I first discovered Wynkcoombe Arboretum, tucked away near Fittleworth, entirely by chance while out on a run a couple of years ago. More recently, I found myself there again, and it reminded me just how special this hidden corner of Sussex really is.
Created by Nicholas Smith of Winkham Hill, the arboretum has grown steadily since the first trees were planted in the mid-1970s. Every specimen has been planted and cared for by Nicholas himself, creating a remarkable collection of more than 800 trees and shrubs. Many have been grown from seed collected from arboreta around the world, sourced from specialist nurseries or brought back from plant-hunting expeditions to Asia and South America.
The collection extends across around 50 acres of woodland, gardens and farmland, although the heart of the arboretum is concentrated within 20 acres of peaceful woodland. Around 600 specimens are individually labelled, with QR codes allowing visitors to identify the trees and learn more about them using their smartphone. The arboretum is divided into different sections and criss-crossed by a network of footpaths, making it easy to choose your own route and linger wherever something catches your eye.
Despite the remarkable collection, this doesn’t feel like a formal botanical garden. Instead, it has the atmosphere of somewhere quietly evolving over decades. The winding paths disappear into the trees before revealing unexpected clearings, unusual species and changing views. Every twist in the trail seems to invite you to explore just a little further.
There’s something almost otherworldly about the place. It reminded me, in some ways, of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, but without the crowds, sense of spectacle or formality. Wynkcoombe feels more secluded, more intimate and somehow more mysterious. The woodland has an almost enchanted quality, where exotic specimens sit comfortably alongside native trees, and the only soundtrack is birdsong and the rustle of leaves overhead.
Whether you’re a keen gardener, a tree enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys escaping into nature for an hour or two, there’s a real sense of peace here. Perhaps the greatest surprise is that this remarkable collection is open to visitors free of charge for almost every day of the year. Parking is available on Sandy Lane immediately beside the arboretum, or you can leave your car near the village shop and enjoy a gentle five to ten minute walk to the entrance.
Sussex is full of well-known gardens and famous estates, but some of its greatest treasures are the ones that remain quietly hidden. Wynkcoombe Arboretum is undoubtedly one of them. It doesn’t feature on many tourist itineraries. So, if you’re looking for somewhere a little different for your next countryside walk, this hidden gem deserves a place on your list. It has a website and details of lots of different tree trails.
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