Things to Do in East Sussex
48 attractions and days out
Photo © Jane6187, Google Maps
East Sussex offers a wide spread of days out, from the historic pull of Battle, where the 1066 story still shapes the town, to the seafront energy of Brighton and Eastbourne. Families will find soft play, craft workshops and activity centres clustered in the bigger towns, while the coast adds boat trips, climbing walls and panto seasons to the mix.
Smaller places such as Pevensey, Newhaven and Wadhurst tend to offer a quieter, more specific outing, whether that's a castle visit or a countryside pursuit, while Crowborough sits handily for those wanting to combine a day out with the surrounding forest and heathland. Brighton itself has the greatest concentration and variety, worth building a full day around, whereas the smaller towns suit a single stop on a longer route through the county.
⭐ 5.0
Live Events & Concerts
Sleeping Beauty - Brighton Family Panto
Join the magic at this family-friendly pantomime performance of Sleeping Beauty, hosted at Brighton's iconic seafront hotel with full accessibility including wheelchair hire, baby facilities and pushchair access.
⭐ 5.0
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
The Painting Pottery Cafe
Unleash your family's artistic side at this welcoming Brighton café where everyone can decorate their own ceramics to take home. Perfect for creating personalised treasures, with snacks available and a picnic-friendly policy.
⭐ 5.0
Cinema & Theatre
The Young Actors Group
A community theatre group based in Hurstpierpoint offering drama activities and performances for young people. Please note that accessibility is limited, with no wheelchair access or baby changing facilities.
⭐ 5.0
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
Craft Time Battle
Get creative as a family at this hands-on pottery studio where everyone can design and decorate their own ceramic masterpieces. Pushchair-friendly throughout with baby changing facilities available.
⭐ 5.0
Adventure & Activity Centres
Arena Pursuits
Action-packed outdoor adventures await families with older children at this Flimwell activity centre, complete with onsite dining, picnic areas and full accessibility including wheelchair access and facilities.
⭐ 5.0
Adventure & Activity Centres
Maverick Boat Adventures
Experience thrilling coastal adventures from Newhaven's West Quay with fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible boat trips perfect for active families seeking seaside excitement.
⭐ 4.9
Sightseeing & Attractions
Escape The Vault - Escape Room Brighton
Challenge your family to crack codes and solve puzzles inside a real bank vault at this thrilling Brighton escape room. Wheelchair accessible with facilities including a restaurant.
⭐ 4.9
Sightseeing & Attractions
Pier Pressure
Located on Upper North Street, this family attraction offers convenient parking and toilet facilities, though visitors should note limited accessibility and no food options or baby changing available on-site.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
Polowood Shooting Ground & Corporate Entertainment Ltd.
Experience clay pigeon shooting and outdoor activities at this specialist venue offering expert tuition for all abilities, plus corporate event packages with on-site catering available.
⭐ 4.9
Beaches & Coastline
Camber Sands
This stunning East Sussex beach delights families with its vast golden sands and rolling dunes, plus convenient facilities including parking, toilets, wheelchair access and dining options.
⭐ 4.9
Farm Parks
The Macs Farm
A welcoming children's farm offering hands-on animal encounters with full accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs, plus baby facilities, on-site dining and a dog-friendly policy for the whole family.
⭐ 4.9
Escape Room Challenges
DarkMaster Escape Rooms
Challenge your family's problem-solving skills in thrilling themed puzzle rooms where teamwork is essential to beat the clock and escape, though accessibility is limited for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
⭐ 4.8
Beaches & Coastline
Birling Gap
This stunning chalk clifftop beach near Eastbourne offers dramatic white cliffs, rock pools and coastal walks, with facilities including parking, accessible toilets and an onsite restaurant perfect for families.
⭐ 4.7
Adventure Golf
Boom Battle Bar Eastbourne
Mini golf meets competitive fun at this lively Eastbourne venue combining themed putting courses with social gaming activities and entertainment for active families.
⭐ 4.7
Ice & Roller Skating
My Skateworld
Enjoy rollerskating fun for all ages with baby facilities and pram access, plus special assistance available for wheelchair users despite limited accessibility features.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Alexandra Park Hastings
This nature reserve offers families woodland trails teeming with wildlife, plus a scenic boating lake, tennis courts, restaurant and accessible paths for wheelchairs and pushchairs to explore.
⭐ 4.7
Zoos & Animal Parks
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Discover diverse coastal wildlife and seabirds along scenic trails at this shingle beach nature reserve near historic Rye, perfect for keen wildlife spotters and outdoor adventurers.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
Bluebell Railway
Step aboard historic steam trains and journey through the picturesque Sussex countryside on this heritage railway, where beautifully preserved locomotives offer a nostalgic travel experience for all ages.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Wilderness Wood
Explore 62 acres of beautiful woodland through nature trails and family activities at this award-winning forest attraction near Uckfield, with an onsite restaurant for refreshments during your visit.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
Observatory Science Centre
Spark curiosity at this hands-on science attraction where families can explore interactive exhibits and discover astronomy in a historic observatory setting near Hailsham.
⭐ 4.7
Historic Houses & Gardens
Bateman's House and Garden
Step into the world of Jungle Book creator Rudyard Kipling at this remarkable estate, featuring stunning historic gardens, meadows and cultural exhibitions in a beautiful countryside setting.
⭐ 4.7
Castles & Palaces
Bodiam Castle - National Trust
Step back to the 1300s at this magnificent moated fortress near Robertsbridge, where medieval architecture meets stunning countryside views. Explore historic rooms and battlements in this remarkably preserved castle.
