Michelham Priory is a delightful place to visit between Lewes and Eastbourne: a Tudor House set…read moreamongst lovely gardens, within England's longest extant water-filled moat, situated in the wonderfully-named village of Upper Dicker. Founded as an Augustinian Priory in 1229, it thrived until the Dissolution in 1537, when the church was dismantled and the stone used for building in the surrounding area. A few years later, the estate was bought by a local nobleman, and a substantial Tudor House was built utilising the remaining monastic buildings, chiefly the Refectory and the Priest's apartments. To-day, the house - an odd mix of ecclesiastical and Tudor domestic architecture - contains an undercroft, kitchen and a range of domestic rooms, filled with antiques, tapestries and exhibits telling the story of the inhabitants over the years. But there is plenty more to see, before walking around the grounds and exploring its impressive and picturesque moat. There's a mediaeval Gatehouse, Elizabethan barn, a small replica of an Iron Age village, a working watermill and a Blacksmith's Forge, for starters. The water mill has been rebuilt many times over the years, but is recorded as early as 1434, and possibly existed before that. You can watch the mill at work, and buy some of the resulting organic wholemeal flour. Close by are two reconstructed Iron Age houses, built by the East Sussex Archaeology and Museums Project, to demonstrate experimental archaeology. The barn is mainly used for functions, with weddings and Civil Partnerships a specialty. Next door is a small and reasonably-priced tea-room and restaurant, and also a Forge where, on selected days, a blacksmith is at work, making ornamental ironmongery. Finally, there's a shop, selling all sorts of items with a countryside theme, such as preserves, lavender, garden ornaments, stationery and books - perfect for presents for Great Aunts. The staff throughout were exceptionally jolly and friendly - all a bit less formal than the National Trust. The Priory hosts events all year round: on our visit, there was a small rally of vintage cars and motor-cycles. See web-site for details. Much of the main site is accessible by wheelchair, although neither the paths around the northern part of the moat nor the upper rooms or the undercroft of the house are accessible.

My in-laws got married here 3 years ago and the facilities available were second to none…read more It helped that it was on a fantastic summer day but it was a wonderful day. There's not really much else I can add to DMJ1962's fantastic review.

Arlington is a small reservoir, constructed in 1971 to supply water to Eastbourne, Hailsham,…read morePolegate and Heathfield. Built on the site of part of the Cuckmere River bed, the reservoir is an oval shape, with a long curving dam. The maximum depth is 37ft (11.3m) and its total capacity is 3546 million litres of water, all abstracted from the Cuckmere River in winter. The 49 hectare site was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1985, and is also a Local Nature Reserve. It contains a diverse range of habitats, which in turn support some 173 species of bird, including a winter population of 10,000 wildfowl. The site has hides for birdwatching, and also provides some of the best trout fishing in the South East of England (tel: 01323 870810). The water company also organises school nature trips, including pond dipping. The reservoir path also provides a reasonably level walking trail, which, as well as wildlife, also offers lovely views of the South Downs. A walking leaflet (http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/047A41DB-1684-4128-AADD-1C508D15F780/0/ArlingtonReservoirWalkWebversion.pdf) is available on the East Sussex County Council website or you can get a hard copy by phoning 01273 482250. Practicalities There is a car park at the main entrance on Station Road, just north of Berwick railway station (on the right hand side, going north). This has information boards, toilets and picnic tables. Swimming and boating are not permitted.

This reservoir owned by South East Water is a lovely place to visit on a warm summer's day. It has…read moretoilet facilities and a large car park both of which are useful for a day trip. The reservoir itself is huge and the area also contains a bird watching lodge and a wood. If you are going here, I recommend taking a pair of binoculars and a camera, as you can capture the beauty of East Sussex right here. It has picnic benches for in the summer. Overall, this is a wonderful place to visit if you want a day trip out or if you are touring East Sussex. I personally have recommended this place to people wanting to go to see some beautiful sights.

