Five family adventures in Sussex that locals keep secret
Image credit: Mike Bird
There is nothing better than togging up, packing some snacks and heading out on an adventure, especially if you are visiting somewhere completely new. In Sussex, we have such a diversity of places to see in the school holidays. We can promise you unique experiences that will satisfy everyone from a roaming toddler to a tired teen.
The county has 140 miles of coastline that stretches along the English Channel from Camber Sands in the east and the Witterings in the west. But there are also castles, adventure parks, beaches, immaculately tended gardens and grand houses. Our local town of Lewes is a wonderful place to explore for a day if you don’t want to travel far and the countryside en route is stunning.
Brighton has its pier - a kitsch wonder for thrill (and sugar!) seekers and the beach where you can watch the clouds move across the sky while building towers with pebbles. Sea Life Brighton - the world’s oldest aquarium - is right next to the pier and is home to more than 5000 sea creatures. In fact, why not spend a day exploring and visit the Booth Museum of Natural History or spot the dragons at the Royal Pavilion.
But there are also adventures awaiting that you might not have heard of before. We have canvassed views from local friends and wanted to share five family adventures in Sussex you won’t ever forget.
Image credit: Alexa Popovich
Bug hunting at Arundel Wetland Centre
As you head towards Arundel, it is the castle that will definitely catch your eye, but on the outskirts of the town, through which the River Arun flows, there is a haven for wild birds and insects. Egrets, lapwings, pelicans, avocets and all manner of bugs have made the Arundel Wetland Centre their home. A visit must include pond dipping; the duck feed; a boat safari through the wetland habitats and the Lloyd of the Flies bug hunt, created by the incredible team at Aardman.
Image Credit: Jonas Von Werne
A chance to glimpse a dolphin
There are bottlenose, common and deep water white-beaked dolphins playing in the waves just off the Sussex coastline. The Sussex Dolphin Project now runs four tours (for families with children aged above two years old) to offer a chance to see these incredible creatures as well as the more elusive harbour porpoise. With the launch of the Sussex Bay project - an ambitious plan to rewild this unique marine ecosystem - the team is hoping that the dolphin population will increase as a wealth of sea life returns and flourishes.
Image Credit: Bacho Nadiradze
A treasure trove of toys
Underneath Brighton’s grand railway station is a museum, which houses more than twelve thousand toys and games. The Brighton Toy Museum is a wonderful place to get lost in for a few hours. The heart of the museum is its 1930s gauge 0f model railway layout, but visitors can see everything from teddies to Lego. There is also a display of end of pier slot machines, which are nearly 100 years old. If this piques your interest, perhaps also visit the Vintage Penny Machine Arcade at the Rye Heritage Museum (and make time to have a wander around the town too).
Image Credit: poohcorner.co.uk
Honey and jam at Pooh Corner
In the beautiful little village of Hartfield, on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, is a place of pilgrimage for all of us who grew up loving a certain “bear of little brain”. Originally founded in 1978 as a gift shop and tearoom, Pooh Corner is a place where the much-loved works of A.A. Milne and E.H.Shepard are celebrated. Go for a wander in the forest - the inspiration for the One Hundred Acre Wood - and then visit Pooh Corner for tea, cakes and maybe even some honey.
Image Credit: Marko Jegdic
Sussex safari at the Knepp Estate
The 3500 acre Knepp Estate - now internationally renowned for its rewilding project - is the home to beavers, white storks, nightingales, purple emperors, Tamworth pigs and deer. The estate offers beautiful walks but also, for families with children over 12 years of age, you can book a safari tour. There is everything from all-terrain vehicle safaris to a wild horse safari; and the estate is home to a superb restaurant and shop if you want to make even more of your trip.
From bears to bottlenose dolphins, Sussex has a wealth of wildlife; but also cultural delights sure to keep your family entertained. Book a stay at The Grain Store and use our place as your base as you head off on adventures. We can promise peace, snuggly beds and the quiet calm of The South Downs will await you at the end of the day.
