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Best Day Trips From London: A Sussex Vineyard Escape
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If you’re searching for the best and easiest day trips from London, you don’t need to block out a full weekend or spend hours on a train to enjoy a proper countryside break. Just over an hour from the capital, Bolney Wine Estate combines educational wine tours, rows of vines to explore, delightful dining, and breathtaking views of the South Downs.
This guide brings together a selection of well-paced itineraries for stress-free day trips from London, all centred on a vineyard visit. Some keep things centred around the estate, while others stretch into the Sussex countryside or down to the coast, depending on how you want to shape your day.
Why Visit Bolney Wine Estate?
Bolney Wine Estate is one of England’s first working vineyards to produce premium wines, making it a compelling destination for a day out in Sussex.
Visitors can explore the origins of English wine and discover the care and skill involved in crafting quality wines in a cooler climate. Half a day can easily be spent here — start with breakfast in either the Café or the Eighteen Acre Restaurant, take a guided tour through the vines and winery, then linger over lunch or an afternoon glass of wine while taking in the views. The on-site vineyard shop is ideal for browsing and picking up a bottle or two to enjoy later.
A visit to the Bolney vineyard can easily be combined with a countryside walk, a stop in a charming nearby town, a tour of a historic garden, a visit to a working farm, or even a trip to the coast. There are plenty of ways to make a full day of it!
Getting There From London
Reaching Bolney Wine Estate is straightforward, making it a perfect choice for a fun day trip from London. Here are some practical tips to help you plan your visit:
By Train
- Departure: London Victoria or London Bridge Station
- Arrival: Haywards Heath (around 45–55 minutes)
- Frequency: Regular services throughout the day
- Final stretch: Taxi from Haywards Heath station to the vineyard (10–15 minutes)
- Tip: The train is a relaxed way to travel if you plan to enjoy a wine tasting without worrying about driving
By Car
- Driving time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes from central London, depending on traffic
- Route: Simple access via the M23 and A23
- Parking: Free on-site parking available
- Electric vehicles: Charging points are provided on site for EV drivers
- Tip: Driving allows you to extend your day with visits to nearby villages
Both options make it easy to reach the estate and get the most out of your day, no matter if you’re coming for a short excursion or planning a longer itinerary in Sussex.
Itinerary 1: Vineyard Morning and Lunch with Garden Estates
Best for: Visitors who want to combine a vineyard experience with a relaxing afternoon exploring beautiful gardens.
Morning & Lunch at the Estate
- 9:00am (Wed–Sun) / 10:00am (Mon–Tue) – 10:30am: Breakfast at the Wine Bar & Café or Eighteen Acre Restaurant. Enjoy coffee, pastries, or a full English breakfast with views across the vineyard.
- 10:30am – 12:00pm: Guided vineyard tour at Bolney Wine Estate.
- 12:00 – 12:30pm: Browse the vineyard shop for bottles or local products.
- 12:30 – 2:00pm: Lunch at the Wine Bar or Eighteen Acre Restaurant. Seasonal dishes paired with estate wines make for a relaxed mid-day experience.
Choose a Garden Estate for the Afternoon
After lunch, choose one of these nearby garden estates to explore. Travel times are approximate from the estate:
- Nymans Gardens and House – National Trust romantic gardens with woodland walks, historic interiors, and seasonal flower displays. (20 minutes)
- Borde Hill Garden – Expansive grounds with rare trees, colourful seasonal displays, and tranquil spots for a stroll. (25 minutes)
- Wakehurst – Gardens and arboretum, home to Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank. (25–30 minutes)
- Great Dixter House & Gardens – Famous for its vibrant perennial borders and historic farmhouse. (35 minutes)
- Storrington Priory – Compact but historic gardens with colourful borders and ornamental features. (25 minutes)
- Standen House & Garden – A National Trust Arts and Crafts house with beautiful gardens. (30 minutes)
- Charleston Farmhouse Gardens – Historic home and garden of the Bloomsbury Group with art-filled interiors and landscaped grounds. (35 minutes)
Itinerary 2: Morning South Downs Walk with Vineyard Tour and Lunch
Best for: Visitors who want to start the day with fresh air in the South Downs before enjoying a vineyard experience.
Morning Walk
- 9:00am: Begin at Haywards Heath station or a nearby trailhead for the South Downs National Park. A popular option is the Ashurst Circular Walk, roughly 2.5 miles (45 minutes).
- Alternative route: From Cuckfield, take the Cuckfield-to-Bolney Loop, about 3 miles (1–1.5 hours). Or try the slightly longer Cuckfield Circular Walk, which is 3.7 miles (1.5 hours).
- Accessibility: The trailheads are accessible by car. Haywards Heath is also reachable by train from London.
- 11:30 – 12:00pm: Stop for a quick coffee or snack at a café near the trail if desired.
Vineyard Tour & Lunch at the Estate
- 12:30pm – 2:00pm: Guided vineyard tour at Bolney Wine Estate.
- 2:00 – 3:30pm: Lunch at the Wine Bar or Eighteen Acre Restaurant. Seasonal dishes paired with estate wines make for a relaxed mid-day experience.
