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1066 Battle Of Hastings, Abbey & Battlefield
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Battle, East Sussex
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Visit the site of one of the most famous battles in England's history – the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and discover the fascinating story of events behind that historic date. Explore the award-winning exhibition which brings alive the dramatic story of the Norman Conquest and its significance in the tumultuous history of England. End your day by relaxing in the new café.
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Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre
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Amberley, West Sussex
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Amberley Museum is a 36 acre open-air site set in the South Downs National Park. Dedicated to the industrial heritage of the South East, exhibits include a narrow-gauge railway and historic bus service (both provide free nostalgic travel around the site), Connected Earth telecommunications hall, electricity hall, printing workshop and much more. The Museum is also home to traditional craftspeople, such as the broom-maker, blacksmith and potter, plus a fabulous restaurant, gift shop and numerous picnic areas where the stunning surroundings can be enjoyed.
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Arundel Castle
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Arundel, West Sussex
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An ancient Castle and family home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over nine centuries, Arundel is set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and spectacular gardens.
Containing the cream of priceless collections created over hundreds of years, come and see paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculpture and carving, heraldry and armour in stunning room settings dating back to the 12th century. Outside explore the Fitzalan Chapel, the Rose, Kitchen and Flower Gardens and the dramatic Collector Earl’s Garden.
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Arundel Wetland Centre
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Arundel, West Sussex
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There is something new every season at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. Springtime fills the valley with wildflowers and warbler songs; summer brings exciting pond-dipping discoveries; as winter starts the swans return and water rails emerge. All year around you can glide with a guide on free boat safari to glimpse a water vole or vividly-coloured kingfishers. Hand feed our collection birds, including the rare nene geese. Our wide trails offer gentle walks with lovely views of the South Downs and Arundel Castle. The Water’s Edge cafe and the gift shop are housed in the Visitors centre.
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Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum
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Halland, Nr. Lewes
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Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum is a perfect day out for all the family.
Come and explore the Palladian House and gardens, the extensive bird reserve and the Motor Museum with its eclectic range of cars. Ride the Minature Railway up to the Woodland and take an atmospheric trail past bronze age and saxon houses. The childrens' playarea has an aerial walkway through trees, willow tunnels, and plenty of space to let off steam. To top it off our tearooms serve home cooked food. We have lots of seasonal activities and events taking place, see our website for more details.
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Bignor Roman Villa
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Pulborough, West Sussex
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Don’t miss this unique Sussex attraction. The stunning remains of a Roman home and farm with world-class mosaic floors in a spectacular Downland setting. Outside the Roman Villa explore the endless footpaths and stunning villages in the heart of the newly designated South Downs National Park. The site is still owned by the Tupper Family who rediscovered the villa in 1811. Enjoy refreshments in our museum tearoom and find that special gift in our shop. Guided tours available on request and school visits by prior arrangement. Free visitor parking. Visit our website for opening times, admission fees and forthcoming events.
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Bodiam Castle
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Bodiam, Nr Robertsbridge
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In 1385 Edward Dallingridge built Bodiam Castle to both impress his friends and frighten his enemies. The exterior remains virtually complete but in the English Civil War the family backed the King and Cromwell ordered much of the interior was to be destroyed. Today you can still discover one of Britain’s most evocative castles. Have fun using the children’s activity resource, view the introductory film and enjoy our year round event programme. Climb to the top of the towers for wonderful views of the Rother Valley and imagine what it must have been like to live here with Sir Edward!
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Borde Hill Garden
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Haywards Heath, West Sussex
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One of several world-class gardens in the rural countryside of the Sussex Weald, this tranquil and magnificently sited garden with collections of exotic trees and shrubs. As you walk round, you are struck by dramatic changes of mood, such as the Azalea Ring, Rose & Italian Gardens, the subtropical Dell, and majestic woodlands with numerous ‘champion’ trees. The views out over the Weald are very much part of the garden's character.
Exciting New Shop, Plant Sales together with new Rose Border, Borde Hill with its new playground and children’s activities is the ideal place for a great family day out.
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Brighton Sea Life Centre
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Brighton, East Sussex
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The Brighton SEA LIFE centre offers a fun and educational day out whatever the weather. With over 150 species and 50 displays, you will be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable day for the whole family! Coming in 2011… Meet the Superheroes of the marine world - the creatures that would steal the honours in any sub-marine book of records! From the Giant Pacific Octopus to the incredible Coconut Crab with claws like giant bolt-cutters, plus many others with talents to amaze and astonish you.
