High Beeches Garden
Near Handcross, West Sussex
High Beeches is a woodland and water garden near Handcross in West Sussex, with around 27 acres of glades, ponds, wildflower meadows and rare and champion trees to wander through.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit High Beeches Garden?
High Beeches is a garden for slow walks under big trees. It belongs to the tradition of Sussex woodland gardens on the High Weald, where sheltered valleys and streams suit trees and shrubs from around the world. Expect informal paths rather than formal beds, with glades opening out between trees and water appearing as you go.
The garden covers around 27 acres. Water gardens and ponds sit in the lower ground, wildflower meadows give a lighter, open feel, and the woodland holds rare trees, including champion trees, the largest of their kind recorded in the country. Take your time and look up: the trees are the main collection here, and their bark, shapes and autumn leaves are as rewarding as any flower. Meadows are best enjoyed by keeping to the mown paths so the flowers can seed.
For gardeners, the lesson is in letting a site lead the design. Woodland edges, damp hollows and meadow grass are all used rather than fought, so a visit is useful if you have a shady or sloping garden and want ideas on planting under trees. High Beeches is an RHS partner garden and a member of Historic Houses, and it sits close to several other well-known Sussex gardens, which makes it easy to combine in a day. Bring a camera, as the reflections in the ponds and the shapes of the old trees reward a slow walk.
What to see
- Champion trees, among the largest of their kind recorded in Britain.
- Water gardens and ponds in the lower ground of the valley.
- Wildflower meadows with mown paths through them.
- Woodland glades with rare trees and shrubs from around the world.
High Beeches Garden through the year
- spring
- Woodland shrubs flower under the trees and fresh leaves open across the valley.
- summer
- The wildflower meadows are at their best and the shade of the woodland makes for a cool walk.
- autumn
- The trees colour across the garden, the best season for the tree collection.
- winter
- Check the garden's opening dates before planning a winter visit, as access may be limited.
The story behind the garden
High Beeches is a historic woodland garden on the High Weald of West Sussex, closely linked with the Loder family, whose members were behind several of the county's great woodland gardens. Its planting of trees and shrubs built up over generations, leaving rare and champion trees across the valley.
Today the garden is open to visitors as a woodland and water garden, recognised on Historic England's register of historic parks and gardens. It is part of the RHS partner garden scheme and a member of Historic Houses. The meadows and water gardens are managed alongside the woodland so the whole site keeps its informal, natural character.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Tree lovers and anyone who enjoys a quiet, informal woodland walk, especially those with shady or sloping gardens.
- Getting there
- High Beeches is near Handcross in West Sussex, close to the A23 south of Crawley.
- Before you go
- Paths are informal and can be uneven or soft after rain, so wear sturdy shoes. Check the RHS partner garden page or the garden's own information for current opening times and entry details.
Source: RHS partner gardens: High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden
Questions about visiting High Beeches Garden
Where is High Beeches Garden?
High Beeches is near the village of Handcross in West Sussex, on the High Weald close to the A23 south of Crawley. Several other well-known Sussex gardens are nearby, so it is easy to combine visits.
What kind of garden is High Beeches?
High Beeches is an informal woodland and water garden of around 27 acres. It has ponds, water gardens, wildflower meadows and rare and champion trees, rather than formal beds and borders.
When is the best time to visit High Beeches?
Autumn is excellent for tree colour, while spring brings flowering shrubs and fresh leaves, and summer suits the wildflower meadows. Check opening dates before travelling.
Is High Beeches an RHS partner garden?
Yes, High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden is part of the RHS partner garden scheme. Check the RHS website for any member benefits and the days on which they apply.
Garden features
Location
Near Handcross, West Sussex
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