Anyone for egg hunting at King John's in Sussex this Easter?

The Grade II listed Jacobean manor house forms a backdrop to the gardens

Today I stumbled upon a garden that opened my eyes wide - a quintessential English plot in the heart of the High Weald in East Sussex, with a stunning Grade II listed Jacobean manor house as the backdrop to eight acres of heavenly gardens. The really good news is the Easter Egg Hunt for kids this weekend, which takes place on both Sunday 24th and Monday 25th April, so that parents can see the garden while the children join in the Easter spirit!

King John's orchard is filled with wild flowers

This is King John's Nursery and Garden, just a stone's throw from Pashley Manor, and it's one of the most idyllic landscapes I've encountered yet this year, with its formal garden in front of the house; glorious wildflower meadow; lily pond and wooded areas; plus a brilliant nursery (which brought me here in the first place); and a shop filled with garden-related goods that you actually want to buy!

What really struck me about this garden is that it's laid out in such a way that it doesn't require armies of gardeners to keep it in check and there are large areas that look after themselves, thanks to careful planting. There's a woodland walk teaming with bluebells right now and strategically placed benches and seats that beg you to come and sit on them while admiring different views of the garden. It's really nothing short of heaven on a glorious May day!

One of several ponds at King John's which promise spectacular displays later in the season

I imagine the ponds are quite spectacular when they come into flower later in the season, and I shall certainly visit again later this year to see what else is in bloom. But I can't think of anywhere more perfect than here to take the children this weekend - the doors open at 10.00 on both Sunday and Monday, so Happy Easter egg hunting to all who visit over the holiday. And if you can't get there this weekend the gardens and nursery are open every day except Tuesday, from now until October.

Strategically placed seats invite you to sit and admire the garden ....

Other venues in the South with Easter Egg Hunts this weekend are Riverhill House in Kent, which also has some of the most spectacular bluebell displays in the country; and Michelham Priory, in East Sussex, which is always glorious in springtime. Happy Easter to you all and I'll be back with spectacular tulips over the weekend.