An idyllic destination a short drive from London, Painshill Park is a great place to spend a day…read moreenjoying the beauty of the English countryside. Created by the eccentric Charles Hamilton, the park was created as a "romantic landscape". Both organized and naturalistic, the park offers many vistas, perspectives and experiences. Created with a variety of follies dotting the landscape, the park offers panoramic views and interesting scenes. Views from the Gothic Temple and the Turkish Tent are breathtaking. While exploring the man-made grotto (which is currently undergoing renovation) you can't help but be in awe of Hamilton's vision while at the same time thinking "This guy must have been totally out there to build stalactites with lathe and plaster and then cover them in pieces of crystal!". Whether walking the grounds, bringing a blanket and a book and enjoying the solitude, Painshill Park is a wonderful place to visit. Be prepared to walk, as the park is large and very hilly. It's a good climb to the top of the Tower as well. Would definitely recommend this if you need a relaxing afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of London.

A grade 1 listed park, much renovated over the last 25 years, by the trust that owns it…read more Created by Charles Hamilton ,in the mid 18th century, after his 2 (obligatory) Grand Tours, he wanted to create an idyllic natural setting, around a lake, with water diverted from the river Mole. He was very succesful in this, and created a number of follies, a Grotto, and the unusual Turkish Tent. Many of the plants are of American origin, and were just becoming fashionable at the time. It's worth remembering it's a park like setting rather than a garden like Wisley. Reasonable cafe near the entrance, and the ever present gift shop. Worth chcking their website for offers, currently free entry on Wednesdays in November, children free at weekends, and A special Santa event. The Grotto is only open at the weekends. A great place for a walk on a sunny day, great views across the lake and Surrey.

Beautiful nature, wonderful views and a well maintained park. The cost can be a bit much without a…read moremembership but it's worth it: a great experience all around.

Wisley is amazing and gorgeous. I cannot imagine the amount…read moreof water they must use to keep the gardens looking so glorious. Important in the summer heat: take the complimentary shuttle to the top and walk down. You'll be so glad you did. Ask at the entrance where to catch it and it'll drop you at the top by the new building. Staggering up in the pounding heat is miserable. Climbing to the roof, anticipating a breathtaking view is pointless if it's summer. Do it after the leaves have fallen or you'll get a big fat view of tree, as well as heatstroke. (The lift was broken today.) Well worth it.

Magical, mystical, fun, exciting! At least it is when you're a kid or you go with kids! Groombridge…read moreplace or the Enchanted Forest as it's better known is home to a pathway of exciting gardens, activities and hidden secrets! There are areas such as the dragon and dinosaur valley, the dark walk, the serpents lair and many other mythical areas to explore! Watch out because sometimes you might find a giant walking about! When I went here we were taken around some parts with a tour guide and he really brought the magic to life! There are also formal gardens at Groombridge place as well as some petting animals. It's a really great day out for the family and it won't cost you and arm and a leg either! I think it's about £9 for an adult now and of course less for children and senior citizens, you can also save by buying a family ticket! It's close to Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead so can be easily found. Enjoy!

The Long Man is one of several chalk figures cut in the landscape of southern England, and along…read morewith the Cerne Abbas giant, one of only two human figures. At over 70m tall, the Long Man is Europe's largest representation of the human form and the second largest in the world. The figure is formed from trenches dug into the ground to reveal the chalk substrate below. History So who is he? His age has long been a mystery and is the topic of fierce dispute. The first recorded image is a drawing made in 1710, which showed him with facial features, a helmet-like head and his feet pointing outwards. It showed the outline as more of an indentation in the grass than a solid white line. Subsequent 18th century drawings depicted the 'staffs' as being a scythe and a rake, although evidence on the ground does not support this - nor the theory that, like the Cerne Abbas giant, he once had genitalia. An archaeological analysis in 2003 of the chalk on the hillside gave a mid-16th century date, although some excavations have produced Roman pottery from the trenches, implying a pre-Roman date. Similar Northern European depictions of helmeted figures with staffs or spears appear from the Iron Ages to the Viking periods and on Roman coins. If he is pre-mediaeval, it is however strange that there is no reference to the figure in the records of the nearby Wilmington Priory. We will probably never know for sure, but there's no doubt that he cuts an imposing figure on the landscape. Whatever his origins, the current image was formed in 1874 when outlined in yellow brick by Rev. W. de St. Croix of the Sussex Archaeological Society, although even then it was realised that the new outline distorted the original image. In 1891 the bricks were replaced with white versions, painted regularly to keep him fresh, but was rather ignominiously painted out using green paint during World War II to prevent him being used as a landmark by enemy planes! In 1969 the outline was remade using concrete blocks into the form we see today. Practicalities There's a car-park just south of the ruined Priory in Wilmington village, from where a public footpath take you right up to the figure. There are excellent views from a wide area of the surrounding countryside.

