Spring is often a great time to admire the beauty of nature, and in Sussex, there are several National Trust gardens where you can take it in.

These gardens contain beautiful flowers and plants which make a picturesque setting to enjoy an afternoon at as the weather starts to get a bit warmer.

Here are five of the best-rated National Trust gardens to spend an afternoon at during the spring.

5 of the best National Trust gardens in Sussex

Nymans Garden

Great British Life: Nymans is described as a 'garden lover's delight'Nymans is described as a 'garden lover's delight' (Image: Tripadvisor)

Address: Nymans, Handcross, Haywards Heath RH17 6EB

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 1,275 reviews on Tripadvisor)

Nymans is described as a "garden lover’s delight" on its National Trust page with it having "significant international and heritage plant collections".

It adds: "More open and flowing than a ‘garden of rooms’, the June border, rose garden, South African meadow and famous summer borders represent Nymans’ distinctive blend of formality and informality to perfection."

Sheffield Park & Garden

Great British Life: Part of the landscape at Sheffield ParkPart of the landscape at Sheffield Park (Image: Tripadvisor)

Address: Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 1,287 reviews on Tripadvisor)

The garden at Sheffield Park is described as a "horticultural work of art" on its National Trust page.

It adds: "The vast collection of trees and large shrubs are planted to create vistas that enhance the feeling of scale and grandeur of the property. The garden has received a Grade I listing and holds the National Collection of Ghent Azaleas."

Monk's House

Great British Life: The country garden at Monk's HouseThe country garden at Monk's House (Image: Tripadvisor)

Address: Rodmell, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3HF

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 216 reviews on Tripadvisor)

The country garden at Monk's House was designed by Leonard Woolf and is "surrounded by incredible views of the Sussex Downs".

Its National Trust page adds: "With borders packed full of herbaceous perennials, climbers adorning flint walls, a productive orchard and water features, this compact garden is as charming as the house itself."

Alfriston Clergy House

Great British Life: One of the 'garden rooms' at Alfriston Clergy HouseOne of the 'garden rooms' at Alfriston Clergy House (Image: Tripadvisor)

Address: The Tye, Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 5TL

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 289 reviews on Tripadvisor)

The garden at the Alfriston Clergy House was informed by its tenants (Sir Robert Witt and his wife Lady Mary) during the first half of the 20th Century.

Its National Trust page adds: "During the time of his tenancy, it was popular to see the garden as an extension of the house and so gardens often appeared as a series of intimately linked rooms surrounded by hedges and trellis, the concept of ‘garden rooms’.

"Each ‘room’ often had a theme and a title as they do here at Alfriston."

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Petworth House & Park

Great British Life: Part of the grounds of Petworth HousePart of the grounds of Petworth House (Image: Tripadvisor)

Address: Petworth House and Park, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 9LR

Rating:  4/5 (from 1,595 reviews on Tripadvisor)

Petworth House's Pleasure Garden was designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown during the 18th century which introduced "colourful informal planting" and "winding paths".

One reviewer on Tripadvisor wrote: "Absolutely stunning imposing property brought to life by some charming and knowledgeable NT guides. An art collection of great importance with real works of art at every turn.

"Stunning gardens, we were lucky to have come on the first cooler day for a while."

Another posted: "I hadn’t been to Petworth before but I’m glad I did. It was lovely. Gorgeous gardens and we really enjoyed the Elmer trail (especially my young daughter)."