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Chichester Cathedral
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Chichester, West Sussex
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This magnificent 900 year old Cathedral stands at the heart of Chichester. Visitors encounter unique architecture spanning the centuries; ranging from original Norman features to the towering Victorian Spire. The Cathedral is especially famous for its art, both ancient and modern, with medieval carvings alongside world famous 20th Century artworks.
Open every day and all year with free entry. Free guided tours available Monday to Saturday at 11.15am and 2.30pm. Special trails for children too. Groups can book a range of tours. Many exhibitions, talks, lunchtime and evening concerts, and a superb Cloisters Café and Shop.
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Cowdray
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Midhurst, West Sussex
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Once one of the finest houses in England, Cowdray was visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Experience life in the 16th century in the Tudor kitchen, imagine life in the gatehouse, vaulted cellars, chapel and Great Hall. Get a bird’s eye view of the remaining walls and the landscaped parkland from the top of the tower.
Cowdray re-opens for day visitors on Wednesday 17th March. Admission includes an easy to use audio guide and film presentation.Groups of 10 or more can book any time on any day, and benefit from a discounted rate of £4.75 per head.
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Drusillas Park
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Alfriston, East Sussex
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Widely regarded as the best small zoo in Europe and South East England’s Visitor Attraction of the Year 2010/2011, Drusillas Park offers an opportunity to get nose to nose with nature with hundreds of exotic animals from monkeys and otters to penguins and meerkats. But animals are only half the fun – Go Wild! Go Bananas! and Amazon Adventure are paradise for anyone who needs to let off steam and Thomas the Tank Engine offers a train service 362 days a year! Don’t miss close encounters in Lemurland or the brand new walk-through parrot aviary – Lory Landing.
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Farley Farm House Tours
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Muddles Green, Chiddingly, East Sussex
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Farley Farm House became home to Surrealists Lee Miller and Roland Penrose in 1949, and for the next thirty five years they built up a collection of contemporary art treasures, many of which were created by their friends and visitors including Pablo Picasso, Man Ray and Joan Miró. Guided Tours of this extraordinary house and art collection take place on the first and third Sunday of the month between April and October each year.
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Groombridge Place Gardens
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Tunbridge Wells, East Sussex
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Voted Britain’s third favourite public garden in a worldwide poll conducted by travel website TripAdvisor, Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest, is a fascinating mix of quintessentially English formal gardens and the wacky Enchanted Forest with its surreal woodland gardens and activity areas. The sheltered walled formal gardens, which flank the moated house, were designed in the 17th century by the most fashionable gardener of the time, John Evelyn, and are still laid out in the same style today.
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Harbour Park
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Littlehampton, West Sussex
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A family run Amusement Park right near the sandy beaches, Harbour & Marina. Have fun on the Dodgems and Adventure Golf. Make a splash on the Log Flume and take a turn on the Caterpillar Rollercoaster. There are many rides for the younger children including Panning for Gold, and Giant Slide. Inside attractions (open all year) include the soft play area, family arcades and chicken show! There is a choice of freshly cooked meals, snacks, ground coffees and pastries in the Maritime Galley Restaurant or the Harbour Coffee Shop. Free entry. Discounts for groups and schools. Online discounts. Ample parking.
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High Beeches Gardens
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Horsham, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
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High Beeches Gardens is a beautiful and historic woodland and water garden covering some 27 acres. Open from 21 March to 30 October 1-5pm everyday except Wednesdays. High Beeches is noted for spring colour and fragrance. Enjoy Camellias, Magnolias and daffodils in early spring followed by sweetly scented bluebells, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Bonsai Weekend 29/30/31 May. The wonderful, wildflower meadow flowers in June – come to the Wildflower and Wildlife Weekend from 11am 26/27 June. Heavy Horses harrow the meadow 11am Sunday 15 August. Through September and October delight in glorious autumn colour. Autumn Gift Fair, 11am Sunday 17 October.
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Kent & East Sussex Railway
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Tenterden to Bodiam
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The Kent & East Sussex Railway owes much of its charm to its origin as the world’s first light railway. Opening in 1900, the tightly curved line with steep gradients is typical of rural railways that were developed to bring the ‘iron horse’ to sparsely populated areas.
