From castles and the coast to pretty Brighton, there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Sussex with children that it’s no shock we’ve returned for household holidays repeatedly.
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For this submit, I’m combining my prime picks in West Sussex and East Sussex – and keep in mind that in the event you’re visiting locations like Camber and Rye, you’re really nearer to Kent than Chichester within the west, so it’s straightforward to mix household points of interest in each counties.
However whether or not you’re in search of concepts for wet days in Sussex, free issues to do or the prospect to get outside, you’ll be spoiled for alternative with these 29 nice issues to do in Sussex with children.
Sussex castles and historic homes
Bodiam Fortress
The archetypal citadel, all towers and turrets in the course of its moat, Bodiam Fortress is one among my favorite household days out in Sussex.
In addition to exploring throughout the fortress partitions – as soon as among the many most palatial buildings of its day – there are actors giving talks and bringing the citadel to life, dressing up, and the sort of ugly historical past children love.
You may even spot bats alongside the way in which, together with homicide holes, or strive your hand at actions like archery across the grounds.
Free to Nationwide Belief members, prebook tickets right here.
Learn extra about my go to to Bodiam Fortress with children
Arundel Fortress
Privately owned Arundel Fortress is a component fortress, half stately house, and that mixture, in addition to the prospect to identify some jousting, makes it large enjoyable for teenagers.
The citadel’s historical past stretches again over 950 years, and you’ll nonetheless enterprise into the eleventh century Hold, in addition to climbing to the highest for some unbelievable views throughout the West Sussex countryside.
Within the grounds, you may watch battles being replayed and spot knights on horseback, in addition to medieval music and crafts, plus different family-friendly actions. Inside, the state rooms have been preserved of their opulent splendour as they might have been when the Dukes of Norfolk remodeled the medieval fortress within the 18th and nineteenth centuries.
For extra of the finest castles in Sussex with children, try my prime picks
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
This flamboyant iconic constructing was created for the Prince Regent, with all of the royal extravagance you would possibly count on. And this barely fairytale structure, mixed with lavish interiors, makes it excellent for a time out with children in Brighton.
You should purchase a youngsters’s path for a small charge to identify a few of the animals dotted all through the opulent rooms, or amuse your self searching for all of the dragons on the Royal Pavilion.
When you get to the music room, employees actively inspired us to have a lie down on the carpet to see the chandelier rising to the gold patterned ceiling. Nice for a wet day in Sussex with children too.
Take a look at the Brighton Pavilion Treasure Map Path as properly, for a enjoyable approach to spot a few of the quirky highlights close by too – get 10% off utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS too.
For extra issues to do in Brighton with children, try my prime picks
Battle Abbey
Go to one among England’s most vital historic websites throughout faculty holidays and you’ll see battle re-enactments and different unbelievable actions that children will love, however there’s nowhere higher to deliver the Norman Conquest to life at any time of yr.
Cease by Battle Abbey customer’s centre, which has interactive shows educating in regards to the occasions that led as much as the Battle of Hastings, in addition to strolling by means of the battlefield itself.
Yow will discover the Harold stone, marking the spot the place the final Saxon king of England fell, and discover sculptures depicting Norman and Saxon troopers, in addition to seeing the ruins of the abbey constructed by William after his victory.
There may be additionally an outside playground, a café, and a youngsters’s discovery room.
Anne of Cleves Home, Lewes
This attractive Medieval home and museum in Lewes was initially constructed for Henry VIII’s spouse Anne of Cleves – though she by no means really used it. And there’s an ideal mixture of training and enjoyable, with loads of probabilities for teenagers to get fingers on and play throughout your go to.
Scattered all through the Anne of Cleves home, children can discover exercise bins and garments they’ll costume up in, trails and quizzes, in addition to rooms with sixteenth century furnishings and a Tudor backyard.
Lewes Fortress & Barbican Home Museum
Only a brief distance from the Anne of Cleves Home is Lewes Fortress, with some wonderful scenic views and a mini-cinema that tells the historical past of the realm.
There are actions to obtain earlier than you allow and costumes for teenagers to alter into whereas they’re there, plus in the event you go to throughout faculty holidays, in addition they host historic actions for all ages.
The museum at Barbican Home subsequent door additionally has collections on native archaeology, from the prehistoric interval to the current.
Nymans Nationwide Belief, Hayward’s Heath
This Nationwide Belief web site has all the same old temptations for households, nevertheless it’s the gardens which set it aside – you may discover a heather backyard, sunken backyard, rose backyard and walled backyard amongst others…
Learn my evaluation of a time out at Nymans with children
In Spring, Nymans is known for its snowdrops, however you’ll additionally discover camellias and magnolias. And from a baby’s perspective, a great deal of house to run round and discover all year long, together with seasonal flowers on the Winter Stroll.
