The Old Workshop is a self-catering cottage set in rolling hills of the weald countryside, an…
Our View
Situated in the wooded heart of the Sussex Weald, Bateman's was world-famous writer Rudyard Kipling’s refuge from the world. Touring the house and exploring the garden, it's not difficult to see why he fell in love with the place. Bateman's is a charming family home; small and intimate, in a peaceful setting. Built by a local ironmaster in 1634, Kipling bought the house in 1902 and, now in the care of the National Trust, it remains much as it was in Kipling's day. It was here, in his book-lined study, that Kipling wrote some of his most famous works, including Puck of Pook's Hill. Kipling loved the garden just as much as the house, designing, landscaping and putting his own mark on it. He planted yew hedges to give him more privacy and even erected a pear arch. You can stroll through the beautiful rose garden, which he designed after being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907.
Facilities – at a glance
Refreshments
Suitable for all child ages
Features
- Suitable for children of all ages
- Parking onsite
- Cafe
- Facilities: Braille guide, touch test, virtual tour
- Accessible toilets
- Opening Times: House open daily 29 Oct-2 Mar, 11-4; 3 Mar-28 Oct, 11-5 (3 Jan-2 Mar & 29 Oct-30 Nov weekday entry by guided tour only). Garden, shop and tearoom open daily 5 Feb-28 Oct, 10-5; 29 Oct-4 Feb, 10-4. Closed 24-25 Dec
Also in the area
About the area
Discover East Sussex
East Sussex, along with its western counterpart, is packed with interest. This is a land of stately homes and castles, miles of breezy chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel, pretty rivers, picturesque villages and links to our glorious past. Mention Sussex to many people and images of the South Downs immediately spring to mind – ‘vast, smooth, shaven, serene,’ as the writer Virginia Woolf described them. She and her husband lived at Monk’s House in the village of Rodmell, near Lewes, and today, her modest home is managed by the National Trust and open to the public.
There are a great many historic landmarks within Sussex, but probably the most famous is the battlefield where William, Duke of Normandy defeated Harold and his Saxon army to become William the Conqueror of England. By visiting Battle, near Hastings, you can, with a little imagination, picture the bloody events that led to his defeat. East Sussex’s pretty towns such as Lewes, Rye and Uckfield have their charms, while the city of Brighton offers museums and fascinating landmarks, the best-known and grandest feature being the Royal Pavilion.
Nearby stays
Places to Stay
Dining nearby
Restaurants and Pubs
Why choose Rated Trips?
Your trusted guide to rated places across the UK
The best coverage
Discover more than 15,000 professionally rated places to stay, eat and visit from across the UK and Ireland.
Quality assured
Choose a place to stay safe in the knowledge that it has been expertly assessed by trained assessors.
Plan your next trip
Search by location or the type of place you're visiting to find your next ideal holiday experience.
Travel inspiration
Read our articles, city guides and recommended things to do for inspiration. We're here to help you explore the UK.