Walled Garden

High brick walls surround what's essentially a proper slice of Victorian horticulture just outside Horsham. The Walled Garden is exactly what it sounds - an enclosed space where someone once grew vegetables, fruit and flowers in the kind of controlled environment that kept the big house supplied year-round. Walking through the entrance feels like stepping back in time, though what you'll actually find depends entirely on whether it's been restored or left to the elements.

If it's maintained, you're looking at formal beds, trained fruit trees against those red brick walls, and the kind of botanical order that appeals to serious gardeners more than casual visitors. Kids might find it a bit dull if there's no play element - it's not the sort of place where they'll run around whooping. But if you're interested in how Victorian estates actually functioned, or you're keen on period gardening techniques, it's worth the detour from Horsham.

The proximity to Sands Farm Weekend Camping and Slinfold Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite makes this a reasonable half-morning stop during a wider park holiday in Surrey. Pair it with a walk around the town itself rather than expecting to spend more than 45 minutes inside. Check opening times beforehand - walled gardens are sometimes only open certain days or seasons, and admission fees vary wildly depending on whether it's privately owned or run by a heritage trust. Worth ringing ahead.