Bateman's
Historic SitesGardensScenic Walking Areas
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Once the home of author Rudyard Kipling, celebrated for stories like The Jungle Book. Built in 1634, this Jacobean house is in the Sussex countryside. Soak up the atmosphere of Kipling's study and enjoy the serenity of the formal garden. Explore the wider estate which influenced many of Kipling's poems and stories. Bateman's is very much a family home that feels as though the Kiplings have just gone out for the day. Enjoy a break in the Mulberry tea-room, serving hot and cold drinks, light lunches, ice cream and homemade cakes, with indoor and outdoor seating. Plus, the Oast House shop is filled with books, toys, plants and local artisan products. Free entry and parking for National Trust members. Non-members £4 per car and normal admission. Last admission to the grounds and house 30 minutes before closing. Open all year round, except on 24 & 25 December.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Julie P
    2,013 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting house
    Hidden away down a narrow country lane, once you arrive there is a large pay and display car park unless you are NT members, when it's free. Although the grounds are open beforehand, the house doesn't open until 11, so you have time to take the short walk down to the mill and through the garden. The house itself is interesting, although I know little of Kipling's life. There is a room dedicated to his works. The shop obviously sells books. The cafe sells food - the scones are excellent. Seating is indoors and outside. Toilets are in the courtyard.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written October 4, 2023
  • Googly2010
    Tonbridge, United Kingdom821 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Too long since last visit!
    We enjoyed a lovely visit on a cold, sunny November day, being determined to get out into the fresh air after a spell of wet weather. We had forgotten what an interesting place Batemans is. In November the gardens still showed some late flowers and there is an undemanding walk through the gardens to the restored mill and back along the mill access road. The interior of the house was very interesting and the room guides were knowledgeable and informative. We didn't sample the tearoom as we had lunch booked locally.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written November 12, 2023
  • Bargeegirl
    West Sussex, United Kingdom672 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely hidden gem of a house, a Kipling delight.
    Enjoyed a walk around the house as they were building the Christmas decorations. Some were already in place and we're inspired by jungle book, written by Rudyard Kipling, whose house this was. Everyone was so helpful and friendly throughout our visit.The gardens although not at their best after all the rain, still looked pretty in autumn colours. We enjoyed looking around the mill and a wonderful wet and muddy walk out into the countryside beyond. The highlight of the day was the collection of fungi we found on the way back.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written November 20, 2023
  • bestcornishcat
    United Kingdom31,502 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So good we went round twice!
    Absolutely outstanding! A really interesting property (one of the NT’s finest) enlivened by the friendly and informative welcome. From the rules surrounding the depiction of Buddha to the “moving” model of a ship and from the history of the leather wall covering to the details of the house and its furniture, the wonderful staff/volunteers brought to life Kipling, his family and the building, with details of everything from the paintings, tapestry, books, tiles, fireplaces, bedhangings and even the floorboards. I was tempted to post twice so I could give two lots of five stars. The staff/volunteers deserve that at least.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written February 4, 2024
  • Rosie
    Hailsham, United Kingdom55 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun children's trail
    The children's trail was great fun, especially finding the footprints! Yummy food in the cafe, friendly staff, the mill was interesting, pretty gardens even in February, dog friendly. The house was closed for renovations so they offered half price entry which was appreciated. It's quite a small property overall so we were pleased for the children's trail.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written February 9, 2024
  • cngj
    Looe, United Kingdom788 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoyable day
    Visited in April last year and did the Easter trail around the house and gardens, which was fun for our young children. We had lunch in the cafe - sandwich, soup and cake, which was fine. There is a fair bit to see in the house and gardens.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written April 6, 2024
  • adam sams
    Battle, United Kingdom526 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely walk around the gardens
    Took my grandchildren to Bateman yesterday we usually do the house gardens and Caffe but as we had two young children thought we would just do the gardens and the mill. Very lovely gardens are excellent kept as usual played poo stick in the bridge going over to the mail the mealwas getting ready to produce some corn by grinding so we let them get on with it in there. They have taken the chickens away not sure why but at least the big field is open so the kids could have a runaround
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written April 18, 2024
  • Barbara F
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Staff shoutout!
    Had the most amazing day at Bateman’s today. I have been coming to Bateman’s for years but it’s incredible how it never disappoints. The staff are warm and welcoming and make sure your visit is a pleasant one. The house is stunning and gives a fascinating insight into Rudyard Kipling’s life and you can almost see him, sitting on the table in the foyer reading his newspaper or working in his study. The grounds are vast and beautiful with gorgeous gardens, little streams and beautiful flowers and trees. We came down from London, and it’s important to note, that you will have to ring up the bus company and tell them you wish to go to Bateman’s. Otherwise you will find yourself stranded without a car. Me and my friend would have been stuck in Bateman’s for the night if wasn’t for the lovely Jude from the ticket office, who kindly offered to drive us back to the station after 5pm!! The staff are genuinely the nicest people you’ll ever meet and we will definitely be back (maybe with a car next time)!
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written May 4, 2024
  • ScotinEngland
    St Anne, United Kingdom2,114 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rudyard Kipling house
    Really worth a visit. An excellent house full of historic background and details about Kipling family and heritage. The building was amazing for detail and the guides in each room certainly knew their stuff. We also enjoyed the extensive gardens, walk and the renovated mill. Food in the restaurant was good and varied choices. We also enjoyed the second hand bookshop and plant stall. Worth a visit for ALL ages!
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written June 2, 2024
  • irina j
    London, United Kingdom3,555 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit
    This is a national trust property but even if you are not a member, it’s worth visiting! Place where Mr Kipling lived and wrote few of his novels and poems. It’s full of character and history. As always rooms have amazing volunteers who know so much about the house and his life! There is a nice caffe and tea room with the view of courtyard full of flowers. If you have time there are 3 different walks you can do which are very well sign posted
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written June 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles987 reviews
Excellent
613
Very good
291
Average
51
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16

Rebecca S
Crawley, UK846 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
We visited with our national trust membership.

