Sheffield Park Garden

Lest there be any confusion, Sheffield Park Garden is actually located in East Sussex. Right, now that’s out of the way we can also tell you that the best time to come here is in spring – when you’ll find the place awash with daffodils and bluebells.

Spend a lazy Saturday strolling by the lake (there are four to choose from), accompanied by a soundtrack of twittering birds that flitter about in the nearby bushes. Whenever you come here, though, there’s always something different to see. In autumn, for example, the fiery red and orange leaves are reflected in the glassy water of the central lakes – enthusiastic photographers snapping away from the interconnecting bridges.

In all there’s 120 acres to explore, designed by 18th-century garden guru, Capability Brown, along with Humphry Repton, and added to later by Arthur Gilstrap Soames. After a peaceful afternoon, ambling along under the shade of maples and birches, nip along the road for a cup of splosh at Ditchling Tea Rooms.

• Find out about Sheffield Park Garden
• Find accommodation and things to do in Sussex