Southover Grange gardens

Each year seasonal-bedding displays turn the gardens into a riot of colour.

A site of tranquillity and beauty, Southover Grange gardens remains one of the quieter places to picnic, view the collection of mature trees or just relax from the bustling Lewes town centre.

The fine Elizabethan house was built in 1572 by William Newton, the Earl of Dorset, now very popular with newly weds as a place to marry in the registry office.

Within the lawn areas can be seen one of the oldest Mulberry trees in England around 350 years old. The gardens also include some fine examples of Copper Beach, Indian Bean tree, and one of the largest Magnolia trees to be found in England.

Each season the formal bedding displays are planted to produce a mass of colour, with the half-hardy bed and dahlia bed adding to the mixture of traditional and modern design.

A new addition to the gardens is the creation of a wildflower area with the planting of Primroses, Cowslips and Wild Strawberries among many other species.

On the 19th June 2004, a new Knot Garden was opened by Lady Baker on the site of the old council plant nurseries within the Grange Gardens.

This new area has a central water feature and neat box hedging. The garden is bordered by shurb beds with a variety of plants, including Iris. Hydrangea and Garrya.

On entering the new garden, you walk through a new traditional herbaceous border which delivers a wealth of colour during summer months. The garden was designed by Lewes District Council and installed by GE Funnell Landscapes of Newhaven.

The gardens are cut into two sides by the Winterbourne Stream, a fast flowing stream that begins to subside as the summer approaches until it completely disappears in the height of summer only to return in the autumn.

The gardens are open all year from dawn to dusk.

Refreshments are available during the summer from a tea kiosk with Male, Female and Disabled conveniences being located within the Gardens.

The nearest public car park is located at Mountfield Road, alternatively a regular train service connects Lewes to most surrounding towns, just a few minutes walk away from the gardens.

For details of hiring the open space for special events contact the Community services help desk.