Family & Friends Days Out in East Sussex

A wonderful small zoo and adventure play park in Alfriston, with hundreds of exotic animals, from monkeys and meerkats to penguins and pandas. Plenty of thrills with rides, splash pad and lots more.

History comes alive at these impressive Victorian fortifications. Feel what it was like to be caught in an air raid during the Second World War, roam around the cliff-top gun emplacements, get hands on with genuine historic artefacts and dress up in military uniform or wartime outfits.

The oldest operating aquarium in the world and home to 3,500 mesmerising creatures including turtles, sharks and seahorses. Based opposite the city’s iconic pier.

A great family play park for all ages with a petting farm, owl sanctuary centre, indoor and outdoor play areas, water slide, runaway train, boating lake and lots of picnic areas. For budding zoo keepers, check out their Animal Keeper Experience.

Head outdoors for high wires, low wires, zip wires, a climbing wall and a giant swing. Enjoy the thrill of treetop activity in beautiful woodland scenery.

A fascinating, if rather eccentric, Victorian collection of preserved birds, butterflies, fossils and skeletons, with interactive displays and ‘hands on’ activities relating to modern-day conservation. Free entry.

Enjoy a day out at the Bluebell Railway to explore the Sussex countryside on a steam train.

One of Britain’s official ‘Breathing Spaces’ with miles of protected woodland, farmland and vineyards. The park is home to the iconic South Downs Way, one of only 16 national trails in the UK and boasting a 100 mile stretch of trails to explore.