Northiam: Gardens, History and a Historic Railway

Northiam brings together gardens, local history and railway heritage, alongside events held annually. Great Dixter House and Gardens is located in the village; Brickwall, a listed park and garden, is at Northiam’s southern end. There is also a historic railway route through Northiam, as well as craft markets and the Bonfire Procession and Fireworks.

Gardens and Local History

Northiam is one of the designated Conservation Areas in the Rother District. Great Dixter House and Gardens is a notable garden within the village. Brickwall, a Grade II* listed park and garden, lies at the southern end. For garden enthusiasts, these are two sites with different locations: Great Dixter is in the village, while Brickwall is at the southern end. Northiam’s designation as a Conservation Area adds a perspective on the village’s historic character to these garden sites.

The Frewen Mausoleum is located at the Parish Church of St Mary in Northiam. Sydney Smirke built it in 1846 for Thomas Frewen Turner of Brickwall. The mausoleum has a recorded construction date, architect and dedication; the Northiam War Memorial offers a different point of interest. It commemorates those who fell in the First and Second World Wars and is a war memorial with an unusual timber structure. St Mary’s Church is open for private prayer during daylight hours. This arrangement may change; check before your visit.

Historic Railway and Practical Information

The Kent & East Sussex Railway offers historic train journeys between Tenterden and Bodiam via Northiam, through the Weald of Kent and Sussex. The Tenterden–Northiam–Bodiam route places Northiam on a specific historic railway line. Free parking is available for visitors at Northiam station. Access to platform 2 is also important for rail passengers: it is via a level crossing with timber decking, which closes five minutes before the scheduled train arrival. Check the timetable before travelling and take this access requirement into account.

Northiam Station Tea Room is also located at the station. It offers a small selection of snacks and drinks, but has limited opening hours, which may vary. If you are planning your train journey and refreshments together, these are two separate considerations: the timetable provides guidance on timing, while the Tea Room is not open continuously.

Craft Markets and Events

The Northiam Bonfire Society holds three craft markets each year: one in spring shortly before Mother’s Day, one as part of the Midsummer Festival and a Christmas market in early December. The dates are spread across different times of year; if you are planning your trip around a market, check the date of the event. The markets offer handmade goods from local bakers, makers and craftspeople from East Sussex and Kent.

Refreshments are also available at the markets: a kitchen sells tea, coffee, cakes and bacon rolls. The offering may vary by event. The markets therefore differ not only in the time of year they are held, but also in the goods and refreshments available at each event.

Another annual event is the Northiam Bonfire Procession and Fireworks. It regularly attracts more than 3,000 people. At the event, the bonfire is lit at around 8:30 pm, followed by a fireworks display. The markets are spread throughout the year, while the Bonfire Procession is a distinct event featuring a bonfire followed by fireworks. Programme details may vary.

Discover more destinations: Hurst Green, Nutley, Peasmarsh, Newick, Denton, Beckley, Framfield, Piltdown

For the wider travel guide: East Sussex.