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 fun family days out this autumn with the National Trust in Sussex, including Nymans, Bodiam Castle, Petworth, Standen, Sheffield Park and Garden and Bateman's. Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find natural play areas, spooky-themed family trails and café stops.
Autumn family trails in Sussex
Set in glorious autumn gardens, our family trails for half term and Halloween are jam-packed with activities designed to spark imagination and inspire adventure.
We’re going on a Ghost Hunt™ family trail at Nymans and Petworth
Coming soon: 10 Oct - 1 Nov. We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ this Halloween at Nymans and Petworth. 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 of Hoppity Hill are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Nymans and Petworth with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way.
Spookiful at Standen
3 Oct - Sun 1 Nov. A spooky but not scary trail round the garden with Halloween inspired activities on the way. Featuring creepy crows, Standen bats and magic meetings. Peek inside the Spookiful Bothy and get creative in the Witchard den. Trail £3 with a small free gift included.
Spell Quest at Bodiam Castle
10 Oct to 1 Nov. Spell Quest returns to Bodiam Castle, young sorcerers are invited to choose their magical path and seek out activities around the castle. Embark on the immersive family-friendly trail, filled with magic and mystery. Join us as you uncover ancient secrets and become a master of wizardry! Come dressed in your spookiest costume and explore the castle as you pose for magical photos and take part in our best dressed competition. Competition to be held throughout the trail in the castle courtyard at 1pm. £3.50, includes a small prize.
Bateman's
Swing into a jungle adventure, inspired by the much-loved Monkey Puzzle story by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Meet friendly jungle characters and take on interactive games and challenges, from hook a bat and giant noughts and crosses, to jungle hide and seek. 23 May to 1 November, normal admission charge only.
Discover 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
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
Winter is a wonderful time to explore the stunning parkland for children and their grown-ups. Enjoy the beauty of winter trees 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.
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.
Bateman's
Planning a day out with family? There’s plenty of things to see and do waiting to be discovered at Bateman's.