There are many wonderful places to visit within easy reach of the BEST WESTERN Birch Hotel. In particular the local area is a paradise for garden enthusiasts but even if this is not for you there are many other places to enjoy. You are advised always to check opening times before setting off for your destination.

Click on each location for direct access to its website:

Alfriston: A charming historic village adjacent to the South Downs. 22 miles from the hotel.

Ashdown Forest Llama Park: Stroll around the 30 acre park inhabited by llamas, alpacas and reindeer. 14 miles from the hotel.

Bluebell Railway: A section of preserved standard gauge railway that used to form part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line. Travel between Sheffield Park and Kingscote stations through unspoilt countryside. Sheffield Park is 6 miles from the hotel.

Borde Hill Garden: A world class garden only a short drive from the hotel and with magnificent views over the Sussex Weald. On the outskirts of Haywards Heath 3 miles from the hotel.

Brighton: A lively, buzzing seaside town often called “London-by- the–sea”. Visit the famous “Lanes” antiques area and the Regency Royal Pavilion. 15 miles from the hotel.

Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum: Explore the Palladian house and gardens, the extensive Bird Reserve and the Motor Museum. Near Halland 16 miles from the hotel.

Central London: London with all its attractions is only a 45 minute train ride from Haywards Heath station.

Drusilla’s Zoo: Regarded as the best small zoo in the country and featuring hundreds of exotic animals including monkeys, otters, penguins and meerkats plus plenty of adventure attractions for the kids. In Alfriston 22 miles from the hotel.

Eastbourne: An elegant seaside town with 4 miles of beach and reputedly the sunniest place in Britain. 28 miles from the hotel.

Heaven Farm: . Set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland steeped in 600 years of farming history. See the Bluebell nature trail and the Rural Life Museum. Located in the Ashdown Forest 8 miles from the hotel.

Hickstead Showground: The home of British show-jumping and other equestrian events. Go to their web-site for details of forthcoming events. 8 miles from the hotel.

High Beeches Gardens: A beautiful and historic woodland and water garden covering some 25 acres, open April to October. Near Handcross 9 miles from the hotel.

The High Weald: This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretches from Horsham to Rye through Sussex, Surrey and Kent. It is an ancient landscape which features small fields, abundant woodlands, rolling hills, narrow steep valleys, heaths and sandstone outcrops.

Lewes: An elegant historic market town where you can visit Lewes Castle, Anne of Cleves House and Firle Place. 12 miles from the hotel.

Lindfield: A beautifully kept, traditional village complete with village pond only a few minutes journey by car.. 2 miles from the hotel.

National Cat Centre: The cat centre, set in acres of woodland is a memorable experience for all the family and is free to visit. Meet the cats and kittens or follow the nature trail. Near Chelwood Gate 9 miles from the hotel.

Nyman’s Gardens: Experience one of the great flower gardens with an important collection of rare plants, set around a romantic house and ruins in a beautiful wooded estate. Near Handcross 3 miles from the hotel.

Parham House and Gardens: Magnificent Elizabethan family house in an historic deer park at the foot of the South Downs. Near Pulborough 22 miles from the hotel.

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare: An animal sanctuary and a rehoming centre concentrating mainly on small animals but also home to horses, donkeys and alpacas. Near Ringmer 18 miles from the hotel.

Sheffield Park Gardens: Renowned landscaped garden of 120 acres with four large lakes. 8 miles from the hotel.

South Downs: The rolling hills of the South Downs stretch all the way from Winchester to Eastbourne and offer magnificent coastal views. There is a trail known as the “South Downs Way” for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders and the nearest point to join it is at Ditchling Beacon 8 miles south if the hotel.

Tulley’s Farm: Maze and fun park full of activities and adventure play. Near Turners Hill 10 miles from the hotel.

Wakehurst Place: Set in the grounds of an Elizabethan Mansion, there are 180 acres of splendid gardens, woodlands and water features. This is the country offshoot of Kew Gardens. Located north of Ardingly 6 miles from the hotel.

Wilderness Wood: A 62 acre working woodland park with activities, an adventure playground and wild camping. 15 miles from the hotel.

For reservations: Call 01444-451565
E-mail events@birchhotel2.wpengine.com