Borde Hill Garden
Borde Hill Garden
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A Great English Garden of rare plants and stunning landscapes make Borde Hill the perfect day out for horticultural enthusiasts, country lovers and families. Tranquil outdoor ' rooms' include the Azalea Ring and Rhododendron gardens, fragrant Rose Garden and scenic Italian Garden, plus subtropical dells and ruins. Woodland walks, adventure playground and events throughout the season. See website for details.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Dawn TSeaford, United Kingdom28 contributionsGarden roomsWhat a stunning garden. A series of garden rooms. Italian garden. Views and vistas. Azalea, honeysuckle, Rhododendrons. White garden. Rose garden. One can sit and take in the rooms. The Italian Garden with its unique sculpture of circles and birds. And a woman upward stretched to the sky. The Dell is breath taking! Excellent sandwich and tea and coffee available at the Garden Cafe. Friendly service at the cafe and in the shop. I used my Tesco Clubcard points to get a discount. I'd never done before, but worth it. I recommend this garden highly as a retreat for garden lovers and anyone seeking peace. Amazing! Go and visit and you will be rewarded with natural splendour and great customer service!Visited May 2023Written May 17, 2023
- VantangranLondon, United Kingdom987 contributionsSweet Caroline is a starA huge shout out to Caroline who went above and beyond to make our visit a success. Very kind lady. The gardens were enchanting and we loved exploring all the hidden gems. Italian garden was our favourite. The cafe was fabulous and more wonderful staff there. Well done, Borde Hill, we'll be back so often now that you'll be begging us to leave 🙂Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 14, 2023
- Maz B6 contributionsLovely gardensI wasn’t planning on going to Borde hill. I visited after being disappointed with a nearby garden which wasn’t as dog friendly as they advertised. On arrival I was greeted by a lovely member of staff, reasonable entry fee which includes parking. The gardens are lovely and well maintained and dogs on leads are allowed in all areas. I think my favourite part of the gardens was the round dell, although all areas and borders were lovely. Will definitely be backVisited August 2023Traveled soloWritten August 11, 2023
- mrsflightEast Grinstead, United Kingdom231 contributionsBeautiful gardensA wonderful visit recently with my children. They loved the adventure playground and the bear trail especially. The gardens are beautiful, and the cake was delicious. Toilets clean. A perfect afternoon, we will be back. Staff were really friendly and helpful too.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 20, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
402 reviews
Excellent
220
Very good
128
Average
37
Poor
12
Terrible
5
Rtownoflondon
Uckfield, UK21 contributions
May 2022 • Family
We loved visiting Borde Hill and have plans to come back! I visited with a friend and our two boys (14 and 17 months) and we enjoyed every aspect. For a young family it’s ideal, there’s lots of paths with flowers and shrubs either side of the paths (effectively acting as borders) so our toddlers could potter along the paths without going too far or going the wrong way. We followed a nature trail which was excellently set out and well run.
There’s a wonderful range of plants and flowers, some really interesting things and some beautiful and tranquil gardens.
We found the paths push chair friendly and didn’t have trouble getting around.
The cafe serves nice sandwiches and we were impressed with the quality, they’re also less expensive than some places which makes us much more likely to return. The picnic area is a nice wide open space with plenty of room for kids to run around and the play area is an added bonus.
There’s a wonderful range of plants and flowers, some really interesting things and some beautiful and tranquil gardens.
We found the paths push chair friendly and didn’t have trouble getting around.
The cafe serves nice sandwiches and we were impressed with the quality, they’re also less expensive than some places which makes us much more likely to return. The picnic area is a nice wide open space with plenty of room for kids to run around and the play area is an added bonus.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jjandg
Ashtead, UK107 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
We visited today and were very pleased at how much work had gone into not only maintaining the gardens during the closure enforced by the Coronavirus pandemic, but how much extra planting had been done over the last 9 weeks or so. We really encourage people to visit as there are great planting schemes, numerous garden ‘rooms’ to reveal hidden treasures and an unfolding scene around bends in the pathways. We have been several times over the years and always enjoy the changing seasonal interest. The Italian Garden with it’s lily pad filled pond and beautiful water feature is tranquil. The Rose Garden has 750 David Austin roses, the smell is lovely and is a must to visit. The Mediterranean Garden even on an overcast day is gorgeous with huge terracotta urns filled with red geraniums and tall palms.
The Gardeners Retreat cafe have a lovely selection of cakes and refreshments and a beautiful sitting area. We walked in Warren Wood for the first time and loved the giant redwoods and little quirky ‘fairy door’ at the foot of an ancient tree, and the chair made from woven wicker and tree stump. Congratulations to all the hard working staff, it’s a real treat to visit especially during these uncertain times and we feel lucky to get pre booked timed tickets.
