Girl looking through binoculars — Family days out in Sussex | © National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor

Family-friendly places to visit in Sussex

Discover great places for family days out with the National Trust in Sussex this spring, including Nymans, Bodiam Castle, Petworth and more. Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find acres of space, natural play areas and cosy cafés.

Family exploring nature in the park at Petworth, West Sussex

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Spring Festival at Petworth

Experience the arrival of spring at Petworth with a sensational new Spring Festival, set in a sea of daffodils. A free map and booklet takes families on an adventure through the daffodil-filled Pleasure Garden. Willow wildlife sculptures – from slugs and frogs to bees and birds - lead to games like daffodil hoopla and butterfly noughts and crosses. There’s a week of drop-in crafts too - design a mini spring wreath, or a cherry blossom card or bookmark to take home (£3). Spring Festival: 23 March to 14 April, 10am to 4.30pm. Drop in crafts: 3 to 10 April, 10.30am to 3.30pm, £3

Bodiam Castle

Can you unlock the mystery of the castle keys? Explore the rooms of this medieval castle ruin to find the hidden keys, try your hand at puzzles and learn about the Keeper of the Castle. Mystery-solvers will become keepers of their very own special key to take home. Plus, why not try your hand at longbow archery? Learn how to get to grips with a bow and arrow from friendly instructors against the backdrop of Bodiam Castle. Come back over the Bank Holiday weekend to see history come to life as a medieval encampment pitches up at Bodiam Castle. Meet characters from the 1400s and discover their way of life. Enter the arena to watch dramatic sword demonstrations, have a go at dressing a medieval knight and more. Trail runs 25 May to 2 June, 10am to 4pm. £3 with small prize. Designed for children aged 4 to 12. Have-a-go-archery runs 25 to 2 June, 10.30am to 4pm, £4 for 6 arrows. Suitable for adults and children aged 6+. Medieval encampment 25 to 27 May, 10am to 4pm. Free with admission.

Bateman's

Baloo, the sleepy brown bear, has hidden puzzles and games to play around Bateman’s for you to discover. Put your skills to the test and uncover the clues around the house and garden to solve the puzzles. Trail runs 18 May to 2 June, 10am-4.30pm. £2 with small prize. Best suited for primary aged children.

Illustration from The Tiger Who Came to Tea

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Nymans

There’s plenty for families to see and do at Nymans. Patter along the paths in the garden. Spotter sheets will keep little ones happy while our seasonal trails in the garden and walks in the woods are fun for everyone.

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Petworth House and Park

Petworth Park is an exciting place for families to explore. Roam through acres of parkland and look out for the fallow deer herd. The ancient tree trail includes hollow trunks big enough to crawl inside, plus there are games and activities every school holidays.