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Summer Events in Sussex: Spectacular Days Out Near Lewes, Chichester, Haywards Heath and surrounding areas in East Sussex

  • Writer: Toddlers Inn
    Toddlers Inn
  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

As the school gates close for the summer, the real adventure begins! For families attending Toddlers Inn across Lewes, Chichester, and Haywards Heath, keeping the calendar full of exciting, energy-burning activities is the key to a stress-free August. We are incredibly lucky to have some of the country’s finest castles, museums, and adventure farms right on our doorstep. Here are the must-do events for July and August 2026.


1. Knight in Training at Bodiam Castle

  • Date: 30th July – 30th August 2026

  • Location: Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA

  • Description: Discover what it takes to be a real medieval knight at this iconic moated castle. This daily summer event features hands-on family activities, weapon handling, and live character interactions. Don't miss the Summer Storytelling Sessions running alongside it, featuring tales of dragons and chivalry.

  • Link: Bodiam Castle Events


2. Drusillas Park – Summer Holiday Events

  • Date: 19th July – 10th August 2026

  • Location: Drusillas Park, Alfriston, BN26 5QS

  • Description: Drusillas is making summer more affordable with their incredible "Kids for £1" promotion during these specific weeks. Enjoy over 80 animal species, the "Get Wet!" splash pad, unlimited family rides like the Safari Express, and massive indoor soft play areas.

  • Link: Drusillas Park


3. Explore Southover Guided Walks

  • Date: 15th July & 11th August 2026 (10:00 AM)

  • Location: Meeting outside Anne of Cleves House, Lewes, BN7 1JA

  • Description: A fantastic way to explore the history of Lewes with older children! Led by experienced local guides, this 90-minute walk starts right outside the historic Anne of Cleves House and takes you through the fascinating medieval twittens and historic highlights of Southover.

  • Link: Visit Lewes Guided Walks


4. Retro Wheels Family Weekend

  • Date: 1st – 2nd August 2026

  • Location: Amberley Museum, Arundel, BN18 9LT

  • Description: Cycle through the ages at Amberley Museum! This special summer weekend celebrates the history of vintage bicycles alongside the museum's usual attractions. Kids will love riding the historic Southdown buses and taking a trip on the narrow-gauge steam railway.

  • Link: Amberley Museum What's On


5. Sunday Music at Battle Abbey

  • Date: 5th July – 26th July 2026 (Sundays only)

  • Location: 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, TN33 0AD

  • Description: Spend a relaxing summer Sunday at Battle Abbey listening to fantastic live music on the historic grounds. Bring your picnic blankets and camping chairs, let the kids explore the famous 1066 battlefield, and grab a treat from the English Heritage café.

  • Link: English Heritage Battle Abbey


6. Historic Highlights Tour at Lewes Castle

  • Date: 6th July & 18th August 2026 (10:00 AM)

  • Location: Meeting outside Lewes Castle Museum, BN7 1YE

  • Description: A special summer walking tour that brings the Norman history of Lewes Castle to life. After the tour, families can climb the castle keep for spectacular views across the South Downs and explore the adjoining Barbican House Museum.

  • Link: Lewes Castle Events


7. Summer Fun at Knockhatch Adventure Park

  • Date: 23rd July – 1st September 2026

  • Location: Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham, BN27 3GD

  • Description: Knockhatch ramps up the fun for the summer holidays with their daily Jungle Kingdom Keeper Talks, animal encounters, and access to all their massive indoor and outdoor play centres, including the boating lake and dinosaur safari.

  • Link: Knockhatch Events


8. Summer Saver Days at Blackberry Farm

  • Date: Daily throughout July & August 2026

  • Location: Blackberry Farm Park, Whitesmith, BN8 6JD

  • Description: An action-packed farm park offering tractor rides, the bouncy "Barrel Bug" ride, hands-on small animal handling, and pig feeding talks. They are running a 15% off Summer Saver ticket promotion this year, making it a great value full-day out.

  • Link: Blackberry Farm


9. Slip & Slide at Latchetts Farm

  • Date: Daily throughout July & August 2026

  • Location: Latchetts Farm (Heaven Farm), Uckfield, TN22 3RG

  • Description: Giant inflatable fun awaits! Book an hour-long session on this massive, family-friendly outdoor water slip-and-slide. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot August day—just remember to reward yourself with one of the farm's famous homemade ice creams afterwards!

  • Link: Latchetts Farm


10. Summer of Play at Standen House

  • Date: 11th July – 6th September 2026

  • Location: Standen House and Garden, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, RH19 4NE

  • Description: Roll up, roll up! The National Trust's "Summer of Play" arrives at the beautiful Standen House with a Victorian circus twist. Children can try their hand at Circus School on the lawns, explore the historic gardens, and then wander up to the woodland den to practice a few circus skills of their own. It’s a brilliant way to spend a sunny afternoon outdoors

  • Link: Standen House Events


Conclusion:

With so many brilliant outdoor trails, animal encounters, and historic strongholds to conquer, Sussex is the perfect playground for curious toddlers and energetic older siblings. The team at Toddlers Inn hopes this guide helps you plan some magical days out—don't forget the sun cream and happy exploring!


About Us:

We know that choosing a nursery is a big decision and here at Toddlers Inn, after years of experience, we think we understand what is important to both parents and children. We realise the demands and pressures parents have in their lives and we therefore offer many different, flexible sessions to suit every parent's needs. Whether you are applying for a funded or self-funding place, or have vouchers from work, we will always endeavour to find what works best for you. Visit our website at www.toddlersinnnursery.co.uk



 
 
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