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From castles and the coast to beautiful Brighton, there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Sussex with youngsters that it’s no shock we’ve returned for household holidays repeatedly.
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For this publish, I’m combining my prime picks in West Sussex and East Sussex – and keep in mind that when you’re visiting locations like Camber and Rye, you’re truly nearer to Kent than Chichester within the west, so it’s straightforward to mix household sights 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 youngsters.
Sussex castles and historic homes
Bodiam Citadel
The archetypal fortress, all towers and turrets in the course of its moat, Bodiam Citadel 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 fortress to life, dressing up, and the form of ugly historical past youngsters love.
You’ll be able to even spot bats alongside the best way, 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 Citadel with youngsters
Arundel Citadel
Privately owned Arundel Citadel is an element fortress, half stately residence, and that mixture, in addition to the prospect to identify some jousting, makes it big enjoyable for teenagers.
The fortress’s historical past stretches again over 950 years, and you may nonetheless enterprise into the eleventh century Maintain, in addition to climbing to the highest for some implausible views throughout the West Sussex countryside.
Within the grounds, you possibly can 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 reworked the medieval fortress within the 18th and nineteenth centuries.
For extra of the finest castles in Sussex with youngsters, take a look at 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 anticipate. And this barely fairytale structure, mixed with lavish interiors, makes it good for a day trip with youngsters in Brighton.
You should purchase a kids’s path for a small price 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 youngsters too.
Try the Brighton Pavilion Treasure Map Path as nicely, for a enjoyable strategy 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 youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Battle Abbey
Go to one among England’s most vital historic websites throughout faculty holidays and you may see battle re-enactments and different implausible actions that children will love, however there’s nowhere higher to deliver the Norman Conquest to life at any time of 12 months.
Cease by Battle Abbey customer’s centre, which has interactive shows educating concerning the occasions that led as much as the Battle of Hastings, in addition to strolling by means of the battlefield itself.
You’ll find 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 kids’s discovery room.
Anne of Cleves Home, Lewes
This beautiful Medieval home and museum in Lewes was initially constructed for Henry VIII’s spouse Anne of Cleves – though she by no means truly used it. And there’s an ideal mixture of training and enjoyable, with loads of probabilities for teenagers to get palms on and play throughout your go to.
Scattered all through the Anne of Cleves home, youngsters can discover exercise bins and garments they’ll gown up in, trails and quizzes, in addition to rooms with sixteenth century furnishings and a Tudor backyard.
Lewes Citadel & Barbican Home Museum
Only a brief distance from the Anne of Cleves Home is Lewes Citadel, 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 vary into whereas they’re there, plus when 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 website has all the same old temptations for households, but it surely’s the gardens which set it aside – you possibly can discover a heather backyard, sunken backyard, rose backyard and walled backyard amongst others…
Learn my assessment of a day trip at Nymans with youngsters
In Spring, Nymans is legendary for its snowdrops, however you’ll additionally discover camellias and magnolias. And from a baby’s viewpoint, 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 possibly can go contained in the medieval-style manor home (truly so much newer than it appears), 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 implausible household day trip, with its grand home, big 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, typically 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 assessment of a day trip at Petworth with youngsters
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 throughout the Napoleonic wars to protect in opposition to invasion, it was nonetheless used proper up till the Fifties.
Inside Newhaven Fort, you possibly can expertise what a (simulated) World Warfare 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 formidable 10 acres for teenagers to run round in.
Animal sights 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 hanging Victorian constructing, together with within the Day and Night time Space.
Exhibiting how the oceans change over the course of 24 hours, the show features a bioluminescent seaside.
In addition to quite a lot of totally 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 youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings
Set proper on the beachfront, the Hastings aquarium won’t be the largest in Sussex but it surely’s very straightforward to whereas away just a few hours wandering round – and supreme 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 kids’s information as you go round, together with some nice info for mini marine biologists.
Learn extra about our day trip at Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings right here
Drusillas Park, close to Alfriston
Don’t let the identify idiot you – Drusillas Park is a lot greater than your common park, it is among the finest zoos in Sussex and when you’re in search of a theme park in Sussex with youngsters, this could prime your checklist.
The animals embody smaller creatures like pink 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, tender play, mazes, a splash zone, in addition to some kid-friendly rides which can be supreme with youthful kids. You’ll be able to 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 a lot 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 initiatives 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 price.
Huxley Birds of Prey Centre, close to Horsham
Meet an owl, watch a fowl show, and study all about some wonderful birds of prey at Huxley Birds of Prey Centre, together with buzzards, kestrels and falcons.
In addition they supply experiences the place you will get hands-on time with raptors, or go on a stroll within the countryside with a hawk, lots of them appropriate for kids and designed for small teams.
This isn’t one when 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 day trip with youthful youngsters, head to Fisher’s Journey Farm Park, which is heaven for little animal lovers – and has loads of play choices as nicely.
Meet farmyard animals from bunnies, chicks, lambs and children to alpacas, cows and horses, in addition to an opportunity to get (gently) palms on with each day animal dealing with periods, plus occasional feeding periods.
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 youngsters, take a look at Spring Barn Farm, Blackberry Farm Park and Center Farm as nicely.
Different household days out in Sussex
British Airways i360 Brighton
With its commentary pod rising to 138m up the 162m excessive tower, the i360 is the nation’s highest commentary tower exterior London.
