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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 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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1066 Country
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Battle, Bexhill, Hastings, Pevensey, Rye
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Experience the echoes of England’s extraordinary past in this unique blend of historic coast and unspoilt countryside. With its famous arts, music and medieval festivals, enchanting gardens and walks, attractions to suit all ages, museums and castles, antique shops and unrivalled local produce.
There is no other place with such a rich past and a promising future.
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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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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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Bluebell Railway
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Sheffield Park, East Sussex
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The volunteer-run Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway, re-opening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London Brighton & South Coast Railway in 1960. Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex, yet still remains true to its objectives of the preservation for posterity of a country branch line, its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems and stations. The railway runs between Sheffield Park and Kingscote Stations Stations through unspoilt countryside.
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Borde Hill Garden
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Haywards Heath, West Sussex
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A wonderful, botanically-rich garden with rare trees and shrubs that inspires with colour and interest. Distinctive living ‘rooms’ with easy access include the Azalea Ring, sumptuous Rose Garden and tranquil Italian Gardens. The 200 acres Grade II* listed landscape offers magnificent views across the High Weald. Enjoy woodland and lakeside walks with picnic areas and visit Café Elvira, Jeremy’s Restaurant and Green Tree Gallery. A fun place for all the family with easy access for wheel chairs and push chairs.New for 2010: Gold Standard roses; enhanced herbaceous plantings; re-vamped White Garden; new Adventure Playground and a full, exciting events programme.
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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! Watch in amazement as giant turtles and sharks glide above you in our underwater tunnel. Come and visit our Tropical Reef- Complete with a shark encircled wreck and breath taking tropical coral! Enjoy holding crabs and learning about the shoreline at our rockpool display. Feeding the rays is also an unforgettable experience, but watch out for the lively sea bass!
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Charleston
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Firle, East sussex
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Visit Charleston, the heart of Bloomsbury in Sussex.
Charleston, with its unique interiors and beautiful walled garden, was the home of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant from 1916. Together they decorated the house over the decades they spent here, painting walls, doors and furniture and filling the rooms with their own paintings and works by artists they knew and admired, such as Picasso, Derain, Sickert and Renior.
OPEN Monday to Sunday: 31st March – 31st October: Wed to Sat 1 – 6 (12 – 6 in July and August) Sun and BH Mon 1 – 6. Last Entry 5pm
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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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Denmans Garden
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Fontwell, West Sussex
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Denmans Garden is a unique 20th century garden, jointly owned by renowned garden designer and author John Brookes MBE and Michael Neve, it is beautifully planted for all year interest with emphasis on shape, colour and texture and although four acres in size is full of planting and design ideas that can be adapted to suit any size of garden.
The beautiful Plant Centre was voted 8th best in the country by The Telegraph, and the fully licensed multi award winning Garden Café serves a wide selection of hot & cold lunches, coffees, teas and a variety of delicious cakes.
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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 the country Drusillas Park offers an opportunity to get nose to nose with nature with hundreds of exotic animals from monkeys and crocodiles 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 our brand new adventure maze quest – Eden’s Eye, open from Easter 2010.
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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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Fishers Farm Park
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Wisborough Green
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Situated within the West Sussex countryside, Fishers Farm Park is a perfect day out for young families and grandparents alike. A huge variety of animals with lambs piglets, goats, rabbits and more...! There are indoor soft play zones, toddler play areas, and numerous outdoor attractions to enjoy – The Alpine Adventure, Skating Rink, Summit Plummet, Toboggan Run, Climbing Wall, Zip slides, Merry-go-rounds and Bouncy Pillows! Tractor and trailer rides, a scary journey through a ghost tunnel, a thrilling “barrel bug” ride, a gentle pony ride in the sand school and the “meet the animals” show. New “Spanish Galleon” coming soon...!
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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 Kingdom of Fun, family arcades and chicken show!
There is a Choice of freshly cooked meals, snacks, ground coffees and pastries in the Maritime Galley Restaurant or at the Harbour Café.
Free entry.
Discounts for groups and schools.
Online discounts.
Ample parking.
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Herstmonceux Castle
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Hailsham, East Sussex
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Herstmonceux is renowned for its magnificent moated castle, set in beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens and parkland. Built originally as a country home in the mid-15th century, Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe.
Set among carefully maintained Elizabethan gardens and parklands, your experience begins with your first sight of the castle as it breaks into view.
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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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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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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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Pashley Manor Gardens
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Ticehurst, East Sussex
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‘One of the finest gardens in England.’ Award-winning Pashley Manor Gardens offers a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds.
Whenever you choose to visit there is always something to delight the senses. From bluebells and tulips, to perfumed roses and lilies, then dahlias and asters.
Permanent exhibition and sale of sculpture and art; Garden Room Café; Gift Shop; Plant Sales; Special Events.
Gardens Open from 1st April to 30th September 2010, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Bank Holiday Mondays and Special Event Days, 11am to 5pm.
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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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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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Sussex Voyages
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Eastbourne, East Sussex
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Sussex Voyages are based in Sovereign Harbour marina in Eastbourne and offer a range of guided boat trips on board their modern Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (R.I.B.) to destinations including Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters (part of the South Downs National Park), the Royal Sovereign Light Tower and fast Powerboat Adventures.
Our experienced guides will stop the boat at various vantage points to allow you to photograph the stunning scenery while we relate to you the tales of maritime history associated with this beautiful coast. Advanced booking is advised as sailings are subject to the changing moods at sea.
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The Observatory Science Centre
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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 seven days a week 30 January to 28 November.
Weekends only January 23/24, December 4/5 and 11/12th.
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 new 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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WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
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Arundel, West Sussex
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WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is a 65-acre reserve in an idyllic setting, nestled at the base of the South Downs National Park. Gliding through the reed beds in silent electric boats to glimpse a rare water vole or see vividly-coloured kingfishers. Another prized resident is the nene geese, saved from extinction by WWT founder Sir Peter Scott. Springtime fills the valley with wildflowers and warbler songs; summer brings exciting pond-dipping discoveries; as winter starts, Bewick’s swans return and water rails emerge.
Families enjoy our year-round childrens adventure areas and daily hand-feeding of the many birds.
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