- 3:30 – 4:00pm: Browse the vineyard shop for bottles or local products.
Itinerary 3: Vineyard Morning and Lunch with Historic Sussex Towns
Best for: Visitors who want to enjoy a vineyard experience before exploring some of the county’s most charming and historic locations.
Vineyard Tour & Lunch at the Estate
- 9:00am (Wed–Sun) / 10:00am (Mon–Tue) – 10:30am: Breakfast at the Wine Bar & Café or Eighteen Acre Restaurant.
- 10:30am – 12:00pm: Guided vineyard tour at Bolney Wine Estate.
- 12:00 – 12:30pm: Browse the shop.
- 12:30 – 2:00pm: Lunch at the Wine Bar or Eighteen Acre Restaurant.
Best for: Visitors who want to enjoy a vineyard experience before exploring some of the county’s most charming and historic locations.
Afternoon: Exploring Historic Sussex
- Cuckfield: A beautiful village with independent shops and a local museum. (10 minutes)
- Horsham: A market town with a historic causeway, museum, and plenty of shopping. (20 minutes)
- Lewes: Visit the Norman castle, Anne of Cleves House, and the many antique shops. (25 minutes)
Itinerary 4: Vineyard Morning and Lunch with a Coastal Visit
Best for: Visitors who want to enjoy a vineyard experience before heading to the seaside for the afternoon.
Vineyard Tour & Lunch at the Estate
- 9:00am (Wed–Sun) / 10:00am (Mon–Tue) – 10:30am: Breakfast at the Wine Bar & Café or Eighteen Acre Restaurant.
- 10:30am – 12:00pm: Guided vineyard tour at Bolney Wine Estate.
- 12:00 – 12:30pm: Browse the shop.
- 12:30 – 2:00pm: Lunch at the Wine Bar or Eighteen Acre Restaurant.
Choose a Coastal Activity for the Afternoon
- Brighton – Famous for its pier, the Lanes, and independent shops. (40 minutes)
- Hove – Known for its beach huts and Regency architecture. (60 minutes)
- Saltdean and Rottingdean – Quieter coastal spots with pebble beaches. (60 minutes)
Itinerary 5: Vineyard Morning and Lunch with Farms & Dairies
Best for: Visitors who enjoy exploring local farms, dairies, and artisanal producers.
Vineyard Tour & Lunch at the Estate
- 9:00am (Wed–Sun) / 10:00am (Mon–Tue) – 10:30am: Breakfast at the Wine Bar & Café or Eighteen Acre Restaurant.
- 10:30am – 12:00pm: Guided vineyard tour at Bolney Wine Estate.
- 12:00 – 12:30pm: Browse the shop.
- 12:30 – 2:00pm: Lunch at the Wine Bar or Eighteen Acre Restaurant.
Choose a Local Farm or Dairy for the Afternoon
- Sussex High Weald Dairy: Visit Tremains Farm for an expert-led cheese tour. Learn about the making of organic cow, sheep, and goat milk cheeses like the world-famous Brighton Blue. (15-20 minutes)
- Goddenwick Farm: A great choice for families. Enjoy their 1km woodland trail, meet reindeer and alpacas, and stop at the Roost Cafe for a picnic box. (15-20 minutes)
- The Mac’s Farm: A third-generation organic egg farm. Depending on the season, you can visit the farm gate for fresh organic eggs or join one of their family-friendly farm events. (30 minutes)
- Southview Farm Dairy: Visit Charlie’s Farm Shop for traditional dairy products, including their own milk, cream, and award-winning ice cream. (25 minutes)
Tips for Planning Your Day Trip
- Start early if you can: Even though the estate is just under an hour from London by train, leaving in the morning gives you time to enjoy a full tour, lunch, and an afternoon activity without feeling rushed.
- Check train and bus times in advance: Services are frequent, but it’s worth checking the schedule, especially if you plan to combine the estate with another attraction or village visit.
- Bring cash or card: Most places accept card payments, but it’s handy to have some cash for small purchases at local shops, farm stands, or smaller garden estates.
- What to wear: Comfy shoes are a must for walking around the vineyard and gardens. Layers work best, so you can adjust if the weather changes, and a light waterproof jacket is handy if it’s rainy.
- Dining: You can pre-book a table at the Eighteen Acre Restaurant, especially at weekends, for a relaxed lunch with vineyard views. No booking is needed for the Wine Bar & Café.
Book Your Guided Tour
Fancy learning how premium English wines are grown and produced? Join a guided tour at Bolney Wine Estate. Walk along our English vines trail, see the winery in action, and enjoy tasting some of our estate wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Dogs are welcome outside at the café and must be on a lead when walking around the estate. They aren’t allowed on tours or during tastings.
Can I bring babies or children on a tour or tasting?
For safety reasons, babies and anyone under 18 can’t join the vineyard tour or wine tasting sessions.
What if it rains?
Tours still go ahead in light rain, so bring a waterproof jacket. If the weather is severe, we may move the educational part of the tour indoors to the winery.
For more queries, please read our Tour & Tastings FAQs.
