Want to explore a historic house? Or perhaps go for a wander around a dazzling ruin? Or maybe you’d like to marvel at a stunning garden full of flowers and plants? Well, you can do all three at Nymans, an utterly gorgeous destination that’s just over an hour’s journey away from London.
Nymans is a Grade II* listed National Trust property. It’s a truly stunning site, with a 14th-century home and ruin, and a garden that features “one of the most significant plant collections in the National Trust.”
Throughout its life, the property has weathered everything from wartime to devastating fires and raging storms. Today it’s a hidden gem, just outside of the city, that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Visiting Nymans
One of the main draws of visiting Nymans is the incredible house on the grounds. Partially in ruins, which have been reclaimed by nature, and partially restored, it’s a truly unique place to explore. The medieval-style manor hosts exhibitions, featuring the impressive collections of previous owners. You can also simply wander around, discovering new sights around every corner.
But the garden is equally important. The Grade II* listed garden features rare and unusual plants, and also offers up views across the Sussex Weald. The vast array of flora and vegetation also provides a year-round attraction, with blooms and sights to spot no matter the season.
Nymans is also home to an ancient woodland, with a lake and cascades, as well as a natural play area for children, a cafe, a shop and plant centre, a second-hand bookshop, and more.
The history of the estate
Nymans dates back to the 14th century, when it was an estate owned by Philip Nynian (after whom the property is named). From the 19th century onwards, the property came into the trust of the Messel family. In their time living there, across multiple generations, they rebuilt the medieval house, planted rare and almost-extinct plants, and designed and created stunning gardens.
During the Second World War, the house at Nymans was used as a dormitory for young boys who had been evacuated from a London school.
Disaster struck in 1947, when an enormous fire destroyed much of the house. Due to wartime rationing and restrictions in the wake of the war, they were unable to rebuild the house. Instead, they tended to the gardens and left the house to become a romantic ruin – with some restored areas and rooms.
And then, in 1987, an enormous storm wreaked havoc in the garden. “Around 500 trees were destroyed, including 40 champion trees. Some have since been replanted from cuttings.”
Now, the property and the garden are looked after by The National Trust. Some of the rooms in the restored portion of the house were opened to visitors in the 1990s. Recently, in 2019, the National Trust created a garden within the ruins of the Great Hall – making for a truly picturesque ruin.
Getting to Nymans
Nymans is just over an hour away from London by public transport. Visitors can take a national rail train from Victoria to Crawley, then get the 273 bus to the Red Lion. Nymans is just a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
Alternatively, it takes a little less than 2 hours to travel to Nymans by car.
If you want to explore everything Nymans has to offer, they have a Nymans map and a Nymans Family map for you to make the most of your visit.
📍 Nymans, Handcross, Haywards Heath RH17 6EB.
Find out more about Nymans here.
