Outdoor Art Trails and Nature Walks Near Brighton

Combining a long walk with a bit of culture is a fairly easy task around Sussex, especially with several estates integrating large-scale art into their landscapes. Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Lower Beeding is one of the more expansive options, covering 240 acres of woodland and valley. The main draw here is the permanent Sculpture Park, which features the 'Walk of Life' exhibition by South African artist Anton Smit. You will find over 80 monumental works scattered throughout the grounds, including the 12-meter-tall 'Faith' sculpture. The Surrey Sculpture Society also collaborates with the estate, so the collection is quite varied in terms of materials, using everything from bronze and resin to glass and found objects. Notable pieces currently on display include 'In Haste' by Graeme Lougher, which was named Leonardslee Sculpture of the Year, and 'Song of the Moon' by Jeremy Moulsdale. If you see something you particularly like, most of the original pieces are available for purchase. The walk itself takes you past seven different lakes and through areas where you might spot the local wallaby colony or free-roaming deer. Entry is £14.50, and they are open from 9:00 to 17:00.

Borde Hill Garden in Haywards Heath is another spot that works well for a spring outing, particularly as their 'Magnolias in Bloom' event and the 'Kids Trail: Mission Spring' both start today, March 14. This Grade II listed garden is spread across 383 acres and is organized into distinct 'rooms' like the Italian Garden and the Azalea Ring. It is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with adult tickets priced at £13.95. If you are planning a bit further ahead, Pashley Manor Gardens* in Ticehurst opens for the season on April 1. While it is a smaller site at 11 acres, it hosts dedicated sculpture exhibitions alongside its horticultural displays. They have a busy calendar for 2026, including a Tulip Festival starting on April 16 and a Rose Week in mid-June. Later in the summer, they also host the Sussex Guild Craft Show at the end of August, which usually brings a different set of handmade works to the garden paths.

For those who prefer the Ardingly area, Wakehurst offers a mix of permanent art and seasonal trails. You can see installations like 'Bank a Seed' and 'Surviving or Thriving' year-round, or join one of their daily guided walks. Their 'Glow Wild' light trail is scheduled to return later in the year, starting on November 26. If you are looking for something more focused on contemporary international artists, the Goodwood Art Foundation near Chichester opens its summer programme on May 2, featuring works across a 70-acre landscape. Closer to Brighton, the Story Trail is set to bring over 30 'BookBenches' to the city from September 4. Other locations worth considering for a walk include the gardens at Arundel Castle, which are open Tuesday to Sunday, or the historic Great Dixter in Northiam. Each offers a different perspective on how art can be integrated into the Sussex countryside, whether through formal landscape architecture or more modern sculpture trails.