South East England
NATIONAL TRUST GARDENS
Nymans Gardens Staplefield Rd, Handcross, Haywards Heath RH17 6EB
A great chance for a picnic in the woods and long strolling through woodlands and the beautiful gardens of old house and ruins. The kids love to visit the bamboo jungle and build dens from the fallen branches and you can pick up a spotter activity to send the little explorers on a hunt for an array of flowers, bugs and birds.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans / https://www.gardenstovisit.net/nymans/
FOREST
Ashdown Forest Wych Cross, Forest Row RH18 5JP
Trace the steps of Winnie the Pooh through the beautiful Ashdown Forest! Try and spot Owl and Piglet's houses amongst the trees and play a game of Poohsticks on Pooh bridge. The forest is home to many more attractions such as an old windmill, a priests house and a mystical enchanted place. Dogs are welcome to join in the exploring too!
SEAFRONT AND PIER
Brighton seafront Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton BN2 1TW
There is no end to the number of activities available along Brighton's seafront but our favourite pastime is a simple day on the beach. You can grab ice creams and various snacks from the beachside cafes and take a stroll along the pier. There is fun fair at the end of the pier with an assortment of rides for the different ages and an arcade in the middle where you can try your luck at some penny machines.
https://www.visitbrighton.com/things-to-do/attractions/beach-and-seafront
CASTLE
Hever castle Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
Take a trip through history at this 13th century castle and enjoy the selection of activities offered. The castle boasts a 100 year old maze, which is open from Easter to October, and an adventure park for the youngsters. Take a walk around the grounds or hire a rowing boat to explore the beautiful nearby lake!
CASTLE
Leeds Castle Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
Thrilling outdoor adventures await your young knights and princesses (6-14) at Knights' Stronghold Playground - a wooden Castle replica, featuring climbing walls, giant cargo nets, zip wires and more. Got even younger kids? The Squires’ Court Playground is the place for you - it’s designed especially for kids under 6. There is also a maze to find your way through and a 12-hole miniature golf where you can put you putting skills to practice. Throughout the year the castle hosts many events and displays so make sure to check the website for what might be on during your visit.
COASTAL TOWN
Broadstairs Broadstairs CT10 1HZ
Broadstairs is a great coastal town with the nearby Viking Bay. Enjoy a summer day out making sandcastles, splashing in the sea and enjoying the sun. The area is still great during the colder months for a chilly walk before warming up in a nearby café. There is the Lillyputt Mini Golf course and for the more experienced skaters you can visit the Revolution Skatepark.
COASTAL TOWN AND PIER
Southend-on-Sea Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE
Home to the longest pleasure pier in the world, Southend-on-Sea is packed with activities for a day out. Catch one of the periodic train cars along to the end of the pier where you can grab a snack and enjoy being right out on the sea. You can also visit Adventure island and enjoy the many rollercoasters and rides for all ages to keep those hearts racing with excitement.
MODEL RAILWAY
The Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway The Warren, Stanton Street, Sittingbourne ME9 8AT
At the Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway, there's a charming LGB model railway with miniature surrounds that will happily entrance the younger visitor as it goes around and round with great teeny tiny scenes and landscapes. You can point out to older ones that it's meant to represent Austria! Outside there are pleasing walks in the well-maintained woods and picnic areas that are scattered about, plus some seating is provided near train routes so they can pass you while you relax! It's a nice relaxing environment that's ideal for bringing young kids and grandparents all along together!
GARDENS
Wisley Gardens Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB
See the garden’s exotic collection of rare, endangered species at The Glasshouse and engage your kids’ imagination with a walk in the Battleston Hill woodland gardens (it looks just like a jungle!). There’s also lots of wildlife living between the plants. Play a fun game with your tiny explorers and see who can spot more creatures hiding around.
TREASURE TRAIL
Faversham Mystery Treasure Trail Faversham
At £9.99 for a group of 4 to 5 following a treasure trail is a fantastic way to explore Faversham. The route should take around 2 hours to complete which give plenty of time to wander through Faversham's brewing, brick making and gunpowder heritage.
https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/kent/faversham
FARM
Blackberry Farm Blackberry Farm, Whitesmith, Lewes BN8 6JD
This family run farm is open all year-round and home to lots of animals that love meeting new people! Pedro, Theo and Bonnie the ponies are all extremely friendly and are on hand to help children saddle up to go for a nice gentle ride around the paddock. You can pre-book rides for a small additional cost when you arrive. Stroke a rabbit or guinea pig and cradle a small fluffy chick in your hands. You can also go on a tractor ride to feel like a real farmer! The outdoor and indoor play areas are full of fun and activities plus the café is open all day and serves tasty meals for every appetite!
FARM PARK
Knockhatch Adventure Park Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham BN27 3GD
A great chance to meet some farmyard animals and even some rather unusual species. For those braver youngsters you can hold a snake or a spider! Later you can catch the owl show and watch their majesty as they swoop and glide around. After all this the young thrill seekers can take on the demon drop slide in the outdoor park, the park has 4 play areas each with a different age group in mind so don’t worry about the youngsters feeling left out of the fun.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Michelham Priory and Gardens Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham BN27 3QS
A historic house, gardens and watermill dating back to medieval times. Explore the house with its hands-on-activities and dressing up to learn about life in the past. There is also a playground across the moat!
https://sussexpast.co.uk/properties-to-discover/michelham-priory
CASTLE
Arundel castle Arundel BN18 9AB
With nearly 1000 years of history, Arundel Castle is situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the river Arun. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds as you admire the beauty of the building and enjoy the finely preserved interiors including furniture, tapestries and a rare collection of paintings.
BEACH
Climping beach Climping
A quiet, dog friendly beach which offers great opportunity for a spacious walk along the coast. During your walk you can stop off at the nearby café for hot drinks and snacks and enjoy the sea air. Brave a dip in the sea during the hotter months and feel safe in the knowledge that RLSS lifeguards are in operation from May to September.
https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-east-england/west-sussex/climping-beach.htm