Museum of Gardening

One of the things we love most about the Sussex and Surrey region is the fact that we can find something to suit all tastes and all interests. A great example of this is the excellent Museum of Gardening, a West Sussex masterpiece that provides a fascinating insight into how one of the nation’s favourite interests has developed over the centuries. Even if you’re not the world’s keenest gardener, we have a feeling you’re going to love this place. 

The museum is dedicated to the impressive Edwin Beard Dudding, an engineer from Gloucestershire who invented the lawnmower in 1830. You can look at a fantastic selection of mowers here, ranging from the 1860s through to the 1980s. Many of them are rare, and some are completely unique. If you’ve ever wondered how lawns were cut by your grandparents, great-grandparents and beyond, this is the place to visit.  

The Museum of Gardening is free of charge, so make sure you come along and find out more. Be sure to see the displays dedicated to Mr. Budding, and the incredible range of tools and accessories used for pruning, spraying, watering and of course, mowing. And when you’re in the mood for refreshments, the excellent Barn Coffee Shop & Restaurant is right next door. You’ll find the museum in the South Downs Heritage Centre in Hassocks, within easy reach of Burgess Hill, Brighton and Lewes.