Proper on the seafront searching to the outdated West Pier, there’s additionally a beachside cafe. On a transparent day you possibly can see for miles alongside the coast, with town’s finest views because the 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 stunning household journey, with quite a lot of sights 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 even acknowledge one of many stations from the present and there are common occasions and festivals all year long as nicely.
The entire route takes round 40 minutes, however all the time verify the Bluebell Railway web site upfront to verify of the timings of the trains that day.
Toddlers may even love the Bentley Miniature railway, a one-mile monitor 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 beautiful city of Rye – however youngsters don’t are inclined to have the identical consideration span for wonderful outdated 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 attempting to find clues across the former Cinque Port city, masking round a mile and lasting about 90 minutes.
Maintain an eye fixed 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 scorching chocolate on a cold day).
Try a few of my favorite issues to do in Rye with youngsters 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 possibly can play laser tag or journey golf, bounce on leaping pillows or youthful youngsters can go wild in an enormous tender play.
There’s even clip’n’climb for one thing extra adrenaline-fuelled. Superb for a wet day in Sussex with youngsters or when you’re in search of an lively day trip.
Treasure Island Eastbourne
Yo ho ho and many household enjoyable. There’s an 18-hole pirate themed loopy golf course at Treasure Island Eastbourne that’s good for wannabe buccaneers, together with play gear following the identical pirate theme.
EDIT: The out of doors pirate ship play space, the favored Lengthy John Silver model shipwreck with a zipper wire, slides, and bridges, plus its separate toddler part, is presently fenced off. The tender play continues to be open, however remember earlier than you go to.
Open air in Sussex
Ashdown Forest, close to Wych Cross
You probably have somebody in your home that loves Winnie the Pooh then a go to to Ashdown Forest must be in your checklist 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 best way to play or deliver your individual – the bridge and sport are so fashionable that discovering sticks alongside the path is perhaps tougher than you anticipate!
Please don’t injury timber to play Poohsticks with your loved ones, it’s higher to come back ready.
For extra Winnie the Pooh areas, Ashdown Forest has two walks that can assist you uncover them – you possibly can 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 website to Kew Gardens is residence 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 ‘residing fossil’, a tree as outdated as dinosaurs.
Children aged 16 and beneath enter free as nicely, plus there’s a Kids’s Heritage backyard with mud kitchen and loads of likelihood 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 when you’re there on the proper time of 12 months.
There’s no cost to go to both when you’re in search of free days out in Sussex with youngsters (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 Big or Inexperienced Man) measures 72 meters, and it’s a implausible uncommon day trip for teenagers of all ages.
The hill determine, round six miles from Eastbourne is over 300 years outdated – though no-one is aware of fairly what he’s speculated to symbolise. You’ll be able to 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 ft of the Lengthy Man is ideal for the littlest.
Hastings Nation Park
For an incredible day outside with youngsters in Sussex, it’s onerous to beat Hastings Nation Park – not least as a result of you possibly can often 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 briefly closed for repairs
The reserve appears out to the ocean with some wonderful views of the south east coast from the cliff tops. For those who’re fortunate, you possibly can see so far as the coast of France, and you may typically look out to Beachy Head within the west and Dungeness in Kent within the east.
In addition to the cliffs, you possibly can 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 youngsters
Camber Sands
One of the crucial fashionable sandy seashores in Sussex, that is massive sky territory, south of England model.
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.
Canine are allowed year-round, though on a lead and in restricted zones from Might to September.
For those who’re in search of nice locations to remain in Camber Sands, take a look at my assessment of Salt Bay cottage
West Wittering
One other of these infinite fantastic stretches of sand that Sussex specialises in, West Wittering seaside appears 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 possibly can assure a spot. Click on right here to guide
The Blue Flag seaside is a favorite with kite surfers (and kite flyers) whereas there are a lot 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 Might 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 jap finish, there are all of the traditional British seaside treats, with souvenirs, doughnuts and ice cream stalls lining the entrance – to not point out a little bit prepare which tootles up and down, and groynes separating the banks of sand.
It’s additionally residence to the UK’s longest bench, half place to take a seat, half artwork sculpture with its vibrant colors and swirling loops.
On the opposite facet, 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 probably the greatest canine pleasant seashores in Sussex, the place they’re welcome all 12 months.
EDIT: The ferry which often runs throughout 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 when you’re in search of a quiet Sussex seaside with youngsters.
The sand and shingle seaside stretches off into the gap at low tide right here too, however there’s no lifeguard facility and fewer amenities than Camber (suppose an ice cream van fairly than a restaurant). There’s a kitesurfing centre, and it’s typically fashionable with sand buggies.
Canine are welcome between October and April, or on a lead within the marked zones from Might to September.
For extra concepts of nice sandy Sussex seashores with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Locations to remain in Sussex with youngsters
For extra concepts of locations to remain in Sussex with youngsters, take a look at some nice self-catering in East Sussex and West Sussex, in addition to accommodations on Reserving.com.
You’ll discover self-catering cottages from Sykes Cottages and holidaycottages.co.uk.
Or take a look at my assessment of Salt Bay, the beautiful cottage in Camber Sands the place we stayed.
*First revealed 2020, final up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN SUSSEX WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Pictures: Arundel Citadel/Brighton Pavilion/Battle Abbey/Lewes Citadel/Hastings seafront/eagle owl/Ashdown Forest/Wakehurst/Wilmington Big/West Wittering courtesy Depositphotos, i360 courtesy VisitBritain, all others copyright MummyTravels
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