Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam_window.jpg" alt="View from a window at Bodiam Castle, Sussex" class="wp-image-83764" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam_window.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam_window-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam_window-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam_window-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Every year, hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues and projects across the UK show their gratitude by offering free or reduced entry as part of <a href="https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Lottery Open Week</a> (7-15 Mar). Here in Sussex, they range from expansive nature reserves to niche museums and palatial National Trust properties. </p>



<p>Up for a culture crawl? Read on for a curated list of our favourites. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petworth-house-amp-park"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petworth House &amp; Park</a> </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Petworth-2.jpg" alt="Petworth House and Park, Sussex" class="wp-image-83771" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Petworth-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Petworth-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Petworth-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Petworth-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: National Trust, James Dobson</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petworth</a> has it all: grand gardens, deer-grazed parkland, imposing interiors, even a credit as a <em>Bridgerton</em> backdrop. The art collection isn&#8217;t bad either but the Carved Room is its quirky crowning glory. A typically imposing space, its walls are literally covered with intricately carved lime wood. The work of 17th-century Dutch master craftsman and sculptor Grinling Gibbons, its detail has to be seen to be believed. Pitch up from <strong>7-14 Mar</strong> clutching a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard, and you&#8217;ll be entitled to free entry for one adult and up to 4 children. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bodiam-castle-robertsbridge"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bodiam Castle</a>, Robertsbridge</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam.jpg" alt="Bodiam Castle, Sussex" class="wp-image-83766" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Bodiam-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>One of the county&#8217;s most evocative castles, a trip to 14th-century Bodiam delivers all the romantic features you could wish for. A moat? How about a portcullis to boot? Its interior might be ruined but there are still spiral staircases and battlements. Climb to the top for sweeping views, then head back down and roam grounds that include a nationally-significant bat maternity roost. From <strong>11-14 Mar</strong>, a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard entitles you to free entry for one adult and up to 4 children. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulborough-brooks"><a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/pulborough-brooks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pulborough Brooks </a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pulborough.jpg" alt="RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Sussex" class="wp-image-83769" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pulborough.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pulborough-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pulborough-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pulborough-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pulborough-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s free entry and free parking from <strong>7-15 Mar</strong> at this RSPB nature reserve. A patchwork of wildflower meadows, pools and newly restored heathland, it&#8217;s one of the country&#8217;s richest sanctuaries for flora and fauna. At this time of year you can expect to be serenaded by busy songbirds. Spring is peak Nightingale warbling season, so listen out for that, and look out for acrobatic aeronautical courtesy of the Lapwings. One National Lottery ticket or scratchcard entitles the holder to free parking for one car, plus free entry for up to two adults and three accompanying children. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charleston-firle"><a href="https://www.charleston.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charleston</a>, Firle</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/charleston.jpg" alt="Charleston, Sussex" class="wp-image-83776" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/charleston.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/charleston-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/charleston-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/charleston-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Charleston Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re at all interested in art, design or literature, or just want to see what can be done with modest-sized garden, you need to visit Charleston. A rural retreat for the Bloomsbury group, the farmhouse&#8217;s immaculately preserved interiors and gorgeous outdoor spaces are a boho sourcebook that you can step right into. Along with a cafe, there&#8217;s a shop that is every bit as tempting as you&#8217;d imagine. From <strong>11-15 Mar</strong>, one Lottery ticket or scratchcard grants free entry for one adult and advance booking is recommended as visitor numbers are limited. To book online, use the code LOTTERY. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hastings-contemporary"><a href="https://www.hastingscontemporary.org/events/odyssey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hastings Contemporary</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/hastings_contemporary.jpg" alt="Hastings Contemporary, Sussex" class="wp-image-83777" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/hastings_contemporary.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/hastings_contemporary-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/hastings_contemporary-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/hastings_contemporary-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/hastings_contemporary-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hastings Contemporary is among Sussex&#8217;s most prestigious arts spaces. From <strong>11-15 Mar</strong> offering one free exhibition ticket per Lottery ticket – you could even make an ultra hip Mother&#8217;s Day jaunt of it. It&#8217;s the closing week for its current shows, so if you haven&#8217;t yet spent time with work by Sophie Barber, Michael Landy, and Isabel Rock, now is the moment. Painting, printmaking, sculpture – it&#8217;s all here. And don&#8217;t leave without checking out the shop! </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nymans-handcross"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nymans</a>, Handcross</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Nymans-2.jpg" alt="Nyman's, Susse" class="wp-image-83772" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Nymans-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Nymans-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Nymans-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Nymans-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: National Truth, Gary Cosham</figcaption></figure>



