Discover more in Sussex
Sussex is a place of iconic coastline, gardens, literary greats, rolling South Downs, vast art collections and a castle.
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 natural play areas, summer holiday activities and café stops.
Summer of Play in Sussex
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.
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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.
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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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Summer of Play at Bodiam Castle
19 July to 3 September: Back with a bang and bigger than ever, Summer of Play returns to Bodiam Castle for a season filled with fun and adventure. Enjoy medieval-inspired games like castle building, hobby horse racing, and quoits, master circus skills, or join our Knight and Viking School led by professional performers. Best of all, it’s all included with normal admission.
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Summer of Play at Sheffield Park and Garden
19 July to 7 September: Play your way through the summer holidays with an eclectic mix of fun-filled, active games and playful musical activities. Head down to our Play Glade for another active summer of fun! We will be filling the garden with a wide variety of joyful games and music for all ages.
Discover more family fun
National Trust Family Maps are your pocket-sized guide to big family adventures. Packed with kid-friendly trails, play areas, and picnic spots, they spotlight the best places for fun and exploration, making it easy to plan stress-free, joy-filled days out. Download yours below or pick one up free from visitor reception on arrival.
Nymans family map
Sometimes it's the little things that make the best family memories, like building a den, spotting a red kite and having an ice cream at the end of a family walk. Our family maps are free to pick up when you arrive at Nymans and explain exactly how to hop, totter or dash over to the Play Glade and more.
Bodiam Castle family map
We asked visitors what they love most about the castle and grounds and drew them on the map. Whether you're looking for the best picnic spot or the coolest den-building hideaway, we’ve got you covered.
Sheffield Park and Garden family map
Where are the ducks? What's the best place for picnic? And which is the best bridge for playing pooh sticks? All these questions and more are answered by our family map. Pick up a free map when you arrive, plan your lap of the parkland or garden and make Sheffield Park and Garden your new family tradition.
Petworth family map
A new family map has landed at Petworth House and Park just in time for Summer. It’s packed with ideas to help families make the most of their visit, from hill-rolling top spots to perfect picnic places.
Standen family map
Our new family map for Standen makes it even easier to play your way. Find out where the adventure play area is, best spots for a picnic, and keep your eyes peeled for llamas.
Come out and play at these places around Sussex
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Nymans
The Play Glade at Nymans features den building, a play stage, stepping logs and wooden musical instruments and is suitable for children aged 2 to 11. For summer of play activities in the school holidays, Comber's Field is a 15 minute walk from the entrance. Drinks, snacks, toilets and baby change can be found on the way.
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Lakes and Lilies at Sheffield Park and Garden
The Lakes & Lilies Festival at Sheffield Park and Garden is a summer-long celebration of the park’s stunning lakes and vibrant waterlilies. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the blooms and lakes from a floating pontoon, take part in waterlily inspired photography workshops. Families can enjoy the exotic dragonfly spotter trail or hunt for the lily pad haikus around the garden. Why not join summer evening openings with live music or have a go at paddleboarding and Kwik cricket?
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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.
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Train 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?
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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.
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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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New Tidy trail at Bateman's
Until 31 August: Join Pete the Badger and his woodland friends at Bateman’s for a fun-filled family trail inspired by Tidy, the beloved and environmentally educational book by Emily Gravett. Packed with interactive activities like wheelbarrow racing, this new trail lets children and adults alike explore nature while learning about the importance of balance in the environment.