I grew up in this village, with its majestic chalk man looking down over us each and every day…read more When we were youngsters we used to be able to take our sleds up on a snowy day and whizz down over the Long Man but over recent years they have taken much better care of him and now have fencing erected to preserve him. The walk is quite steep and if you are not too sure-footed, it would be best to just admire the view from the lower levels as both access points (either to the left or to the right of the Priory carpark exit) are very rough. muddy and pitted by horses hooves. Pagans celebrate around the Long Man on specific pagan/wicca "holidays", such as Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas and Samhain (Hallowe'en) including the equinox celebrations although obviously they are also not allowed on to the figure itself. No-one really knows where he came from 'tho many theories exist. Locals believe he is an older figure, along the lines of the White Horse in the West Country but whatever, he is a powerful image and draws many many tourists to the area each year. He rests in a dip in the Sussex Downs, in many respects sheltered from the worst of the weather from inland and the coastal region (which is only a few miles away). There are plenty of pathways and walks across the Sussex Downs, for example starting off in Polegate and walking across to the River Cuckmere at Exceat, a beautiful walk, which will bypass our Long Man.

This has to be one of North London's best kept secrets! I can't believe I had never heard of this…read moregarden (even my dad had not heard of it and he grew up near here.) I assume the lucky locals would like to keep this as a secret treasure, but it is too good not to share with yelpers!! The Pergola and Hill Gardens are hidden between Hampstead Heath and Golders Hill Park. The Pergola half of the garden is essentially a long raised walkway, under a long pergola made from wood and stone, covered in gorgeous smelling roses and other climbing plants. The other half of the garden has a large square pond full of lilies, sculptured hills and nice soft grass to sit on and have a picnic. I have a feeling it could be very busy on nice days...but when we visited it all seemed far quieter than Golders Hill Park - even though it is so, so much nicer. Practicalities: - If you don't want to walk, just take the 210 bus and get off at Inverforth House, you can see the signs to the garden. - It's free (!)

This place is beyond beautiful. I'm always surprised when I find places like this in London that is…read moreopen for the general public with no fee. Tucked away on the smaller side of Hampstead Heath, in between Hampstead Heath and Golders Hill Park is this little Gem. Because it's hidden away it's less busy than both the known green spaces. The pergola goes on and on with hidden entrances to the gardens. The gardens all have walk ways for you to meander through them. I can imagine that this place will get used for many photoshoots. You have to be careful you're not walking into someone else's shot. None of the photos or reviews will EVER do this place justice. Trust me and go see for yourself.

Once a private landscaped garden, Dunorlan Park is now an historically important and much-loved…read morepublic park. The Heritage Lottery Fund award of £2.1 million enabled the restoration of Dunorlan's historic features and improved access into and around the park. Having been to the park since childhood to feed the ducks, go on the boats or watch the fireworks i was initially concerned when the funding was given to restore the park and trees started to disappear and the park looked bare. However now that it has started to settle down it is clear that the improvements have been made and the park is a stunning place to take the kids, read a book,go for a run or just sit and stare into space. My kids love it so much now just i did as a child. One question where did the Swans go????

Excellent park, well looked after, great space, recommended.read more