Things To Do

Here we have chosen some of the wonderful things to see and do in the area.  

You can also click here to visit the Experience West Sussex website which showcases the best active days, new experiences, back-to-nature family outings and cultural encounters in the county. 

The Priest House

The Priest House can be found in our village, it sits on the western edge of Ashdown Forest in the historic and picturesque village of West Hoathly. A timber-framed hall house built in the 15th Century for the Priory of St Pancras in Lewes. It was seized by Henry VIII in 1538 and belonged in turn to Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, Mary I and Elizabeth I. Central chimneys and a Horsham stone roof were added in the 16th century to create a substantial yeoman farmers house.

The house opened as a museum in 1908 and contains a varied collection of 17th and 18th century furniture, ironwork, textiles and other domestic bygones, displayed in furnished rooms. 

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Hever Castle

This was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife. The castle was later given to Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. In 1903, the estate was bought by the American millionaire, William Waldorf Astor who spent an immense amount of time, money and imagination in restoring the castle.

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Standen

Dating from the 1890s and containing original Morris & Co furnishings and decorations, Standen survives today as a remarkable testimony to the ideas of the Arts and Crafts movement. 

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Penshurst Place

 One of England's greatest family owned stately homes with a history going back six and a half centuries. A marvellous mix of paintings, tapestries and furniture from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries can be seen throughout the house. The gardens were first laid out in the 14th century and have been developed over successive years by the Sidney family who first came to Penshurst in 1552.

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Leeds Castle

The site of a saxon royal manor, a Norman fortress and a royal palace to the Kings and Queens of England, the chequered history of Leeds Castle continues well into the 20th Century.

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Wakehurst Place- 4 Miles

This is 'Kew Gardens in the country'. A superb collection of exotic trees, shrubs and other plants, many displayed in order of geographic region. Also of interest are the extensive water gardens, a winter garden, a rock walk and walled gardens. 

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Sheffield Park

A magnificent example of a 'Capability' Brown landscaped garden, stretching over 120 acres and incorporating four lakes, waterfalls and cascades. There is a profusion of colour all year round from bluebells in the spring trees in spectacular autumn colours. Sheffield Park is also home to the National Collection of Ghent azaleas.

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Borde Hill Gardens -8 Miles

2015 is the Golden anniversary of opening as a charity. Borde Hill is the perfect day out for horticultural enthusiasts, country lovers and families. This exotic garden is renowned for its unusual trees and shrubs and was created with plants collected by the great Victorian Plant Hunters. Discover a unique series of outdoor ‘rooms’ including Rose and Italian gardens, tranquil lakes, 200 acres of parkland and magical woodland. Themed events throughout the season. Dogs welcome on leads. Facilities include: children’s adventure playground, picnic areas, tea garden, café and award-winning restaurant, art gallery, gift shop and plant sales. Pre-book visits for group discounts or garden and house tours

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Nymans- 14 Miles

One of the most remarkable gardens of the Sussex weald with rare and beautiful plants, as well as shrubs and trees from all over the world. Wall garden, rose garden and Pinetum. 

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Ashdown Art Gallery

 Located in the Ashdown Forest East Sussex, Ashdown Gallery is proud to exhibit the works of acclaimed, established and new up-and-coming artists, both local and International.

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Address


The Cat Inn,
North Lane,
West Hoathly,
West Sussex,
RH19 4PP

Phone


(01342) 810369

Email


thecatinn@googlemail.com

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