Sussex is known for its beautiful countryside, historic towns, and lively arts scene. But less known is that you can sometimes enjoy all three at once.
From sculpture gardens tucked among ancient woodland to artworks hidden along country trails, there are plenty of ways to combine a walk in the fresh air with a bit of culture.
So, with the sun still just about shining, read on to discover five outdoor sculpture parks and art walks across Sussex.
1. Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Horsham
With more than 120 original sculptures held within an ancient woodland and lakeside paths, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is one of the UK’s most renowned outdoor art experiences.
The 240-acre estate is home to an ever-changing sculpture collection with works by both established and emerging artists, many from the local area.
The artworks are positioned throughout the Grade I listed gardens, and discovering them as you explore is part of the experience.
The collection is included with garden entry and changes over time, so there’s always something new to spot, whatever the season.
You can find Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens on Brighton Road, Horsham.
2. Heathland Sculpture Trail, West Sussex
Rather than being one continuous walking route, the Heathland Sculpture Trail takes in six sculptures dotted around West Sussex’s heathland, with a seventh just over the border in Hampshire.
Directions, information sheets and colouring sheets for the sculptures are available from the South Downs National Park website, so you can plan your own sculpture-spotting adventure.
Among the works to look out for are:
- Tennyson Quote at Blackdown
- Lavington Lizard on the Serpent Trail
- Graffham Sheep Pig
- Dragonflies Rest at Stedham
- Resting Reptiles at Woolbeding
- Wiggonholt Cricket at Pulborough Brooks
It’s less about following a prescribed route and more about getting out into the countryside and seeing what you can find.
You can find the Heathlands Sculpture Trail in the South Downs National Park.
3. Farleys Sculpture Garden, Lewes
Farleys Sculpture Garden was specifically designed to display sculpture and features a permanent collection of works selected by surrealist artist Roland Penrose and photographer Lee Miller, alongside guest artists.
Over the years, giants, goddesses, and mythical creatures have all filled the garden. It also continues Penrose and Miller’s tradition of supporting living artists, with contemporary sculptors invited each year to exhibit their work.
The garden was also once an important source of fruit and vegetables for Miller’s kitchen, where she used the produce in the gourmet and often surreal meals she and Penrose served to their guests. Miller’s herb garden and the original flower beds remain part of the garden today.
You can find Farleys Sculpture Garden on Muddles Green, Lewes.
4. The Hastings Sculpture Trail
Blacksmith and sculptor Leigh Dyer has created several distinctive stainless-steel works around the Hastings coast, and seeking them out is a fun way to explore the area while learning a little about its history.
Start in Hastings Old Town with ‘The Winkle’, a giant winkle sculpture on a traffic island close to the beach. Dyer worked with local fishermen on the piece, incorporating details including fish, shells, stones, and fishing equipment.
The next closest work is ‘Chess Pieces’, which brings an octopus to Butler’s Gap, with its tentacles wrapping around the railings as it plays chess on a bench.
Down on the seafront, ‘Landing’ commemorates the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, combining a ship with the shape of a cormorant.
Continue west along the seafront to St Leonards to find ‘Marina’, Dyer’s more recent installation, inspired by mussel shells.
Finally, there is ‘The Gates’, near the former Hastings and St Leonards Observer offices and printworks, whose intricate design takes inspiration from the printing presses once used there.
You can start the Hastings Culture Trail on Pleasant Row, Hastings.
5. 1066 Country Walk, East Sussex
If you like your history as well as your art, the 1066 Country Walk offers plenty of both.
The 31-mile trail starts at Pevensey Castle and runs all the way to Rye. It follows the route through the East Sussex landscape associated with William the Conqueror and the events of 1066.
Along the way, you will pass through woodland, marshland, and historic villages, as well as landmarks including Herstmonceux Castle and Battle Abbey.
Alongside the beautiful and historic scenery, you’ll also find 10 bespoke oak sculptures by local artist Keith Pettit.
Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry and the story of the Norman invasion, the works include a charred wooden obelisk representing Halley’s Comet and a carved wooden henge.
The trail can be explored in sections, making it a good option for both serious and leisurely walkers and art lovers alike.
You can start the 1066 Country Walk on Castle Road, Pevensey.
Get in touch
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To find out more, please get in touch by emailing us at financial@barwells-wealth.co.uk or by phone on 01273 086 311.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
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