Date/Time
Date(s) - 3 May 2026 - 12 July 2026
11:00 am - 7:00 pm

This summer we are delighted to host a series of Open Gardens across Sussex, offering a chance to enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces, connect with nature and support patients in our local hospitals.

Each garden will be open for one day only, with entry by donation on arrival. Visitors can enjoy refreshments, homemade cakes, book sales, raffle stalls and, in some gardens, the opportunity to join tours or talks.

Gardens are open in all weathers, and cash donations are helpful on arrival. For the comfort of garden owners and visitors, only assistance dogs are permitted in the gardens.

As a charity, our aim is to make life better for patients in our local hospitals – whether through volunteers on wards, funding equipment, or creating spaces that support wellbeing. One example is the garden at Mill View Hospital, which we helped redesign to include quiet areas and outdoor sports equipment, giving patients a place to relax or enjoy gardening.

Through the Open Gardens programme we are also raising funds for our A Friend in Need initiative, a volunteer companionship service supporting people nearing the end of life in hospital.

Open Garden Dates 2026

Sunday 3 May | 1pm – 5pm
Launch Event – The Hove Club, 28 Fourth Avenue, Hove BN3 2PJ

Join us during RHS National Gardening Week to celebrate the launch of our Open Gardens season with live music, a bar and afternoon tea.

Thursday 14 May | 2pm – 7pm
Secret Garden, Bristol Gardens, Kemptown BN2 5JE

A hidden volunteer-run community garden offering peaceful respite in the heart of the city, with sculpture on display as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival.

Sunday 31 May | 1pm – 5pm
Bankside, Ditchling Common RH15 0SJ

A stunning garden and orchard complete with donkeys, peacocks and ducks, set between Ditchling and Haywards Heath.

Saturday 20 June | 11am – 4pm
Newtimber Place, Newtimber, Hassocks BN6 9BU

Explore the extensive grounds of this historic Sussex moated house dating back to the 1500s.

Saturday & Sunday 11–12 July | 11am – 4pm
Stanmer Villas, Brighton BN1 7HN

A city wellbeing garden with raised beds, summer flowers and even an artist’s studio.

Help Make the Open Gardens a Success

We would love your help in making our Open Gardens events a success.

We are looking for:

• Volunteers to help at the gardens on event days
• Cake makers to bake cakes for our garden teas
• Raffle prizes and stall holders

If you would like to get involved whether by volunteering, baking a cake or donating a prize please contact Katy for more details: katywells@brightonhospitalfriends.org.uk