The Gardeners Retreat cafe have a lovely selection of cakes and refreshments and a beautiful sitting area. We walked in Warren Wood for the first time and loved the giant redwoods and little quirky ‘fairy door’ at the foot of an ancient tree, and the chair made from woven wicker and tree stump. Congratulations to all the hard working staff, it’s a real treat to visit especially during these uncertain times and we feel lucky to get pre booked timed tickets.
Written June 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Intavia
Horley, UK335 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
I liked that the grounds are so well laid out for different abilities, being a slow 40 minute walk around the main gardens, another 30 mins or so through the woodland or even longer to traverse to the lakes down the hill. There was so much to see and enjoy - vibrant colour, fragrant flowers, beautiful plants, trees and sculptures, views across the countryside, topped off with a welcoming cafe and shop, all socially distanced and Covid compliant. Around the site there are plenty of benches to sit, relax and take in the sights, sounds and scenery. The weather certainly helped make the day special but I have to compliment those who make Borde Hill Gardens what it is and what a delightful day out this venue has to offer.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen W
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK43 contributions
Sep 2020
My wife and I visited this garden for the first time at the very end of September following an overnight stay nearby. We had high hopes but they were easily exceeded. From the warmth of the welcome (knowledgeable and friendly 'on the door') to the truly magical environment, the various different areas of the gardens, the creativity and imagination that had clearly gone into the creation of the gardens and their maintenance and the charm of every staff member that we met, our visit could not have gone better. Sure, the warm and sunny weather helped, bringing out the last few butterflies and bees of the season but the colours, scents and shapes that we saw, blew us away. Would highly recommend the Jay Robin's Rose Garden, the Italian Garden and the Long Dell to name but three! We also got lucky by seeing the last day of the sculpture exhibition in the garden which just added to the charm and interest.
10 out of 10 - don't miss it.
10 out of 10 - don't miss it.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hellebore_queen
Haywards Heath, UK45 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
It seems that part way through the booking period for the Plant Fair at Borde Hill, the booking conditions have been changed. Certain season ticket holders no longer have free entry.
I am referring to a trip to the Borde Hill booking website not the garden itself.
I am referring to a trip to the Borde Hill booking website not the garden itself.
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry that you have been disappointed by our change to the booking conditions for this year's plant fair.
As an annual event we plan it each year as a way to support local nurseries.
With the effects of Covid it is even more important that we do our best to make the Fair a financial success for those nurseries from the proceeds of the Fair.
As we have to pay the organiser, and as Covid limits the number of people who can come, we changed the free ticket criteria for all of the partner organisations so that we then get paying visitors and can cover our costs and also support the nurseries to receive their income.
We hope that you are understanding of this situation.
We note that your 1* was about the ticketing process and not about the quality of the garden, or our welcoming and friendly staff.
Written September 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia S
Felbridge15 contributions
Oct 2022
Such a lovely place to visit regularly. Membership is really good value and there are lots of events including sculpture and plant sales as well as music and food festivals. Friendly staff too. It's a lovely walk through what feels like different gardens and great to experience the seasons. It feels as though you're in the middle of the countryside when in fact the nearest town is only a short distance away.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Campbell T
Eastbourne, UK23 contributions
Aug 2020
A wonderful calm place to bring young children on a very hot day. The fairy trail kept us moving through the beautiful gardens and added interest to the visit. Located in the shade the playground has lots to keep young ones occupied, especially the zip wire. Picnic tables are well located throughout the gardens and the cafe serves wholesome sandwiches and snacks as well as ice cream. The book prize at the end of the visit was an added bonus and excellent quality suitable for both grandchildren aged 4 and 7. I highly recommend this as a day out for all ages.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased that the fairies, trail, and all that we have to offer were such a success for your family day out.
We plan the trail with great enthusiasm and effort and the book at the end is a key part of what we like to offer. Thank you for your great review.
Written September 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nnmercman
Camberley, UK13,826 contributions
Jul 2022
We visited mid July and everything was looking very parched and not at its best, so Spring and Autumn are probably better times of the year to see flowers and colour (I’ll aim to visit again later in the year). Also, large areas have been left overgrown and look somewhat unkempt - ok, I understand the recent fad of wildflowering but I was expected at least some well tended areas of formal gardens (dead heading the roses would make a big difference in my opinion). There’s a kids adventure playground, as well as walks further into the grounds and woodland. A cafe sells sandwiches, snacks and drinks plus there are plenty of picnic tables and benches if you want to bring your own food.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lizandianp
surrey955 contributions
Sep 2021
The gardens are a warren of "secret" pathways and hidden ruins containing interesting pieces of sculpture.
