South Downs Heritage Centre
Hassocks | West Sussex
South Downs Heritage Centre, in Hassocks, opened its doors to the public in 2016
About South Downs Heritage Centre
Hassocks, West Sussex
We are a growing community of over 60 artists, makers, foodies, educators, gardening history enthusiasts and volunteers.
We are passionate about what we do and we want to share this with you. We consider the Heritage Centre project a work in progress, constantly growing and evolving as we come up with new ideas for exciting events, exhibitions, talks, workshops and much more! There will always be something new to see each time you visit us and many things you can join in with, or become involved in.
Opening Times
| Monday | 8:30 – 17:30 |
| Tuesday | 8:30 – 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 8:30 – 17:30 |
| Thursday | 8:30 – 17:30 |
| Friday | 8:30 – 17:30 |
| Saturday | 8:30 – 17:30 |
| Sunday | 10:30 – 16:30 |
Please Note: We are closed Easter Sunday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Address, Directions & Contact
South Downs Nurseries Garden CentreBrighton Road
Hassocks
West Sussex
BN6 9LY
Telephone: 01273 845 232
Car parking at South Downs for the disabled and coach set-down is on flat tarmac or grass, close to the main entrance.
Wheelchairs are available on request, subject to availability. Floor areas are flat and level. Where stock is displayed at height, staff are available to assist.
The Restaurant at South Downs can cater to Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free and other dietary requirements.
Carry to Car Service | Home Delivery | Disabled Toilets | Baby Changing Facilities | Service Dogs Welcome
If you require further information, please do not hesitate to call our team on 01273 845232.
South Downs Heritage Centre
A Brief History
The first Heritage Centre on the site at South Downs Nurseries opened in 2008 and was a collection of historical gardening, agricultural and other artefacts, most of which were donated by members of the local community.
The new Heritage Centre opened in March 2016 and was designed to create a financially self-sustaining space for a brand new museum of gardening alongside British art, craft, food and education. The Heritage Centre is also home to The Cube Art Gallery, The Sussex Food Hall and in the courtyard garden, you will find ‘Made & Making’. The home of sewing and craft workshops.
Entry to the Museum of Gardening remains completely free of charge for all visitors.
The Sussex Food Hall
Local and Regional Food Producers
Set on the edge of the South Downs National Park, The Sussex Food Hall brings together the best of local and regional food producers. Discover food not found in your supermarket, with all its provenance. We have a carefully selected a wide range of the best artisan foods from Sussex and Kent, along with other regional foods that we have tried, tested and loved!
We stock a wide range of products, from sauces, condiments and preserves to compliment our meat products, to locally and ethically produced milk, yoghurts and a range of chilled foods. We also work closely with local vineyards and breweries to bring you the best of the region’s wines, ciders, beers, ales and spirits.
The Museum of Gardening
By the Budding Foundation
The Budding Foundation Museum of Gardening was set up by The Budding Foundation, a charity that supports young people, with the emphasis on helping those who have lacked support or opportunity at some stage in their lives. Their support is wide ranging, from school clubs and apprenticeships to working with disabled children.
Clive Gravett founded this charity in 2013, his family having been closely involved with agriculture & horticulture. From an early age Clive took a keen interest in gardening and conservation, with knowledge and skills being passed down from his father, Denis and grandfather Harry.
For several years he volunteered at local schools with projects/initiatives to promote conservation and gardening, including the design and construction of one of the first bottle greenhouses featured by the BBC in 2009, also winning a prestigious national sunflower growing competition organised by one of Alan Sugar’s companies. His small group of children beat those from 800 other schools nationally.
During this period, Clive came into contact with many young people who lacked support and the finance to help them achieve their goals, so on his 60th birthday he asked his friends and relatives to donate to a potential charity fund, rather than buy him presents. His birthday celebration ‘CliveFest’, held at Shoreham Community Centre in July 2013, raised £700. Clive has a keen interest and is somewhat of an expert in Vintage Lawnmowers, so he decided to dedicate the charity to Edwin Beard Budding, a much underrated inventor and engineer who invented the lawnmower in 1830.
Tates of Sussex Garden Centres have worked closely with the Budding Foundation for a number of years and enjoy collaborating and supporting such a wonderful charity for young people.
The Cube Gallery
A Selection of Works
The CUBE Gallery at the South Downs Heritage Centre aims to exhibit a wide range of artists working in various disciplines, who have unique and original talents, mainly contemporary but always innovative and imaginative. All displayed in a relaxed atmosphere to delight and inspire the senses.
The CUBE gallery will run a series of exhibitions throughout the year, each featuring a particular artist or theme. All potential artists applying will go through a selection process to ensure the ongoing originality, excellence and innovation that is the key to The CUBE gallery.
For further information, please email Martin Nee.
To avoid disappointment, please make an appointment before arriving at the centre with your work.
Made & Making
In a Garden Setting
Made and Making offers an incredible range of sewing and craft classes, taught by friendly and experienced tutors.
Face-to-face courses take place in our gorgeous studio at the South Downs Heritage and Garden Centre, near Brighton.
Our Other Centres