There are household trails by means of the grounds, and don’t miss the picket walkways within the bamboo backyard, plus you may go contained in the medieval-style manor home (really quite a bit newer than it seems to be), partly ruined in a hearth in 1947.
Petworth Home and Park, Petworth
One other Sussex Nationwide Belief property, Petworth Home and Park in west Sussex is a unbelievable household time out, with its grand home, large grounds and beautiful gardens.
Set within the coronary heart of the South Downs, it’s tempting to spend sunny days exploring exterior, together with the deer park and the remainder of the grounds, usually with household trails that can assist you discover.
However do save time to enterprise inside too. Impressed by the Baroque palaces of Europe, Petworth Home has its personal spectacular assortment of artwork and sculpture, the earliest English globe nonetheless in existence (which as soon as belonged to the ‘wizard’ earl of Northumberland) and hyperlinks galore to well-known artists.
Learn my evaluation of a time out at Petworth with children
Newhaven Fort, Newhaven
This 150-year-old fort is large enjoyable for the entire household, together with well-behaved canines! One of many string of forts constructed through the Napoleonic wars to protect towards invasion, it was nonetheless used proper up till the Nineteen Fifties.
Inside Newhaven Fort, you may expertise what a (simulated) World Conflict Two air raid was like from inside an air raid shelter. And the fort, constructed into the cliff itself, additionally has an journey playground for teenagers and a powerful 10 acres for teenagers to run round in.
Animal points of interest in Sussex
Sea Life Brighton
The world’s oldest working aquarium, the Brighton Sea Life Centre is simply a shell’s throw away from the ocean itself with greater than 150 creatures to identify throughout the placing Victorian constructing, together with within the Day and Night time Space.
Displaying how the oceans change over the course of 24 hours, the show features a bioluminescent seaside.
In addition to a wide range of completely different underwater habitats to discover and a stamp path, there are common particular occasions, behind the scenes tour, and the UK’s first glass-bottom boat, to not point out the now compulsory underwater tunnel.
For extra issues to do in Brighton with children, try my prime picks
Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings
Set proper on the beachfront, the Hastings aquarium won’t be the largest in Sussex nevertheless it’s very straightforward to whereas away a couple of hours wandering round – and excellent if you end up by the seaside in Sussex on a wet day.
Look out for the porcupine pufferfish and the stonefish, two of the extra uncommon inhabitants together with rays, sharks, vibrant reef fish, seahorses and the fairly fabulous big pacific octopus.
There are two pages of animals to tick off in a youngsters’s information as you go round, together with some nice info for mini marine biologists.
Learn extra about our time out at Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings right here
Drusillas Park, close to Alfriston
Don’t let the title idiot you – Drusillas Park is a lot greater than your common park, it is among the finest zoos in Sussex and in the event you’re in search of a theme park in Sussex with children, this could prime your listing.
The animals embody smaller creatures like crimson pandas, lemurs and meerkats, in addition to penguins, otters and monkeys (to not point out birds, reptiles and much more).
However there are additionally play areas galore – journey playgrounds outside, comfortable play, mazes, a splash zone, in addition to some kid-friendly rides which might be excellent with youthful youngsters. You may very simply spend all day right here.
Knockhatch Journey Park, Hailsham
This East Sussex household attraction has extra than simply animals, though with its petting farm and owl sanctuary, there’s lots there for small animal-lovers.
You may also spot meerkats and extra within the Jungle Kingdom, and take a look at a few of the particular zoo tasks run at Knockhatch Journey Park.
There are additionally some enjoyable rides for all ages, together with dinosaur-themed thrills and waterslides, together with indoor and out of doors play areas – plus some added extras like go karting and bungee swings for a charge.
Huxley Birds of Prey Centre, close to Horsham
Meet an owl, watch a fowl show, and be taught all about some wonderful birds of prey at Huxley Birds of Prey Centre, together with buzzards, kestrels and falcons.
Additionally they provide experiences the place you will get hands-on time with raptors, or go on a stroll within the countryside with a hawk, a lot of them appropriate for youngsters and designed for small teams.
This isn’t one in the event you’re visiting Sussex with toddlers although: the Huxley Birds of Prey Centre is just for ages 3 and up.
Fisher’s Journey Farm Park, Wisborough Inexperienced
For a enjoyable time out with youthful children, head to Fisher’s Journey Farm Park, which is heaven for little animal lovers – and has loads of play choices as properly.
Meet farmyard animals from bunnies, chicks, lambs and children to alpacas, cows and horses, in addition to an opportunity to get (gently) fingers on with day by day animal dealing with classes, plus occasional feeding classes.
