rain or no rain – it’s nature time

Oh well, it was a rainy day today. But we were so excited about a spring walk  that we went to visit the lovely National Trust property Nymans Garden in Haywards Heath in Sussex despite a little drizzle and mist. And it was a breath of fresh air – both literally and metaphorically.

It just never stops amazing me how pretty the English countryside is with its rolling hills, many shades of green, variety of trees and flowers. At Nymans there is so much to do and see as the area totals 275 acres – forest walks, more formal gardens, the ruined Gothic and Tudor style house, the restored part of the house – you name it!

Kids also have a lot of do here starting with seasonal work sheets (identifying flowers, moss and other spring things), trail maps, spotting the fox and other items in the house, and geo-caching. So my conclusion is – rain or no rain, being out in a beautiful spot of nature will always be fun. And while you are in the area why not visit another property, such as the Wakehurst Place (see our story here) or Sheffield Park (NT Link here). Both are absolutely lovely places to visit, and our kids loved these destinations too.

[See also here our YouTube photo video journey of Nymans Garden]

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Enter the oh-so romantic gardens and ruins of Nymans

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UKPinetum views

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Sweeping views to the Downs

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Loved these clipped groupings – maybe one day my gardens will be like this too…

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
One of the pros of rainy days is that there are no huge crowds!

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
A misty pond in the meadows

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
First flowers

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Enjoying the raindrops

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Nymans is the romantic destination with ruins, rose gardens, meadows and more!

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
The history of the place

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Small part of the ruins are still usable and one can your that furnished area. This must have been such a beautiful house (and it still is)

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Looks like a little fortress in itself!

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Romantic tower and pretty little details in the birdhouse

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Miss A. and C. enjoying their activity sheets

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Love the way snowdrops have been planted here

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
The summer must be glorious – air filled with the soft smell of flowers and colour is everywhere

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Where are the birds…?

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Romantic stroll around…

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Someone loves all flowers pink!

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Miss A. loves her close shots of flowers

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Kids were thinking of Alice in Wonderland here!

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
One of the prettiest benches I’ve seen – and so perfectly romantic and suitable for Nymans

Nymans Garden, NT property in Haywards Heath, Sussex, UK
Looking forward to seeing and smelling the full summer bloom…