Sussex


<p>We’re spoilt for choice in Sussex when it comes to, well pretty much everything, but also family fun. From animal focused theme parks to Roman ruins, mazes (where the kids can try to escape while you escape them with a coffee)  steam train rides and park safaris. But to help streamline your choices we’ve selected the crème de la crème of attractions and activities for your family. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/1-6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59969" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/1-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/1-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/1-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/1-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/1-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smugglers-adventure-hastings-castle"><a href="https://www.smugglersadventure.co.uk/">Smugglers Adventure</a>, Hastings Castle</h2>



<p>Ahoy there me hearties! Let your little pirates run riot at the underground labyrinth of caves and tunnels at Smugglers Adventure to uncover hidden treasure via interactive displays. There are over 70 life-sized smuggler characters to &#8216;meet&#8217; and teach your sailors about the pirate life. There’s also the ghostly Chapel, the most haunted part of the caves – this might be a bit too scary for very little ones, but older kids will love the spine-tingling adventure. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bluebell-railway-sheffield-park"><a href="https://www.bluebell-railway.com/"><strong>Bluebell Railway</strong></a><strong>, Sheffield Park</strong></h2>



<p>Time for a little nostalgia and for a well-needed sit down&#8230; This wonderfully-preserved steam passenger railway offers rides through 11 miles of gorgeous Sussex countryside. Trains run between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, stopping at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. Kids will love seeing the staff in period clothing, and each of the four stations are preserved in different periods of history (good luck when they ask you in detail about those).  A Day Rover ticket lets you hop on and off as much as you like.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drusilla-s-park-alfriston"><strong><a href="https://www.drusillas.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Drusilla’s Park (opens in a new tab)">Drusilla’s Park</a>, Alfriston</strong></h2>



<p>Forget best in Sussex, Drusilla’s is touted as the best small zoo in the country. Exactly. Your parenting prayers are answered with animals <em>and </em>rides to occupy even the shortest of attention spans. Take a walk on the wild side and visit the exotic animals, you’ll be welcomed by meerkats (named after the cast of <em>Friends</em> &#8211; seriously). Kids can also get up close – not too close obvs – with anteaters, camels, penguins, owls, lemurs, flamingos, porcupines and much more. There are play areas, rides, a splash park plus, and a dinosaur -themed Secret Garden. Thankfully, there are three cafés throughout the park to keep you in a constant supply of caffeine.  Book online to guarantee entry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knepp-wildland-dial-post-and-shipley-near-horsham"><strong><a href="https://knepp.co.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knepp Wildland</a>, Dial Post and Shipley, near Horsham</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/2-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59970" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/2-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/2-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/2-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/2-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/2-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Kneep Wildland</figcaption></figure>



<p>While it can&#8217;t compete with a safari on the Serengeti, the next best thing (with kids in tow) is this unique re-wilding project. You will have no end of inspiration for Eye Spy with the array of wildlife roaming free -including deer and Exmoor ponies. There are guided tours and safaris available but you can also &#8216;roam free&#8217; along designated footpaths and bridleways. There are 3,500 acres so it&#8217;s definitely one for a return visit or two. The park prides itself on having increased the numbers of a selection of species indulging turtle doves (not just for Christmas songs) and purple emperor butterflies. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petworth-house-and-park-petworth"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park"><strong>Petworth House and Park</strong></a><strong>, Petworth</strong></h2>



<p>A National Trust property that packs a punch when it comes to helping burn off excess energy (theirs not yours &#8211; are you even sitting upright?). At the 700-acre park there are trees the kids can actually climb inside and a special den building area. If you can&#8217;t convince anyone to join you at the Treasure House where a fine art collection resides you can head to the Garden Games from 23 July on the North Lawn where kids can fight, we mean, decide, over whether they&#8217;ll go for the space hoppers, croquet or badminton, and if you time it right this summer, there&#8217;s also outdoor cinema showing Disney hit, <em>Encanto</em> on 21 August. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-borde-hill-garden-near-haywards-heath"><a href="https://www.bordehill.co.uk/">Borde Hill Garden</a>, near Haywards Heath</h2>



<p>Forget the Grade II-listed building at Borde Hille, and head straight on a magical walk through the themed Family Trail best best suited for kids aged 3-8 years. This summer the story is the&nbsp;Misadventures of Finbow the Fox and leads you around the garden to uncover what mischief this character has been creating. Hopefully it won&#8217;t give the kids too many new ideas! It takes around 40 minutes to do and there are prizes to be won &#8211; although with just a £3 entry fee don&#8217;t expect anything too extravagant. After a picnic overlooking the lake there&#8217;ll still be time for the adventure playground complete with zip wire, balance bars, and obligatory climbing frames. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battle-abbey-battle"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/1066-battle-of-hastings-abbey-and-battlefield/">Battle Abbey</a>, Battle</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/5-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59976" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/5-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/5-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/5-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/5-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/5-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Battle Abbey</figcaption></figure>



<p>A gentle pace and lots of open air at English Heritage&#8217;s Battle Abbey, where you and yours can retrace the steps of the armies of William the Conqueror and King Harold who famously clashed in 1066. To help bring things to life and reimagine the scenes,  there are carved wooden soldiers depicting the Norman and Saxon soldiers.  The castle ruins are ideal for hide and seek, and there&#8217;s an adventure playground on site too, and a café to make sure everyone is kept entertained and caffeinated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fishers-adventure-farm-park-near-billingshurst"><a href="https://fishersfarmpark.co.uk/">Fishers Adventure Farm Park</a>, near Billingshurst</h2>



