With spring firmly on the horizon, it's time for the cheery daffodil to bring a little sunshine back into Sussex and guide us along to longer and sunnier days ahead.
Limekiln Farm
The garden at Limekiln Farm has been established since the 1930s and structurally not much has changed since then. Many daffodils will brighten the garden with their trumpets of sunshine come March. While visiting drop by the Oast house for a cup of home-brewed tea and other refreshments that are in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.
Where: Chalvington Road, Chalvington, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3TA
When: Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th March between 2 pm and 5 pm
More information: www.ngs.org.uk/limekiln-farm
The Old Vicarage
This beautiful 3½ acres garden has a stunning view looking towards the North Downs and has many intriguing features to explore. From a gorgeous Japanese garden to a working kitchen garden, The Old Vicarage is spellbinding, couple that with its copious amounts of spring bulbs that have already started flowering, this is one of the best gardens to visit time and time again as each spring flower rears its head.
Where: The Street, Washington, West Sussex RH20 4AS
When: Various dates throughout March and April
More information: www.ngs.org.uk/the-old-vicarage
Nymans
The juxtaposition of old ruins and fresh flowers at Nymans creates a stunning spring landscape, and it is especially when the Daffodils rear their heads and bloom alongside colourful tulips that the garden really comes into its own.
Where: Handcross, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6EB
More information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans
Butlers Farmhouse
This pretty garden that surrounds a 16th-century farmhouse is rather charming during the spring season when delicate daffodils, hellebores and primroses flower. There's also quite a lot of other delights to explore in this 1-acre garden including a small pond, a poison garden and a secret jungle garden.
Where: Butlers Lane, Herstmonceux, East Sussex BN27 1QH
When: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April between 2 pm and 5 pm
More information: www.ngs.org.uk/butlers-farmhouse
West Dean Woods
Perhaps the best place in the whole of Sussex to see true wild daffodils is at West Dean Woods, a sensational nature reserve managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Please note that the site does have restricted access but there is a bridleway alongside the woodlands that give you a fantastic view of the hundreds of golden trumpets during their flowering season.
Where: West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0RU
More information: www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/west-dean-woods
Sheffield Park
Arguably at its peak during Autumn when the leaves all change to varying shades of burning reds, Sheffield Park is also quite a remarkable sight in Spring when glorious clumps of daffodils shoot up all over the place and bring a much needed sunny disposition with them.
Where: Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX
More information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden
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