Whilst the Bircher states you need 2 hours this was very optimistic.

We walked the ground in around 20-25 mins, which were pretty.

Due to COVID only the ground floor of the house was open which was separated into 2 sections. One group could enter each section at a time. This unfortunately meant a long wait queuing outside, for all of 10-15 mins to look around inside. I understand the need for this but feel that we should have been warned about the wait when we arrived. If I’d paid (and not part of my annual membership) I’d have been fuming. Just giving visitors the heads up at the reception when entering would have been appreciated.

All staff around the site were lovely, knowledgeable and friendly.

We had the cream tea in the cafe, although the web site said we couldn’t sit inside, we were allowed. Cream team (tea and scone) was £5.50 which I thought was reasonable. However the tea was in a paper cup and not a teapot like cream tea usually is. The scone cream and jam was delicious.

Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Matthew W
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Unfortunately, the most interesting part of Bateman's, the top floor, is closed off to the public. The excuse was that "there are wooden bannisters that must not be touched." We were not told about this on the website, nor at the ticket office. We were only told upon entering the actual house, after a 20 minute queue. When we did finally go in, we were essentially rushed through the few rooms we were allowed to view in 4 minutes. There were no plaques or pieces of information so we learned nothing new about Kipling's life. So, when we complained at the ticket office, they said "Oh yes, the top floor's closed - yes, yes [...] that's why we've given you a £2 discount." So, we essentially ended up paying £12 each for something that we were not allowed to see, all because of some bannisters that could have been covered in film or plastic and disinfected.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mike C
Guildford, UK1,078 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
Given Covid it was a shame that we couldn't visit the upper floor where the rooms are where Kipling wrote but we did not think that should reflect on our marking as we were sure would give it an excellent marking if they had been open and everything else was excellent.

There was a wait to get into the house as they only allowed one party in a room at a time, quite understandably. There was a member of staff letting us in the back door who we chatted to while we were waiting to go in and he was really interesting in providing the history. There were very good staff in each of the rooms too.

The grounds are lovely and we walked to the Mill where we had a warm welcome from the member of staff regulating entry there.

We had lunch at the cafe, having a very nice soup and bread which we took outside where there are quite a few tables front and back.
Written December 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christine B
12 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Although I had booked an entrance time, I was advised at the gate that they were just letting people in. This meant I then queued 45 mins to enter the very limited 4 rooms open to visitors. The guides were very knowledgeable but were then told to “hurry up as there’s a long queue” by manager.
The grounds are lovely and the are worth walking around but I wouldn’t bother going at the moment
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JazzySkylar
Ringwood, UK131 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
I realise times are strange at the moment but did expect my visit to the house to be longer than 10 minutes! Would have been very cross if paid £10 (non member cost) to visit. Due to covid only the ground floor is open (3 rooms) but there is no information supplied. Only alllowing one person in at a time which seems rather cautious. The last room has a tv with a very teasing video of upstairs which clearly has so much more personal info on Rudyard. This took 5 minutes to view,, therefore stopping other visitors coming in - why on earth couldnt that be placed somewhere else therefore allowing more people in and avoiding long queues outside. Gardens ok but you cant go to the mill. The shop was closed - why? Will return in better times. It is worth doing the (strenous) circular walk up the hill to the village - some very attractive, large, historic houses and a lovely statue of Rudyard is in the middle and the war memorial is moving as has his sons name.
Written October 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Duncan Sansom
Horsebridge, UK151 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020 • Family
Our visit was during the current lockdown so we knew the house would be off limits. Online booking was simply, entry was simple and quick and we had a lovely family walk around the grounds and the kids played Pooh Sticks, if you fancy a quick picturesque walk then this is a good place. Takeaway cakes and drinks were available from the cafe, we will be back once the house can open again
Written November 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bish50
3 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
Lovely Autumn afternoon at Batemen's.
Mulberry Tea Rooms got us off to a good start with an excellent cauliflower, curry sauce and chick pea pasty - good value and really tasty!!
Interesting house and good grounds to walk in the pleasant October sun.
A pity that flooding prevented access to whole grounds and water mill.
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

H Powell
Essex, UK95 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
We loved this house and its gardens. It had been very well looked after, and we first marvelled at the butterflies and colour in the flower borders near the house. We then went inside the house, which was very well preserved and the volunteers were excellent at telling us a bit more. We then walked to the mill, through the lower garden which looked lovely despite the unusual flooding earlier in the week. Finally some fun in the natural playground which my 8 year old really loved (as did my 70 year old father!). The tea room was busy but well served, and we enjoyed sitting in the garden to eat cake.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mervin F
Essex, UK257 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
Came here during winter time when the house is usually closed for restoration work. As a result we had a guided tour that did not tell us much about the house, but was concentrated on the requirements of the conservation of the furniture, curtains, books etc.
Tour took about 35 minutes.
We had lunch in the tea rooms - moderately priced - before heading to the mill.
After that a short walk around the grounds.
Overall, an enjoyable visit.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ShaunH290
London, UK2,937 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
You can understand why Rudyard Kipling feel in love with this house! It was beautiful before he arrived in 1902, but RK has added so much to it. His father, John Lockwood Kipling (1837-1911), made several wall plaques representing scenes from some of RK's books. There are masonic artefacts. There are numerous artworks. There is the medal which accompanied his Nobel Prize for Literature. Then there is the tragic story of RK's only son. So much to see inside the house, but outside even more!

Lovely gardens, a mill house, a vintage car!

Well worth a visit!
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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