<p>A safe bet for an action-packed day that not even the unpredictable British weather can affect, as there’s a section of indoor and outdoor fun on offer. The park has won multiple awards for its family offering, and for good reason. There’s an Animal Encounters Barn where kids can meet the the farm animals as well as Splash Pad for hot days complete with shooting water jets.  You&#8217;ll want to take a quick interlude to the coffee bar before the next adventures on offer in the form of tractor rides, ghost tunnel, climbing wall, quad bikes, go-karts, and a maze they can get lost in while you enjoy your coffee in peace (JOKE &#8211; sort of). The kids will be exhausted come 4pm, exactly where you want them! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulborough-paddles-pulborough"><a href="https://www.pulboroughpaddles.co.uk/">Pulborough Paddles</a>, Pulborough&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Who doesn’t love messing about in the water? Pulborugh is the place to hire canoes, kayaks or paddleboards&nbsp;for your family and explore one of the most beautiful and calm sections of the&nbsp;River Arun. You can race each other or laze and float along admiring the river banks littered with waterlilies, sedges and reeds. Their launch site is also right next door to one of Muddy’s favourite pubs&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The White Hart (opens in a new tab)" href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-white-hart-stopham/" target="_blank">The White Hart</a>&nbsp;for a slap-up lunch afterwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harbour-park-littlehampton"><strong><a href="https://www.harbourpark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Harbour Park (opens in a new tab)">Harbour Park</a>, Littlehampton</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/3-6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59974" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/3-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/3-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/3-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/3-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/3-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Habour Park</figcaption></figure>



<p>Ideal for those days when getting out of the house is an emergency operation. You can spectate while the kids speculate about which ride they want to go on next. Everything is sea-themed at this beach-side fun fair &#8211; from the Ocean Coaster, Whirlpool Waltzer and Kiddie Bumper Boats. There’s an indoor soft play area and outdoor trampolines, mini golf and go karts. And for some cool down time, head to the sandy <a href="http://www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="East Beach at Littlehampton (opens in a new tab)">East Beach at Littlehampton</a> which also has picnic benches close by.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bignor-roman-villa-near-chichester"><a href="https://www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk/">Bignor Roman Villa</a>, near Chichester</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s not quite the same as sipping a Prosecco on the Spanish Steps but you can pay homage to the Roman empire at these ruins in the lovely village of Bignor not far from Chichester &#8211; complete with the backdrop of the South Downs. The ancient ruins are ripe for mini explorers who can stop right by the classic mosaics. No doubt though that the star attraction is the Sunflower maze which usually opens in August &#8211; depending on how tall they grow  &#8211; and once they&#8217;ve tried it a few times, they can head to the picking patch and take home a sunflower.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amberley-museum-near-arundel"><a href="https://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/whats-on/">Amberley Museum</a>, near Arundel</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/6-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59973" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/6-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/6-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/6-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/6-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/07/6-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Amberley Musem</figcaption></figure>



<p>There’s always loads to see at this lovely open air museum and wheely mad (sorry) kids will be in their element. It’s home to over 40 exhibits including a working mini steam train and vintage buses as well as what are now considered, old phone boxes, and vintage radio and TVs, along with a nature trail. Anyone else feeling old? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bodiam-castle-near-robertsbridge"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Bodiam Castle (opens in a new tab)">Bodiam Castle</a>, near Robertsbridge</h2>



<p>The National Trust know what they&#8217;re doing when it comes to family entertainment, and while this beautiful moated castle provides a stunning backdrop, the real fun will be found in the activities on offer. This summer there&#8217;s a Medieval Fair featuring themed games and activities including mini jousting challenge, hobby horses to play &#8216;siege the castle&#8217; with. For dragon enthusiasts there&#8217;s also an outdoor theatre happening with a showing of<em> The Reluctant Dragon</em> on 10 August. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escape-rooms-tulleys-crawley"><strong><a href="https://www.tulleysescape.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Escape Rooms,</a> Tulleys</strong><a href="https://www.tulleysescape.com/"><strong>,</strong></a><strong> Crawley</strong></h2>



<p>Not even teens can pretend they&#8217;re not having fun here. Great for the 12s and up, these fun indoor challenges are perfect to get Kevins (and their bewildered parents) using their brains to puzzle their way through the game. The pirate-themed Mutiny room is the easiest available and is ideal for families &#8211; we promise your teen will be smiling. But there&#8217;s also a more basic version for younger children called Uncle Tick-Tock’s Circus &#8211; which also serves as a warm up for the harder levels. It’s also brilliant on wet weather days. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brighton-open-air-theatre-dyke-road-brighton"><a href="https://www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/"><strong>Brighton Open Air Theatre</strong></a><strong>, Dyke Road, Brighton</strong></h2>



<p>Grab your picnic blanket and go go go to B.O.A.T in Dyke Road Park. A real family activity where you can all sit in one spot and relax. It’s a wood and astro turf amphitheatre with a small bar and, seriously, you&#8217;d be the odd one out if you didn&#8217;t picnic here while you watch the performances. Family-friendly productions include a kids comedy, <em>Rapunzel , Alice In Wonderland</em> and <em>The Railway Chlildren</em>.&nbsp;</p>


15 Best family things to do in Sussex

You may also like