Our Roots
A Fascinating History of Discovery
Borde Hill has a unique history rooted in nature and the power of plants and continues to be spearheaded by the passion of five generations of the Stephenson Clarke Family.
Our History
Plants have been in our DNA since 1598 when Stephen Borde, the grandson of Henry VIII’s private herbalist and physician Andrew Borde, rebuilt the picturesque Elizabethan Mansion House at the core of our Estate.
Centuries later, Colonel Stephenson R Clarke was responsible for creating our nationally important Garden and plant collection. A horticultural pioneer, he sponsored plant hunting trips around the world, including Japan, China, Burma, Tasmania and the Andes. The result is one of the rarest collections of privately owned champion trees in the UK and one of the only places you can still see plants from all four corners of the world.
A Plant Lover’s Paradise
Planted with passion as a series of outdoor ‘Garden rooms’, highlights include the Azalea Ring, tranquil Italian Garden, stunning Rose Garden and newly replanted perennial summer borders. Listed by English Heritage as being of Grade II* historic importance and set within 383 acres of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the High Weald, our House and Garden are surrounded by rolling Parkland and ancient Woodland beyond.
Over the last 130 years, five generations of the Stephenson Clarke Family have been committed to protecting and enhancing Borde Hill’s significant collection of plants, trees and shrubs. In 1999, the Garden won the South East Tourism Board’s prestigious ‘Attraction of the Year’ award and in 2004 it won the HHA/Christies Garden of the Year.
We are custodians of the Estate with a long-term goal to protect its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy. We couldn’t do this without the passionate team who work at Borde Hill. Thanks to our dedicated gardeners and growers we continue to give our plant collection the care it deserves.
We invite you to come and experience ‘joyous balance’ and the beauty of nature, where there’s something for everyone, from Woodland walks and horticultural talks, to food and drink events, live music performances, wellbeing workshops and activities for families of all ages.
Our Timeline
A Fascinating History of Discovery
Borde Hill – The Beginnings
1598 to 1893
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The Stephenson Clarke Family at Borde Hill – The Early Years
1893 to 1965
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The Garden Charity - To Present Day
1965 to date
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Press Coverage
Discover the Possibilities
Become a Member
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Our Garden & Grounds
Set within 383 acres of heritage listed Parkland, our formal Garden captivates and delights visitors with a series of intimate 'Garden rooms'. Beyond the formal Garden you can explore Woodland walks, the South Park and our lakes with outstanding views across the Sussex High Weald.
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Support Us
As a small, independent Garden Charity, we rely on your kind generosity to help fund our projects and to continue to grow sustainably, protecting our natural heritage for generations to come. 'Reinventing Borde Hill' is our most ambitious project to date and your support will help us to achieve exciting plans to benefit our local community.
It would make a huge difference if you would consider supporting us by making a donation – thank you.
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Borde Hill | Borde Hill Lane
Haywards Heath | West Sussex
RH16 1XP
Telephone +44 (0) 1444 450326
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Opening Hours
The Garden is open 10am-5pm, daily
11th February – 31st October 2023
Borde Hill Garden (company number 867120, charity number 246589) is a registered charity incorporated in England and Wales. Borde Hill Events Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 02589059. Both are registered at Borde Hill, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex. RH16 1XP.