Things to do This Half Term in Sussex
Looking for ways to entertain your beloved offspring this half term? Keep them from staying cooped up on their consoles and computers. Get them out and about with these fun activities in Sussex
We’ve gathered together a few ideas (obviously not storm-friendly, be safe!) for you to do with the children this half term in Sussex.
Bluebell Railway
Image by Greg Kiteos
Somewhere I’m sure many of us know about and have probably been to at some point. Reopened on February 12 and until February 27, kids can travel for just £1 with an accompanying fully paying adult! Travel across the East and West Sussex border in an 11-mile-long line surrounded by beautiful countryside, especially with spring hitting us early this year. You can start your steam journey from a few stations including, East Grinstead, Kingscote, Hosted Keynes, and Sheffield Park.
Book tickets here – Bluebell Railway
Sheffield Park and Garden
Did we mention Sheffield Park? Also, a really lovely place to take the kids in the half term week, with a huge estate of beautiful gardens and surrounded by historic woodland and parklands. And from January 22 to February 27, visitors are invited to have a look into the history of Nellie Soames in ‘Nellie’s Arctic Adventure’, brimming with adventure. Don’t miss the sensory experience that in the ice cave with shimmering lights and sounds Nellie described in her book ‘Polar Gleams’… and of course, the polar bear.
Book tickets here – Sheffield Park
Borde Hill Gardens
The garden is delighted to announce its early opening for the new season on February 19 due to the plants blooming several weeks early. The camellias will be at their peak at this time so now is a perfect time to enjoy a walk round the garden to enjoy them in all their glory. And, from February 19 to April 3, the kids can enjoy ‘Wilbur’s Wild Welly Walk’, where they’ll have to pull on their boots to go on a quest to discover hidden wellies. The trail is £3 per child plus admission.
Book tickets here – Borde Hill Gardens
WWT Arundel Wetlands Centre
One of the best places in Sussex to find beautiful and rare birds and get up close. The Arundel Wetlands Centre is a staple for bird conservation and offers an amazing day out for the kids this half term in Sussex. With lots to explore and so many animals to see, we can see why this might be a favourite for a few. Located in Arundel too, with its rich history is another place to explore.
Book tickets here – WWT Arundel Wetlands Centre
Hever Castle
Grab your wellies and head to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Go see some amazing gardens, take in some history, and discover lots of flowers and plants. February 12 to February 20 is nature week at Hever Castle. During this time, kids can do a number of activities free like a nature themed scavenger hunt, endangered species trail, craft activities and wildlife in the castle (although castle ticket is required). Plus, you can feed the birds and fish for just 50p with bags of food from Hever Castle. And till February 28, you can enjoy the ‘Snowdrop Walk’ where you can see the approximately 100,000 bulbs that have been planted over the past few years, you can also go on the self-guided garden walk by downloading the map.
Book tickets here – Hever Castle
Treasure Trails – Brighton
Grab your magnifying glass and get those thinking caps on for a ‘Detective Mystery Trail’ around Brighton. A self-guided mystery tour with a 1.5 mile loop, text message service with clues if you get stuck, and if you solve the mystery, get entered into a monthly £100 draw. You can buy a ‘print at home PDF for £9.99 or have it high quality printed or personalised and delivered in 3-5 days for a little more.
Buy your trail booklet here – Treasure Trails – Brighton
South Downs Dark Skies Festival
Want something outdoorsy and something to do in the evening? Then look no further than the South Downs Dark Skies Festival which covers 10 of their Dark Sky Discovery sites. The festival is on from February 11 to February 27 and has loads of events. Some are virtual via Facebook live videos and Instagram and lots of in person events to go to and catch some amazing sites.
Find the full festival programme here – South Downs Dark Skies Festival 2022
Drusillas
Drusillas were very excited to welcome the arrival of a surprise baby. We won’t let on too much… but it’s very exciting!
Read about it here – Title Sussex Drusillas
Paradox place
If you’re looking for a completely new sensory experience, then Brighton’s Paradox Place is the place to go to. Full of optical illusions and mind-bending fun, the perfect place to peak you and your kids senses.
Read about it here – Title Sussex Paradox Place
We get it though…
Of course, not all of us have the time to spend with our kids in the half term. But even if you have one day wit them, you could keep them happy and entertained with any of these exciting activities!