Ditchling Garden Trail
Ditchling Garden Trail
Ditchling Garden Trail
Ditchling Garden Trail

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. Note, whilst White Rails Cottage is unsuitable for wheelchairs, people with reduced mobility may manage. Email Veryan at [email protected] for advice and the possibility of reserving a parking space at the cottage.

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Ditchling Garden Trail features

Location details

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

Directions to Ditchling Garden Trail
No on road parking. Use car parks on B2116, West St, BN6 8TS (best),or Village Hall, BN6 8TT or Recreation Ground, BN6 8TY, on Lewes Rd. Maps available at The Sandrock gardens, High St.

Ditchling Garden Trail openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Home-made teas at Meadow Cottage.
Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: Free
Opening times 11:00-16:30

Accessibility

  • No information available at this time, please get in touch with the owners for details.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Ditchling Garden Trail at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

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

Sorry, Ditchling Garden Trail does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Yes. Ditchling Garden Trail seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.