Today it is one of Britain’s most loved, most original heritage railways, running steam and heritage diesel trains for 10½ miles from Tenterden in the Kentish Weald through the Rother Valley past Northiam to Bodiam – where it terminates a stone’s throw from the magnificent Bodiam Castle.
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Knockhatch Adventure Park
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Hailsham, East Sussex
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Fun and Adventure for all the Family. At Knockhatch Adventure Park, there's plenty to see and do for everyone, from a large adventure playground, a children's farm, go-karts, birds of prey, crazy golf, bungee trampolines, quadapillar rides, sandpits and more...New for 2010! Have fun in Froggies, our all new massive indoor soft play area, for lots of fun no matter what the weather! Next door to the Park is our Ski and Snowboard centre, which, with its 110m dry ski slope, is great for skiing practice and lessons, and toboggan parties
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Look and Sea
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Littlehampton, West Sussex
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Interactive Heritage Exhibition chronicling the history of the River Arun nad surrounding areas, featuring many hands on exhibits and stunning views over the SouthDowns and harbour from the circular Viewing Tower. Gift Shop and official Visitor Information Centre plus Harbour Lights riverside Café and Restaurant all open every day from 8.30am full details on our website www.lookandsea.co.uk
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Middle Farm
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Firle, East Sussex
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A working dairy farm at the foot of the South Downs. Meet all your farmyard favourites and watch the Jerseys being milked each afternoon. Visit the award-winning Farm Shop for the finest local farm produce including our own beef and raw Jersey milk, more than 80 British cheeses and delicious baking from our own kitchens. Relax and enjoy a quiet coffee, luscious lunch or sumptuous cream tea in the family-friendly restaurant and marvel at the flavours to be found in the National Collection of Cider and Perry. Pick up a memento of your visit in the Skies and Scarecrows giftshop.
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Newhaven Fort
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Newhaven, East Sussex
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An award-winning attraction and fine English fortification, Newhaven Fort has the sights and sounds of the past, offering a unforgettable day out for the whole family.
Let your imagination run wild as you explore the vast tunnels, massive walls and cliff-top gun emplacements which are sure to fire any imagination. Visit the Blitz shelter simulation where you can experience how it would have felt being caught in a real air-raid.
Stroll along the ramparts and enjoy breathtaking views of the South Downs and Sussex Coast, whilst under 12’s discover the outdoor adventure playground.
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Pallant House Gallery
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Chichester, West Sussex
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A unique Gallery space holding one of the best
collections of Modern British Art in the country
Featuring a regularly-changing, internationally-important
exhibition and events programme,
a specialist bookshop and critically-acclaimed
onsite restaurant with landscaped courtyard garden,
Pallant House Gallery is a must-see for any art
enthusiast and a day out for all.
Open all year, Tues-Sun. Closed Mon (except BH).
Tel: 01243 774557
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Paradise Park
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Newhaven, East Sussex
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The Heritage Trail and Gardens at Paradise Park are the perfect day out for all ages. The Museum of Life is one of the finest exhibitions of its type in the country with life size moving dinosaurs and a spectacular collection of fossils, minerals and crystals. The Planthouses have a spectacular collection of the world’s flora. The gardens are one of Newhaven’s hidden secrets with several small lakes, waterfalls and fountains. The Sussex History Trail meanders through the gardens with handcrafted models of Sussex landmarks. Children’s activities include Crazy golf, miniature railway, play areas and amusements.
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Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
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Ringmer, nr Lewes
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Raystede aims to give animals a better life through rehoming, rehabilitation and sanctuary and people the support and knowledge they need to treat animals with care and respect. Approximately 1500 unwanted and abandoned animals are brought to us each year. We are passionate about the wellbeing of all animals and are committed to giving them the best possible life.
We rehome dogs, cats and small companion animals and provide life-time care for our sanctuary animals such as our Equine herd.
Raystede houses the biggest aviary of its kind in Europe.
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RSPB Pulborough Brooks
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Pulborough, West Sussex
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Set in a sheltered valley within the South Downs National Park, a visit to RSPB Pulborough Brooks makes an ideal day out for all ages. The Visitor Centre and reserve is open all year and has superb views over the Arun Valley towards the South Downs.
