Spring Day Trips: Sussex's Historic Gardens Reopen

Spring is finally settling in across Sussex, and for those of us looking for a bit of a breather from the city, the 2026 season is bringing some of the region's historic horticultural spots back into focus. One of the more interesting projects to follow lately has been the Alexandra Park Greenhouse in Hastings. It is a manageable trip from Brighton and offers a look at a restoration project that has been over a decade in the making. Originally built in the 1930s by Richardson’s of Darlington, this teak and cast iron structure was once the centerpiece for floral exhibitions in the area. It has a long history, from being part of the 'Dig for Victory' campaign during the Second World War to housing a small zoo known as Pets Corner in the 1970s. After falling into disrepair in the late 80s, it sat derelict for years until a local group began the long process of bringing it back to life in 2013.

The progress made by the Alexandra Park Greenhouse Group has been steady, especially with the recent completion of some major structural work. In late 2024, the project celebrated its tenth anniversary, and by January 2025, a new floor of concrete tiles was laid to replace the old crazy paving, thanks to support from the Hastings Round Table and a National Lottery grant. They have also managed to get a new roof of reinforced glass panels installed through their 'Let's Raise the Roof' campaign. Right now, the greenhouse functions as a charity plant shop, which is a good spot to pick up something for your own garden while supporting the ongoing restoration. During the current winter schedule, they are open on Thursdays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. As we move into the warmer summer schedule, those hours shift slightly to Thursday afternoons between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm and Saturdays from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. You can find it tucked away on St Helens Road, just north of Dordrecht Way, between the tennis courts and the Woodland railway.

Beyond the greenhouse, the 2026 horticultural season in Sussex is being anchored by the Plant Fairs Roadshow. This year’s schedule is particularly ambitious, with Sussex serving as the central hub for a series of events featuring over 40 independent nurseries. Many of these exhibitors are RHS Chelsea medal winners, so the quality of plants is high, but the real draw is the chance to talk to the people who actually grow them. Because these nurseries are based relatively locally, the advice they give on which plants will survive in Sussex’s specific coastal or inland conditions is usually more practical than what you would find at a standard garden center. The roadshow is designed to follow the seasonal peaks of different plants, so the variety changes depending on when you catch them. It is a straightforward way to see what is thriving this spring and maybe get some ideas for your own outdoor space without the usual commercial pressure. The restoration of the greenhouse continues with plans for a grey water filter system and a new polytunnel for horticultural training, showing that these local spots are evolving into more than just historical landmarks.