Our dog enjoyed a long walk round the lakes (on a lead) and there were benches and picnic tables galore.
Not the best time of year for colour but the rose garden was still a picture.
I loved it.
I could sit for hours in the Italian garden.
Nice that the house is still lived in by the family.
Our dog enjoyed a long walk round the lakes (on a lead) and there were benches and picnic tables galore.
Not the best time of year for colour but the rose garden was still a picture.
I loved it.
I could sit for hours in the Italian garden.
Nice that the house is still lived in by the family.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie R
41 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
I decided to take my elderly wheelchair bound mother to these gardens which are close to the rest home she has recently moved into. I checked out on their website that the gardens were wheelchair accessible first.To be clear, i am a physio of many years standing so am very comfortable handling people with disabilities who are wheelchair bound. I am also physically very fit. The description states "Gentle slopes with hard surfaces allow wheelchair access". I challenge anyone of average fitness to push someone in a wheelchair up some of these slopes. Coming down these slopes was a bit scary for poor old ma!Additionally the hard surfaces were often uneven, of a difficult camber, of gravel type material, or even occasionally of unlevel crazy paving surfaces. Given this i would say that, of " the majority of the formal Garden accessible to those with restricted mobility" , actually about 20% would be more a accurate description for someone in a wheelchair and for those who walk with impaired mobility care would be required. All of this would be acceptable if we had been cautioned before we entered the gardens or if there was a reduced (?waived) fee for someone with a disability who can actually access very little of the gardens easily. Rather we paid a rather costly 20GBP for entry (or as i prefer to think of it...i paid a tenner for a very good workout!). I note another reviewer has mentioned this issue previously so attention to this would be good. The gardens, however, are simply beautiful and well worth a visit if you are able bodied.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey673174
1 contribution
Do we have to book on a Sunday or can just turn up. Can we bring a picnic?
Andrewjohn SC
Cuckfield, UK22 contributions
Borde Hill Garden is open daily but requires visitors to use the website to pre-book tickets. There are 30 minute entry slots each day with a specific number of tickets available.
You can bring a picnic, or you can buy take-away food on site.
See website home page for links to book a ticket, and
and under Things-to-do for eating and picnics.
Alison W
2 contributions
Can you get round on a mobility scooter? Thanks
TERRY RITCHIE
Worthing, UK93 contributions
Actually you could probably cover most of the grounds, however it would be a good idea to contact them before setting out just to see what facility's they have for you.
Is it free to get in
Borde Hill
Haywards Heath, UK
Hello, we do have an admission charge for the Garden. It's £9.50 for Adults, £9.00 for concessions and £6.35 for children (prices with Gift Aid). We also have Family Day Tickets and membership options available. Many thanks.
Hi is it free to get in.
Andrewjohn SC
Cuckfield, UK22 contributions
Normally it is paid entry but there are ways to get in free at certain times of the year. Our website has full details, but for example as a RHS individual member visiting us in June and September 2021 (excludes special events).
_juliettewilliams
London, UK13 contributions
Hi are dogs allowed in the gardens ? Thank you
Borde Hill
Haywards Heath, UK
We welcome dogs on short leads throughout the Garden, Parkland and Woodland, however, dogs are not allowed in the Children's Playground. Many thanks
Sue M
19 contributions
Hi, I would love to bring my elderly mother to the gardens, she has limited walking ability. Would it be possible to hire or borrow a wheelchair and what is the accessibility like. I had a bit of trouble pushing at Claremont due to gravel paths and slopes and several paths were not recommended at all.
We are both very keen gardeners and would love to visit this coming Sunday, maybe with a picnic.
Andrewjohn SC
Cuckfield, UK22 contributions
Yes a wheelchair can be borrowed but it is best to ring or email beforehand so as to reserve one so it is available on the day.
najadatsea
Peacehaven, UK
Can we bring our dog
CJC
Buckinghamshire, UK79 contributions
Sorry I don't know but there do seem to be some woodland walks.
paulineharden682
Horsham, UK1 contribution
How do I get to you from warnham
Aj C
4 contributions
Simplest way is to go along the A264 East and join the M23 at Pease Pottage (Southbound towards Brighton) then after it becomes the A23 take the exit Left onto the B2115 towards Cuckfield and follow the brown tourist board signs for Borde Hill Garden.
About a 30 minute journey.
Lawrence T
Newhaven, UK
Is Borde Hill a national Trust property
Pinkertonx
Hereford, UK1,595 contributions
No, absolutely not. It's a private concern and all the better for it. Do go; you won't be disappointed!
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Claim your listingBorde Hill Garden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Borde Hill Garden
- Borde Hill Garden is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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