A young family in the garden with a child in arms pointing at a flower — Family days out in Sussex | © National Trust Images /Trevor Ray Hart

Family-friendly places to visit in Sussex

Discover magical family days out this autumn 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, Halloween family trails and café stops.

We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ at Standen

We’re going on a ghost hunt. Come and join the fun! Can we find them all? Yes! Run, run, run! Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the bunnies are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Claremont Landscape Garden with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way. 4 October to 2 November.

Illustration of four bunnies running in front of a setting moon for the We're Going on a Ghost Hunt ™ family Halloween trail this October half term

Nymans

Have a spooky half term at Nymans with plenty of Halloween-themed fun and games, pumpkin faces, witches' hats and a bubbling cauldron. Free family trail around the garden. 18 Oct to 2 Nov.

A Pumpkin with a funny face sitting on the ruins wall.

Fantastic Fungi Spotting Trail at Sheffield Park

13 Sept to 6 Nov. Hidden amongst the crunchy leaves and dazzling autumn colour are ten fly agaric mushrooms hidden throughout the garden, each one with its very own mushroom themed fact or joke. Can you find them all? The perfect way to have some family fun as you marvel at the fiery autumn colour.

A child and parent crouching in the woodland to look at a Fly Agaric fungi among fallen leaves at Clent Hills, surrounded by trees

Halloween at Bodiam Castle

Calling all young witches and wizards! Join us for Spell Quest, face painting, crafts, potion making and more at Bodiam Castle this autumn. You’ll encounter magical beasts, take part in enchanting games and activities, and unlock your very own magical powers.

Families in fancy dress taking part in a thrilling Spell Quest to save the castle from the clutches of a wicked warlock during Halloween at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden trail at Bateman's

20 Sept to 2 Nov. Join Ben and his friends this autumn on this family-friendly trail around Bateman’s and discover how to grow a butterfly garden.

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.

A family day out in the park at Petworth, West Sussex

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.

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. Drinks, snacks, toilets and baby change can be found on the way.

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.

Sheffield Park and Garden

Autumn is a wonderful time to explore the stunning parkland for children and their grown-ups. Enjoy the beauty of autumn colour reflected in the lakes as you wonder along buggy-friendly trails and complete family games and activities.

Bodiam Castle

Discover things to see and do on a family visit to Bodiam Castle. Join in with activities and let your imagination run riot in this Medieval setting.

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.

A girl in a pink coat looks happy as she throws fallen leaves into the air

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.