A group of children on a sunny day enjoying a trail around the garden — Family days out in Sussex | © NTI

Family-friendly places to visit in Sussex

Discover magical family days out this spring with the National Trust in Sussex, 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 May half term trails, natural play areas, family trails and café stops.

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Moomins, Nymans

Take a magical wander inspired by Moominvalley with a family trail at Nymans. Spot seven characters from the Moomin stories, hiding around the garden, 3 May to 13 July. Build a den in the Play Glade, hide in the woodland cabin, explore the garden at leisure and picnic anywhere you like.

Text reading Tthe Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail with a drawing of green caterpillar with a red face standing to the right, and the sun up in the sky to the left.

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Sheffield Park and Garden

Join us for one of nature’s greatest transformations as you become the world’s most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle’s best-selling book The Very Hungry Caterpillar™.

Family exploring nature in the park at Petworth, West Sussex

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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.

An illustration from How to Train Your Dragon. Including Hiccup riding a dragon against a red scale background.

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Dragons at Bodiam Castle

Step into the shoes of Hiccup and his trusty dragon Toothless as you journey through the magical world of dragons. Bodiam Castle becomes your training ground as you take on the ultimate Viking challenge and learn 'How to Train your Dragon' with our themed trail inspired by Cressida Cowell epic book series. Will you get your dragon license?

Three children run towards the camera, waving streamers. They are dressed in colourful summer clothes and the sun is shining

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Standen House and Garden

Find family-friendly things to do at Standen, from activity based trails in the school holidays and walking woodland paths to building a den and running off steam in Adventure Corner. Download a copy of our family map to plan ahead with your family visit.

The cliffs in twilight at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex

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Birling Gap

There’s so much for you and your family to see and do at Birling Gap. Hunt for ocean finds along the strand line and look for fossils on the beach. Don't forget pop in to the café for an ice cream or a slice of cake too.

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Bateman's

Planning a day out with family? There’s plenty of things to see and do waiting to be discovered at Bateman's.

Throughout the school holidays there’s loads of new family fun laid on, with the National Trust’s Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, at Nymans, Standen, Sheffield Park and Garden, Bodiam Castle and Bateman's. Jam-packed with playful experiences and drop-in activities, all set against the backdrop of the Trust’s historic houses and beautiful gardens. Let imaginations run wild.

A family looking at flowers in the summer borders at Nymans

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Nymans

Nymans is a grade II listed garden set around a romantic house and ruin, with views reaching out across the Weald. Head down to Comber's Field for another fun filled Summer of Play (19 July – 5 Sept). Back by popular demand, the field will be filled with activities, games and races, while in the Play Glade get den building or play in the wooden cabin. Picnic anywhere you like in the garden and explore woodland paths too. Book ahead for Jane Austen themed outdoor theatre including Pride & Prejudice and Emma.

Exploring the Natural Play Area at Attingham Park, Shropshire

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Standen

Explore the garden at Standen, its hidden corners and winding hillside paths, play in Adventure Corner and discover activities in the woodland den. It’s a Summer of Play at Standen 5 Jul - 7 Sept. The 'Little Room' is also open for young children to find toys and games - an ideal quiet spot or somewhere to shelter. Picnic anywhere you like.

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Dragons at Bodiam Castle

Step into the shoes of Hiccup and his trusty dragon Toothless as you journey through the magical world of dragons. Bodiam Castle becomes your training ground as you take on the ultimate Viking challenge and learn 'How to Train your Dragon' with our themed trail inspired by Cressida Cowell epic book series. Will you get your dragon license?