The gardens date from the 16th century and are managed by us for the public to enjoy. They are open from 8.30am until dusk or 9pm (whichever is the earlier) all year round except Christmas Day.
The gardens
The beautiful gardens are divided into two almost equal parts by the Winterbourne stream and are remarkable for some magnificent trees.
Outside the Ainsworth Room on the charming stone-flagged terrace is sculpture by John Skelton and nearby is a fine Magnolia Grandiflora and an equally fine Mulberry tree.
Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) planted additional trees when she visited Lewes on 18 May 1951. Her visit to the Grange gardens is commemorated by an inscribed stone at the base of the Tulip Tree on the cross path at the end of the main lawn.
On the south border of the lawn is a wall running west to east and then in a southerly direction terminating at the Winterbourne stream. This wall was probably erected by William Newton.
Above the archway in the side of the wall facing west is a carved stone boss, originally obtained from the ruins of the Priory. Similar bosses or corbels are to be found at Michelham Priory near Dicker and Arlington (South of Michelham) the latter having a small church dedicated to Saint Pancras the patron saint of Lewes Priory.
Each season the formal bedding displays are planted to produce a mass of colour, with the half-hardy bed and dahlia bed adding to the mixture of traditional and modern design.
A new addition to the gardens is the creation of a wildflower area with the planting of Primroses, Cowslips and Wild Strawberries among many other species.
On the 19th June 2004, a new Knot Garden was opened by Lady Baker on the site of the old council plant nurseries within the Grange Gardens.
Southover Grange Gardens, Southover Road, Lewes, BN7 1TP
