As schools prepare to go back, Sussex offers plenty to get the kids back into the swing of things. Here are ten of the best places to educate and entertain.
Drusillas Park, Alfriston
Drusillas Park is a charming small zoo with an emphasis on education and conservation. It offers interactive exhibits, close encounters with animals, and educational talks that make learning about wildlife engaging for all ages. Widely regarded as one of the best days out in Sussex for families, you can spend hours exploring the zoo, playing in the areas, and enjoying the exciting kids’ rides. The Drusillas Park App includes a digital ticket wallet, interactive map, ride times, event times, animal feeding times, personalised planner, and special offers.
The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux
Situated at the former Royal Greenwich Observatory, The Observatory Science Centre is a treasure trove of hands-on science exhibits. With interactive displays, workshops, and historic telescopes, it makes science fun and accessible for kids and adults alike. They hold regular events throughout the year, including the “Night Sky Photography” course in September, which teaches the practical aspects of night sky photography through lectures and demonstrations.
Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester
Fishbourne Roman Palace offers a fascinating insight into Roman life with its well-preserved mosaics, reconstructed gardens, and interactive museum displays. During October half term, Fishbourne Roman Palace invites kids to enlist in its Roman Army and learn what it takes to become a fully-fledged soldier, complete with military exercises and various tasks under the watchful eye of the Drill Officer.
Amberley Museum, Arundel
Dedicated to the industrial heritage of the South East, Amberley Museum spans a 36-acre site and features vintage vehicles, craft demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Did you know Amberley Museum was one of the main filming locations for the 1985 James Bond film ‘A View to a Kill’? A special event on 1 September will take you back 007 years.
Bluebell Railway, East Grinstead to Sheffield Park
Experience the golden age of steam travel on the Bluebell Railway. The heritage line offers scenic rides through the Sussex countryside in historic carriages and educational talks about the history of steam locomotives and railways. Excitingly, the new build LBSCR Marsh Atlantic No. 32424 ‘Beachy Head’ will be launched into traffic at the Bluebell Railway, a project two decades in the making.
Wakehurst, Ardingly
Managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst is a beautiful botanic garden and conservation centre. It provides an educational journey through diverse plant collections, natural woodlands, and the Millennium Seed Bank, highlighting the importance of plant conservation. Until 10 September, explore the meadows and four bespoke art installations showcasing diverse wildflowers, grasses, and wildlife.
Weald and Downland Living Museum, Singleton
Weald and Downland Living Museum offers a glimpse into rural life over the past 1,000 years. With historic buildings, hands-on activities, traditional crafts demonstrations, and farm animals, it’s a fun way to learn about history and rural heritage. Explore over 15,000 artefacts, sense the power of the water mill, or imagine being a pupil in a Victorian classroom.
SEA LIFE Brighton
At SEA LIFE Brighton, visitors can see over 5,000 sea creatures, including clownfish, seahorses, and jellyfish. Designed by Eugenius Birch, the architect responsible for the West Pier, it opened in 1872 and is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the world.
Petworth House and Park, Petworth
Explore the grandeur of Petworth House with its extensive art collection, historic interiors, and beautiful parkland designed by Capability Brown. See paintings and sculptures by Van Dyck, Turner, Reynolds, and Gainsborough, and learn about the house’s 900-year history, including the Gunpowder Plot and Napoleonic Wars.
Arundel Castle, Arundel
Arundel Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress with a rich history. Explore the well-preserved rooms, extensive gardens, and exhibitions that bring the castle’s history to life. In October, step back to the 12th century at the Characters from History events, where visitors can meet crusaders, knights, and archers and learn about medieval life.
Discover these fantastic places in Sussex to keep the entire family entertained and educated!