There are additionally tractor trailer rides, bouncy pillows, a maze, journey golf, and different indoor and out of doors play.
For extra farms in Sussex with younger children, try Spring Barn Farm, Blackberry Farm Park and Center Farm as properly.
Different household days out in Sussex
British Airways i360 Brighton
With its statement pod rising to 138m up the 162m excessive tower, the i360 is the nation’s highest statement tower exterior London.
Proper on the seafront searching to the previous West Pier, there’s additionally a beachside cafe. On a transparent day you may see for miles alongside the coast, with the town’s finest views for the reason that Brighton ferris wheel was closed.
Purchase free cancellation tickets right here
Bluebell Railway
This steam prepare journey takes you to classic prepare stations for a beautiful household journey, with a wide range of points of interest together with museums, engine sheds and youngsters’s play areas at every cease alongside the 11 miles between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.
Followers of Downton Abbey may also acknowledge one of many stations from the present and there are common occasions and festivals all year long as properly.
The entire route takes round 40 minutes, however all the time examine the Bluebell Railway web site upfront to ensure of the timings of the trains that day.
Toddlers may also love the Bentley Miniature railway, a one-mile observe together with a cease on the historic woodland of Glyndebourne Wooden. (The favored Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum subsequent door closed in 2018)
Rye Treasure Path
I by no means tire of wandering across the cobbled streets within the attractive city of Rye – however children don’t are inclined to have the identical consideration span for wonderful previous teaching inns and fairly 14th century doorways that adults do.
Which is the place the Rye Homicide Thriller Treasure Path is available in. We’ve tried these Treasure Trails in locations across the nation – this one sees you looking for clues across the former Cinque Port city, masking round a mile and lasting about 90 minutes.
Hold a watch out for the mermaid on the inn signal, whereas close to the Landgate – one of many historic gates into Rye and the one one nonetheless standing – you will get nice ice cream from Knoops (or sizzling chocolate on a cold day).
Take a look at a few of my favorite issues to do in Rye with children or learn extra about my household vacation in Rye with a preschooler, exploring East Sussex
Out of Bounds, Angmering
The Out of Bounds exercise centre has one thing for everybody, preschoolers to adults – you may play laser tag or journey golf, bounce on leaping pillows or youthful children can go wild in an enormous comfortable play.
There’s even clip’n’climb for one thing extra adrenaline-fuelled. Perfect for a wet day in Sussex with children or in the event you’re in search of an energetic time out.
Treasure Island Eastbourne
Yo ho ho and plenty of household enjoyable. There’s an 18-hole pirate themed loopy golf course at Treasure Island Eastbourne that’s excellent for wannabe buccaneers, together with play tools following the identical pirate theme.
EDIT: The out of doors pirate ship play space, the favored Lengthy John Silver fashion shipwreck with a zipper wire, slides, and bridges, plus its separate toddler part, is at the moment fenced off. The comfortable play remains to be open, however remember earlier than you go to.
Outside in Sussex
Ashdown Forest, close to Wych Cross
When you have somebody in your own home that loves Winnie the Pooh then a go to to Ashdown Forest must be in your listing of locations to take your loved ones, because it served because the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wooden each within the story and the illustrations.
The unique Pooh Sticks bridge is only a 10 minute stroll from the automotive park, so collect sticks alongside the way in which to play or deliver your individual – the bridge and recreation are so fashionable that discovering sticks alongside the path could be tougher than you count on!
Please don’t harm bushes to play Poohsticks with your loved ones, it’s higher to come back ready.
For extra Winnie the Pooh places, Ashdown Forest has two walks that can assist you uncover them – you may obtain them right here – and with 10 sq. miles to discover, you received’t be in need of different inspiration to get outside.
Wakehurst, close to Hayward’s Heath
A whopping 500 acres of woodland and backyard to discover, the sister web site to Kew Gardens is house to the Millennium Seed Financial institution and like Kew, has common family-friendly occasions.
There’s all the time one thing to see at Wakehurst, whether or not it’s the gardens in all their glory all year long, the adventurous log path, pure play areas together with a labyrinth and woodland that features a ‘dwelling fossil’, a tree as previous as dinosaurs.
Children aged 16 and below enter free as properly, plus there’s a Youngsters’s Heritage backyard with mud kitchen and loads of probability to get them digging.
Woods Mill Nature Reserve, Henfield
This wonderful nature reserve has ponds, lakes, and a beautiful meadow for teenagers of all ages to get pleasure from.
With wetland and woodland habitats among the many 47 acres of Woods Mill Nature Reserve, you would possibly get fortunate and spot a woodpecker, an owl, or perhaps a nightingale in the event you’re there on the proper time of yr.