<p>Nymans is hard to beat for atmosphere. The house is a romantic ruin today, the result of a fire that broke out in 1947. Its story, however, stretches back through war and storms to Victorian industrialists, plant collectors, and medieval roots. Its gardens are no less evocative. Extensive yet cosy, they&#8217;re bursting with spring bulbs and fragrant magnolias at this time of year. See also: tree-lined avenues, pockets of prettiness framed by stone archways, and views of Wealden beauty beyond. From <strong>7-14 Mar</strong>, each National Lottery ticket or scratchcard entitles you to free entry for one adult and up to 4 children. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-standen-house-amp-gardens-east-grinstead"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Standen House &amp; Gardens</a>, East Grinstead</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Standen.jpg" alt="Standen House and Gardens, Sussex" class="wp-image-83773" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Standen.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Standen-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Standen-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Standen-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: National Trust, Laurence Perry</figcaption></figure>



<p>Did you know that March is Morris Month? All the more reason to bag a free visit to this Arts and Crafts family home from <strong>7-14 Mar</strong>. It&#8217;s chockfull of Morris &amp; Co. interiors, and the rolling Sussex landscape provides an idyllic setting. Footpaths lead to woodlands and AONB views, while formal planting includes an enchanting Victorian Quarry Garden. From there, follow a winding path to Will Shannon&#8217;s Bothy – it&#8217;s sure to spark shed envy. Rock up clutching a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard, and you&#8217;ll be entitled to free entry for one adult and up to 4 children. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pagham-harbour-chichester"><a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/pagham-harbour-local-nature-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pagham Harbour</a>, Chichester</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pagham.jpg" alt="RSPB Pagham Harbour, Sussex" class="wp-image-83767" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pagham.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pagham-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pagham-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Pagham-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another RSPB haven, there&#8217;s no entry charge at Pagham Harbour but non-members do ordinarily need to pay for parking. Not from <strong>7-15 Mar </strong>though, when each National Lottery ticket or scratchcard entitles the holder to free parking for one car. This tranquil nature reserve is a sheltered inlet on of the few undeveloped stretches of the Sussex coast. Saltmarsh and mudflats, lagoons, reedbeds, farmland and shingle beach help make it an internationally important wetland site for wildlife.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sheffield-park-amp-garden-uckfield"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sheffield Park &amp; Garden</a>, Uckfield</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Sheffield-Park.jpg" alt="Sheffield Park and Garden, Sussex" class="wp-image-83774" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Sheffield-Park.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Sheffield-Park-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Sheffield-Park-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/Sheffield-Park-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: National Trust, Gary Cosham</figcaption></figure>



<p>Landscape design stars like &#8216;Capability&#8217; Brown and Humphry Repton have influenced the evolution of Sheffield Park. This Grade I listed garden centres around four lakes but its paths thread through glades and wooded areas, and its trees and shrubs hail from around the world. It&#8217;s a des res for wildlife, too, including kingfishers and birds of prey. From <strong>7-14 Mar</strong>, a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard will entitle you to free entry for one adult and up to 4 children. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brighton-toy-amp-model-museum"><a href="https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brighton Toy &amp; Model Museum</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/toymuseum.jpg" alt="Brighton Toy and Model Museum" class="wp-image-83775" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/toymuseum.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/toymuseum-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/toymuseum-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/03/toymuseum-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Nostalgia alert! Tucked beneath the railway arches, Brighton Toy &amp; Model Museum is a treasure trove of some 12,000 items, including model trains, soft toys, dollhouse furniture, and vintage Lego. It&#8217;ll charm everyone from toddlers to grandparents, and if you visit from <strong>10-13 Mar</strong>, you&#8217;ll receive one free entry per Lottery ticket or scratchcard. </p>



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