⭐ 4.7
Adventure Golf
Brighton Footgolf Course
Kick a football around an 18-hole course at this accessible Hangleton Lane venue, perfect for all ages and abilities with onsite parking, toilets, refreshments and picnic-friendly grounds.
⭐ 4.6
Adventure & Activity Centres
The Art House
This creative hub on Grove Road offers hands-on arts and crafts activities for families, complete with an onsite restaurant and nearby parking, though accessibility is limited.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Fishermans Museum
Step into the maritime heritage of this compact coastal museum on Rockanore Road, showcasing the traditional fishing industry through authentic artifacts and local history displays.
⭐ 4.6
Adventure Golf
Hastings Adventure Golf
Triple the fun awaits with 54 holes of miniature golf across three distinct courses on the seafront, complete with onsite facilities, snacks and room for competitive family showdowns.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
Shipwreck Museum
Discover fascinating maritime history and tales from the deep at this captivating museum on Rockanore Road, complete with onsite parking, restaurant facilities, and picnic-friendly grounds for families.
⭐ 4.6
Zoos & Animal Parks
Drusillas Park
Award-winning compact zoo near Alfriston featuring exciting play zones and exotic animals, with full wheelchair access throughout and facilities for young families to enjoy a fun-filled day out.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
Michelham Priory and Gardens
Step into centuries of history at this medieval treasure near Hailsham, where engaging workshops and seasonal events bring the past alive for all ages amid beautiful waterside gardens.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
Newhaven Fort
This historic coastal fortress captivates young visitors with underground passages, wartime experiences and outdoor play areas, plus family facilities including a restaurant and full accessibility throughout.
⭐ 4.6
Sightseeing & Attractions
Pooh Corner
Visit this delightful Hartfield shop to discover Winnie-the-Pooh memorabilia and collect your map for exploring the enchanting local spots that inspired A.A. Milne's beloved stories.
⭐ 4.5
Railways & Transport
The Lavender Line
Climb aboard for a scenic quarter-hour heritage railway journey from Isfield Station, complete with a dedicated children's play zone, picnic areas, and onsite refreshments for the whole family.
⭐ 4.4
Museums & Galleries
Rye Castle Museum
Step inside this historic East Street museum where local heritage comes alive through fascinating exhibits, though families should note limited facilities and access challenges before visiting.
⭐ 4.3
Indoor Soft Play
Barneys Playbarn
Located at Bellbrook Industrial Estate, this wheelchair-accessible soft play venue features an onsite restaurant and baby changing rooms. Free parking available with full facilities for families.
⭐ 4.2
Trampoline & Bounce Parks
Fun Abounds Trampoline Centre
Bounce into action at this lively trampoline park where kids can burn off energy while parents grab refreshments from the onsite restaurant—though note accessibility is limited.
⭐ 4.2
Farm Parks
Sharnfold Farm
Kids can climb aboard real tractors and harvest seasonal pumpkins at this hands-on Eastbourne farm, where pushchairs are welcome throughout and baby changing facilities are available.
⭐ 4.1
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Hailsham Leisure Centre
This Vicarage Lane sports facility welcomes families with its swimming amenities, on-site dining and picnic-friendly policy, though accessibility features are limited.
⭐ 3.7
Swimming & Leisure Centres
King Alfred Leisure Centre
This Hove leisure complex offers exciting water flumes and swimming pools alongside gym facilities and sports courts, with an onsite restaurant to refuel the whole family after an active day out.
Indoor Soft Play
Jumping Juniors Stay and Play
Let your little ones burn off energy at this indoor soft play centre where parents can relax with refreshments or packed lunches while children explore the play equipment and facilities.
Theme Parks & Funfairs
Knockhatch Adventure Park
East Sussex's action-packed family destination offers go-karting, tobogganing, trampolines and animal encounters, with full wheelchair and pushchair access throughout the park.
Museums & Galleries
Seaford Museum
Explore local heritage at this historic Martello Tower on the coast, home to fascinating displays about Seaford's past in a unique circular fort setting.
Castles & Palaces
Pevensey Castle
Explore nearly 2,000 years of history at this impressive fortress on Castle Road, where Roman walls meet Norman towers. Pack a picnic and discover the ancient ruins with facilities including parking, toilets, and snacks available onsite.
Beaches & Coastline
Seaford Bay
Discover a shingle beach perfect for picnics alongside fascinating heritage at a historic fort, plus coastal nature reserve trails to explore. Onsite dining and facilities available.
Indoor Soft Play
Leos Play Den
This expansive jungle-themed indoor play centre features an exciting multi-storey soft play frame packed with activities for energetic youngsters, plus an onsite restaurant and parking.
Beaches & Coastline
Eastbourne Beach
Enjoy a classic seaside day out with sandy shores perfect for families, plus a traditional pier packed with amusements and opportunities to try thrilling watersports activities.
Indoor Soft Play
PUPstation Eastbourne
Let young ones burn off energy at this lively indoor soft play centre on Commercial Road, featuring climbing frames, slides and activity zones designed to spark imagination and adventure.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Redoubt Fortress
This historic coastal fortress on Royal Parade offers families a glimpse into military heritage, complete with an onsite restaurant and parking, though access is limited for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Museums & Galleries
Towner Gallery
This accessible Eastbourne gallery welcomes families with facilities including baby changing areas and full wheelchair access, making art appreciation easy for visitors of all ages and abilities.
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