West Sussex days out for Mother’s Day

These days, we often celebrate Mother’s Day with shop bought gifts of chocolates and flowers, but traditionally, children gave their mothers fresh posies, gathered from the hedgerows as they walked the long journey home from their working environments.
Nymans Gardens. Photo: National Trust.Nymans Gardens. Photo: National Trust.
Nymans Gardens. Photo: National Trust.

This year, recapture a little of this floral tradition; give mothers a day out at a beautiful National Trust garden in Sussex, and the chance to spend some precious family time together.

Enjoy spring colour and scent in abundance, delicious lunch- and tea-time treats, and outdoor trails for kids.

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At Nymans, Handcross, near Haywards Heath, there will be a Spring flower heaven and the garden in art.

This is a true Spring garden, set around a romantic house and ruins, with glorious views over the High Weald. There is plenty for mums to enjoy in March – thousands of daffodils are on show, alongside over 60 varieties of frothy magnolia, and cherry blossom – a mouth-watering sight. Snap up your own piece of Nymans in the plant centre.

Artist Mariusz Kaldowski returns to the gallery this spring with a new exhibition full of light, colour and atmosphere, depicting the unique beauty of Nymans’ international plant collection throughout the seasons.

Nymans has introduced a Spring menu, so indulge in a freshly prepared seasonal lunch or tea in the pretty café.

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Nymans is a big place and packed with nooks, crannies and varying terrains – perfect for the young explorer! Take a look at the family explorer map to find the best places for an adventure. Try out a natural play trail and delve into a bamboo jungle before crossing balancing beams!

If glorious springtime strolls are your thing then Petworth House and Park, Petworth, is the place to visit.

This magnificent 17th-century country estate is an idyllic location in spring, and the perfect place for a stroll. Take a gentle walk through the Pleasure Grounds, which in spring are covered in swathes of yellow and cream daffodils. If you want to walk a little further, take a ramble out into the adjoining picturesque parkland, which inspired some of our greatest landscape painters including Turner and Constable.

Round off your visit with a traditional afternoon tea, or maybe a ‘gardener’s tea’ of fresh savoury scones.