Arundel Castle After being sealed off to the public on its winter hiatus, Arundel Castle opens its gardens on March 29 to unveil a major revamp. Gardeners have planted more than 33,000 spring flowering bulbs in the 40-acre grounds as well as taking thousands of cuttings for planting later in the year. New features include a fountain in the English herbaceous borders, six large Trachycarpus fortune palms by Oberon’s Palace plus new additions to the Stumpery Garden.

Major events are planned for the coming months, including a tulip extravaganza featuring more than 15,000 flowers in bloom as well as crown imperials, daffodils, hyacinths and cherry blossom, and Amazing Alliums in May, when visitors can see an extensive collection of allium plus thousands of Dutch irises.

Arundel Castle, 01903 882173 Sheffield Park Sheffield Park Garden stewards lead tours at the National Trust property every Tuesday and Thursday where visitors can take advantage of their years of experience and specialist knowledge.

Meet at reception at 11am for a walk that takes in the history of the 18th century “Capability”

Brown-designed garden and offers an opportunity to enjoy the spring colours coming into bloom. Booking is not necessary.

Normal admission prices apply.

Sheffield Park Garden, 01825 790231 Alfriston Clergy House Alfriston Clergy House was the first property ever acquired by the National Trust back in 1896. A 14th century Wealden hall house, the house was originally built for a farmer but was later used by the parish priest and his housekeeper. A lowceilinged, timber-framed building with a thatched roof, it’s said that an oak leaf detail on a cornice inspired the National Trust’s emblem. Take a guided tour of its cottage garden, designed by Graham Stuart Thomas, from 10am on Tuesday.

It’s a free event but normal house admission prices apply.

Alfriston Clergy House, Polegate, 01323 871961 Nymans Nymans only opens its historic ruins twice a year so the events today and tomorrow offer a rare opportunity to discover what lies inside the skeleton of the Messel family home, almost destroyed in a 1987 fire. Next month, don’t miss the Dawn Chorus walk. Tom Forward from Sussex Wildlife Trust leads the 6am tour through the woodlands of Nymans and will help identify different bird song. The walk includes a continental breakfast and a hot drink. Booking is essential.

Nymans, Handcross, 01444 405250 Tidebrook Manor Located between Midhurst and Mayfield, Tidebrook Manor and its four-acre garden has been developed over the last decade and has outstanding views of the Sussex countryside. Large mixed borders, intimate courtyards, a wild woodland and a kitchen garden with raised beds are among the many features. It opens to the public on Wednesday with tours by head gardener Edward Flint at 11am and 2pm.

Tidebrook Manor, for more information, visit www.ngs.org