The reserve's clearly marked Wetland and Heathland nature trails offer gentle walks with a wealth of wildlife to discover throughout the year, and children’s activity packs are available to hire.
The superb visitor centre includes a popular tearoom with terrace, gift shop, and children’s play area. Special Events run throughout the year.
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South Downs Heritage Centre
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Hassocks, West Sussex
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Discover the vanished rural crafts of Sussex. The South Downs Heritage Centre displays a wide range of fascinating exhibits such as the
blacksmith and wheelwright. Vintage ploughs and other rural antiquities give an insight into days gone by. The heritage garden displays herbs, vegetables and flowers grown by rural households from Roman to Victorian times.
Explore the garden centre with almost everything you can imagine for your
garden and a gift shop full of unusual gifts and collectables. All areas are designed to be fully accessible for wheelchair users. Relax in the Olive tree Café overlooking the Heritage Garden.
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Spring Barn Farm Park
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Lewes, East Sussex
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Set in the spectacular South Downs National Park Spring Barn
Farm Park is the perfect family day out.
Jumping pillows, indoor/outdoor play areas, tractor & trailer rides (seasonal) and lots of animals to meet. The Farmhouse Kitchen
serves delicious home - cooked meals all day, every day.
Our campsite is open from end of March – September with
fantastic views of the Downs- ideal for walking, cycling and our
famous cream teas.
Enjoy four seasons of fun! Lambing, Easter egg hunt (BH weekend
only) ,THEMED GIANT SUMMER MAIZE MAZE, spooky Halloween and a magical Christmas – something for all year!
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St. Mary’s House & Gardens
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Bramber, West Sussex
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Enchanting medieval house with five acres of delightful gardens in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Features in Simon Jenkins’ England’s Thousand Best Houses. The fine panelled interiors include the unique Elizabethan ‘Painted Room’. The formal gardens with amusing topiary include an exceptional example of the prehistoric Ginkgo Biloba, and mysterious ivy-clad Monks’ Walk. The Victorian ‘Secret’ Garden has original fruit wall and pineapple pits, Rural Museum, Jubilee Rose Garden, Terracotta Garden, woodland walk and newly-established Poetry Garden. OPEN: May to end Sept, Suns, Thurs, BH Mons, 2-6pm (last entry 5pm). Group visits at other times.
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The Observatory Science Centre
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Wartling Road Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East sussex
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Hands-on science and discovery among
the domes and telescopes of a world-
famous astronomical observatory.
Set amid beautiful Sussex countryside,
there’s plenty of picnic space, and ample
free parking. Café, Gift Shop, Telescope Tours,
Science Shows and Special Events throughout the year.
Groups, schools and birthday parties catered for.
open daily from the 29th January to 27th November 2011.
Plus weekends of 15th / 16th, 22nd / 23rd January and 3rd / 4th, 10th / 11th December.
10am – 5pm (Jan/Feb/Mar, Oct/Nov/Dec)
10am – 6pm (Apr – Sep). Last admission 2 hrs. before closing.
No dogs, except registered assistance dogs. Tel: 01323 832731
www.the-observatory.org
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The Royal Pavilion
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Brighton, East Sussex
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Built as King George IV’s pleasure palace when Brighton was the heart of fashionable Regency society, the Royal Pavilion was also used by King William IV and Queen Victoria. Today it has been restored to its original 1823 splendour with Indian architecture contrasted with interiors inspired by China.
Features include the restored Regency gardens, the Royal Pavilion Tearoom situated on the first floor and a gift shop.
Open daily Oct to March 10am-5.15pm (last admission 4.30pm),
April to Sept 9.30am-5.45pm (last admission 5.00pm)
Closed 24 December (from 2.30pm), 25 & 26 December
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Weald & Downland Open Air Museum
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Chichester, West Sussex
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The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum is home to over 45 historic buildings which have been rescued from destruction and rebuilt in a beautiful 50-acre setting in the South Downs National Park, bringing to life the homes, farms and workplaces of the south east over the past 500 years. Exhibits include a medieval farmstead; a working 17th century watermill producing wholemeal stoneground flour sold in the Museum shop and used in the lakeside cafe; exhibitions of traditional building techniques and agriculture; a working Tudor kitchen, historic gardens and farm animals. Special countryside events are held throughout the year.
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