The Easter and Summer holidays are fast approaching. If you’re looking for a UK family break there are so many regions to explore. Head south east for a family cottage break in Sussex. Read on to find out about 10 of the Best Family Days Out in East and West Sussex. There is so much to do when you stay in Sussex holiday cottages:
1. Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex
Bexhill on Sea is a tranquil, seaside town located between Hastings and Eastbourne in East Sussex. It’s a lovely place to visit to go to the beach, walk, cycle or row on the traditional boating lake. There are also lots of quirky retro and vintage shops and lots of tempting places to dine. Visit Bexhill Museum to view an impressive costume collection dating from the 17th century to the present (and including a dress once worn by Queen Victoria) and to learn about Bexhill’s motor-racing past.
2. South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park was established in 2009, making it England’s newest National Park. The Park covers an area of 1,627 square kilometres in southern England, stretching from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne in the east through the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex. It is one of Britain’s “Breathing Spaces”. It’s easy to see how the South Downs has captivated some of Britain’s greatest literary and artistic figures, from Jane Austen, to Rudyard Kipling to the Bloomsbury Group. Virginia Woolf said in her diaries “The Downs… too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness, if only they would look.” Explore the South Downs on foot on your own or book to take part in an organised South Down’s Experience, such as a “Wildlife walk , foraging and picnic by the lake” experience.
3. Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Multi generational families will enjoy a visit to Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Have fun and hop aboard the famous one-eighth scale miniature locomotives as they meander for nearly a mile around the beautiful country park. Take a pleasant walk around the five-acre lake where nature and wildlife may be seen in their natural habitats. There’s even a giant maze, ‘Grandma’s Garden’, an adventure playground and a play area for the under fives. Enjoy a bite to eat in the prize-winning tea gardens or in the railway style cafe. There are also picnic areas, model railways and the Railway Gift Shop.
All Aboard the Steam Train
There are a number of full size steam train trips to choose from in Sussex including The Kent and East Sussex Railway, the Bluebell Railway, The Lavender Line, Spa Valley Railway and South Downs Light Railway.
4. Brighton Beach and Palace Pier, Brighton, East Sussex
Visit Brighton Beach and Palace Pier for a quintessential British seaside holiday experience. The beach is beautiful and very lively. Enjoy fish and chips on the sand. Explore Palace Pier for arcades, rides and fun family attractions. Don’t forget Brighton has great shops, eateries, culture and nightlife too.
Other seaside towns with fun piers in Sussex include Bognor Regis, Eastbourne, Hastings and Worthing.
5. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, East Sussex
Castles are fun to visit and explore. Bodiam Castle is great for families to visit as they run lots of events throughout the year such as archery, stocks, trails, quests, medieval costumed characters, storytelling, and armour demonstrations. During Spring, children can climb the gatehouse tower to hear the resident bats chattering. At Easter time, children race about the grounds at the popular Easter Egg trail and at Christmas time Father and Mother Christmas and other winter characters have been known to visit the castle courtyard or medieval grotto to give children a magical story or gift.
Love castles? Visit Lewes Castle, East Sussex while you’re in the Sussex region too.
6. Chesworth Farm, Horsham, West Sussex
Chesworth Farm is unlike most farms you can visit and is the perfect place to enjoy fresh air and let the kids run free. It has 90 glorious acres of colourful meadows and ancient hedgerows to explore. Criss-crossed with footpaths and bridleways, it is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Horsham town centre. It’s the perfect place for a family bike ride away from busy roads, and popular with dog walkers. The main paths are wheelchair accessible. Chesworth Farm is open all day and entry is free.
7. Southwater Country park, West Sussex
Southwater Country Park is another great multi generational day out as it’s suitable for all ages and abilities. Take a nature walk around the stunning lake or play in the Dino Island Play Park – so themed and named because a real iguanodon skeleton was found in the lake. Kids will be delighted to find dinosaur bones in the sand play. Here you can also take part in watersports or take a paddle on the beach. Visit the visitor centre and cafe too.
8. WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, West Sussex
Visit WWT Arundel Wetland Centre and discover the wonder of the wetlands. Walk around enjoying the nature and wildlife and be sure to glide along on the wetland discovery boat safaris. Bring binoculars, waterproofs, wellies and a change of clothing (just in case). There are play areas and places to eat too.
9. Knockhatch Adventure Park, Halisham, East Sussex
Kids will have such fun at Knockhatch Adventure Park. It’s home to lots of animals to visit, including meerkats, kookaburras and wallabies. You can book private animal experiences for an extra special visit. There are also lots of fun rides to enjoy as well as extra activities such as Go-Karts, Rowing Boats and Trampolines. There are also play areas and lots of cafes to choose from. A special Sherlock Holmes Experience is opening this year which we can’t wait to visit.
10. Druscillas Park, East Sussex
Enjoy a fun filled family day out at Druscillas Park. There is a zoo to explore and see all the animals, play areas to let the kids run wild and exciting kid’s rides to have fun on. This year there is a new attraction opening soon: Rainforest Adventure. Bring bathers and a towel or a change of clothes as there is “Get Wet”, a splash pad experience. There are lots of food places to choose from and gift shops to visit too.
Stay in Sussex
As you can see, your family holiday in Sussex will be fun filled- there are so many different things to do. The fun doesn’t have to end after your day out and Sussex holiday cottages with a hot tub will be perfect to relax in at the end of a busy day. If you want to bring your furry member of the family check out these dog friendly holiday cottages in Sussex. We find staying in a cottage ideal when we travel as a family, especially when the grandparents and aunties/uncles come too. You will treasure the memories of your perfect Sussex family holiday forever.
For more information on your visit take a look at Visit South East England.
Have you been to Sussex before? What’s your favourite place to visit? Are you planning to go there soon- where are you most looking forward to visiting?
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