On the edge of Northiam village west of Bodiam Castle in Sussex, you will find the world class gardens of Great Dixter.

The original Northiam house, known as Dixter, dating from the mid-15th century, was acquired by a businessman named Nathaniel Lloyd in 1909.

But it was Lloyd’s son Christopher Lloyd, a well-known garden writer and television personality, who made the garden world famous.

It remained the focus of his energy and enthusiasm for over 40 years.

Nowadays, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place horticulturists from across the world flock to for inspiration.

In the high season this garden sometimes feels somewhat like an amusement park due to the many visitors.

That is why we like to visit Great Dixter off season when the garden starts to hibernate after summer.

But if you are able to visit the garden in June – in the late afternoon – you will see the densely planted garden in full bloom and that is a sight to behold!

Images by Cool Places Britain
Walking

Great Dixter sits within the High Weald, an area of outstanding natural beauty covering West Sussex and Kent.

The High Weald has an amazing network of footpaths, bridleways and byways (2,395km!).

There are lots of nature reserves too, managed by bodies like the National Trust, RSPB, Woodland Trust and Forestry Commission.

We combined a 4 mile walk through the countryside around Peasmarsh with a visit to Great Dixter.

It is an easy walk around the countryside of the village of Peasmarsh and past Iden Moat Farm, with the remains of a 14th century moated house.

Or head for Robertsbridge and enjoy a 5-mile circular country walk with some hills, stiles and muddy paths.

Long distance paths

If you are up for a longer walk, then you should consider the High Weald Landscape Trail.

This is a 90-mile walking route through the unique landscape of the High Weald, the centre of the 16th Century iron industry and still the most wooded area of England.

The Trail takes in hop gardens, orchards, villages and historic gardens.

Or check out the revamped 1066 Country Walk.

This 31-mile route follows the footsteps of the Norman invaders, starting at Pevensey, passing through Battle and ending at Rye.

Experienced walkers can take on the Weald Way.

This delightful route across the chalk ridges of the North and South Downs and through the High Weald stretches for almost 80 miles (126.8km).

It crosses three AONBs and connects the Thames Estuary with the English Channel.

Peamarsh walk
Robertsbridge walk
High Weald Landscape Trail
High Weald walks
Cool Places to Explore

Bodiam Castle | Sissinghurst Castle | Bateman’s | Pashley Manor Garden | Hastings | Battle Abbey.

Cool Places to Eat

The Swan at Chapel Down | The Vineyard | The Three Chimneys | The Great House.

Cool Paces to Stay

Knelle Dower | The Milk House.