There’s no cost to go to both in the event you’re in search of free days out in Sussex with children (though donations are welcome), plus there’s a pop-up cafe for drinks and snacks.
Lengthy Man of Wilmington
The spectacular Lengthy Man of Wilmington (often known as the Wilmington Large or Inexperienced Man) measures 72 meters, and it’s a unbelievable uncommon time out for teenagers of all ages.
The hill determine, round six miles from Eastbourne is over 300 years previous – though no-one is aware of fairly what he’s imagined to symbolise. You may mull it over as you wander alongside the scenic trails to provide the finest view of the Lengthy Man.
The stroll isn’t nice for buggies, however a brief stroll to the toes of the Lengthy Man is ideal for the littlest.
Hastings Nation Park
For an excellent day outside with children in Sussex, it’s exhausting to beat Hastings Nation Park – not least as a result of you may normally take the East Hill Cliff Railway, the steepest funicular railway within the UK, from Rock-a-Nore Street to succeed in it. Edit: the East Hill Cliff Railway is quickly closed for repairs
The reserve seems to be out to the ocean with some wonderful views of the south east coast from the cliff tops. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may see so far as the coast of France, and you’ll usually look out to Beachy Head within the west and Dungeness in Kent within the east.
In addition to the cliffs, you may discover coastal woodlands, grasslands and pasture among the many 345 acres – there’s a leaflet exhibiting a few of the walks to obtain.
Seashores in Sussex with children
Camber Sands
One of the crucial fashionable sandy seashores in Sussex, that is huge sky territory, south of England fashion.
Backed by dunes which beg to be scrambled up and down, the seaside appears to stretch off endlessly, particularly when the tide’s out, with sea swimming pools to paddle in and open sand for kite flying and sandcastle constructing.
Canines are allowed year-round, though on a lead and in restricted zones from Could to September.
If you happen to’re in search of nice locations to remain in Camber Sands, try my evaluation of Salt Bay cottage
West Wittering
One other of these infinite fantastic stretches of sand that Sussex specialises in, West Wittering seaside seems to be out to Chichester harbour, in addition to the South Downs.
It’s fashionable, particularly in summer season – the queues of automobiles ready to park have been changed by a prebooking system, so you may assure a spot. Click on right here to e book
The Blue Flag seaside is a favorite with kite surfers (and kite flyers) whereas there are lots extra dunes and tide swimming pools to discover between paddling and digging within the sand.
No canines are allowed within the Blue Flag bathing space (the realm in entrance of the seaside huts, between groynes 14a to 18) from Could to September, however are welcome elsewhere and on the entire seaside exterior these occasions.
Littlehampton
A mixture of shingle and sand, Littlehampton seaside has one thing to please everybody. On the japanese finish, there are all of the basic British seaside treats, with souvenirs, doughnuts and ice cream stalls lining the entrance – to not point out slightly prepare which tootles up and down, and groynes separating the banks of sand.
It’s additionally house to the UK’s longest bench, half place to take a seat, half artwork sculpture with its shiny colors and swirling loops.
On the opposite aspect, throughout the river Arun, it’s additionally a mixture of sand and shingle, however the sand dunes have been named a Web site of Particular Scientific Curiosity. It’s additionally among the finest canine pleasant seashores in Sussex, the place they’re welcome all yr.
EDIT: The ferry which normally runs through the summer season is closed for the foreseeable future.
Broomhill Sands
Broomhill sits simply east of Camber Sands – and whereas it isn’t as well-known, or have fairly the identical picturesque setting within the dunes, it additionally tends to be much less crowded in the event you’re in search of a quiet Sussex seaside with children.
The sand and shingle seaside stretches off into the gap at low tide right here too, however there’s no lifeguard facility and fewer services than Camber (suppose an ice cream van fairly than a restaurant). There’s a kitesurfing centre, and it’s usually fashionable with sand buggies.
Canines are welcome between October and April, or on a lead within the marked zones from Could to September.
For extra concepts of nice sandy Sussex seashores with children, try my prime picks
Locations to remain in Sussex with children
For extra concepts of locations to remain in Sussex with children, try some nice self-catering in East Sussex and West Sussex, in addition to motels on Reserving.com.
You’ll discover self-catering cottages from Sykes Cottages and holidaycottages.co.uk.
Or try my evaluation of Salt Bay, the beautiful cottage in Camber Sands the place we stayed.
*First printed 2020, final up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN SUSSEX WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Photographs: Arundel Fortress/Brighton Pavilion/Battle Abbey/Lewes Fortress/Hastings seafront/eagle owl/Ashdown Forest/Wakehurst/Wilmington Large/West Wittering courtesy Depositphotos, i360 courtesy VisitBritain, all others copyright MummyTravels
