Gardens to Visit in East Sussex
Where to see Lavender Gardens in Sussex
Lavender will again takes centre stage in the medicinal Garden at Merriments from late May 2027.
The scent and colour of lavender are filling Merriments Gardens this summer, as the Medicinal Garden comes into full bloom with drifts of fragrant purple flowers around its tranquil water rill.
Visitors can now enjoy one of the garden’s most atmospheric seasonal highlights, with lavender bringing its distinctive perfume, silvery foliage and nectar-rich flowers to the four-acre East Sussex garden.
Long valued for its calming fragrance and loved by gardeners for its resilience in sunny, well-drained positions, lavender is bringing a classic summer spectacle to the garden while providing a rich source of nectar for wildlife.
The lavender is also playing an important role in Merriments’ wildlife-friendly approach. Grown as part of the garden’s organic, pesticide-free planting, it is helping attract pollinators including bees and butterflies, while adding scent, texture and colour for visitors to enjoy.
The lavender display comes as Merriments welcomes 30,000 bees from Sussex-based specialist R and R Bees, a small business that breeds bees, including queens. The new arrivals, Buckfast bees known for their prolific honey production, have settled into two new hives – and within just a month, the colony is expected to double to around 60,000.
Dan Warne, Head Gardener and beekeeper, said: “Lavender is one of the great sensory plants of summer. It brings scent, colour and movement to the Medicinal Garden, and it is wonderful for pollinators. As our bees are a small colony, we are focused on building up their numbers this year, but they are doing so well we are expecting our first honey harvest this year. We hope to harvest around 100lbs of honey next year, which we will either sell or use in the Merriments Conservatory Café.”
Summer is the perfect time to experience the lavender at Merriments and uncover this garden gem. Just off the A21 near Hurst Green, Merriments is easy to find and packed with reasons to visit.
Now owned by Caravan Tech, the well-established family-run business that relocated from its previous site in Hurst Green to this idyllic countryside setting, Merriments has entered an exciting new chapter.
Since the acquisition, the gardens have benefited from extensive renovation and improvement, including the opening of a new eatery known as the conservatory. Visitors can now enjoy a relaxed day out that combines a leisurely stroll through the gardens with food and drink in the Merriments Conservatory café, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
Head Gardener Dan Warne, alongside his team and dedicated volunteers, has brought fresh energy to the four-acre site, restoring water features and introducing vibrant new flower beds.
The gardens are open daily throughout the year Monday – Saturday: 8:30am-4:30pm. Sunday: 9:30am-4:30pm. Admission is £8 for adults and Children under 15 are free. Free admission for RHS Members.
Garden tickets including season tickets are available from the conservatory café, offering free entry to the gardens throughout the year. Prices are season tickets are £35 for a single ticket and £55 for a joint ticket.
Dogs are welcome in both the gardens and Merriments Conservatory Café, and the accessible, wheelchair-friendly paths help ensure everyone can enjoy the experience. There is also a children’s play area at Merriments.
Location
Merriments Gardens is at Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7RA. www.caravantech.co.uk/merriments
Merriments Gardens
Merriments Gardens in East Sussex is a hidden gem, tucked away behind tall hedges. Spanning four acres, the gardens are thoughtfully designed with beautiful, colour-themed borders, offering an inspiring variety of plants that provide year-round interest. In spring, visitors are welcomed by delicate wildflowers and a meadow filled with blue camassia. Mature magnolias and vibrant tulips give way to peonies, azaleas, and rhododendrons. In summer, lavender, roses, poppies, and an array of blooms take centre stage, while autumn brings a striking display of fiery foliage. Guests can also explore a medicinal garden filled with fragrant herbs.
Garden Style and Features
Merriments Gardens combines a relaxed atmosphere with both classic and contemporary elements. The grounds feature a harmonious mix of formal and natural plantings set across a gently sloping, south-facing landscape. Several water features add to the tranquil ambiance, and a bird hide provides a peaceful spot to observe birds feeding undisturbed.
Accessibility and Facilities
The gardens are open every day of the year and provide ample free parking. Paths are designed for accessibility, making them suitable for wheelchair users. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on leads in the gardens and conservatory café areas.
Merriments Conservatory Café
Merriments Conservatory café is open seven days a week, offering a welcoming space to enjoy a variety of refreshments. Guests can relax with coffee or drinks, including Merriments Gin, savour freshly prepared lunches, indulge in afternoon tea, or enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast (served on Sundays). The conservatory is the ideal place to unwind after exploring the gardens.
Events and Special Dining Evenings
For information about upcoming garden events and special evening dining experiences in the conservatory café, visitors are encouraged to visit the Merriments website.
