West Sussex
Fishers Farm Park
Fishers Farm Park is the top, award-winning family visitor attraction located in Wisborough Green on the edge of the South Downs National Park, in the heart of the West Sussex countryside. They offer a unique mixture of farm animals and adventure play and is designed for families with toddlers up to 10 years old.
The fun begins as you enter the indoor soft play barns where the children can let off steam. Then off you go!
Visit the animals in the barn, watch the farm show in the Barn Theatre on at week-ends and holidays and have a pony ride in the sand school. Take a ride on the Tractor trailer, Barrel Bugs or scary Ghost Tunnel!
Then there is the 10 acre outdoor adventure activity fields just waiting for you to run, bounce, jump, swing, skate, slide, splash, climb, ride and play play play!
Arundel Castle
Step into the heart of history at Arundel Castle, the magnificent seat of the Dukes of Norfolk, set within 40 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens. For nearly 200 years, this iconic castle has welcomed visitors to explore its rich heritage, offering a captivating journey through time with its collection of priceless art, antique furniture, intricate tapestries, stunning stained glass, and impressive armour. Wander through grand rooms filled with history, discover extraordinary sculptures and carvings, and marvel at the castle’s unique atmosphere, making it a must-see destination for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
Weald & Downland Open Air Museum
Discover the charm and history of rural life at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, nestled in 50 acres of beautiful countryside. Step back in time as you explore over 50 historic buildings, dating from the 13th to the 19th century, and experience the sights, sounds, and skills of traditional crafts and trades brought to life by passionate craftsmen. Whether you’re wandering through ancient farmhouses, watching live demonstrations, or simply soaking in the scenic surroundings, this captivating museum offers an unforgettable journey through England’s rich heritage.
Harbour Park – Littehampton
Harbour Park is a popular family-friendly amusement park located in Littlehampton, West Sussex, right along the scenic coast near the River Arun. Known for its mix of traditional seaside charm and modern attractions, Harbour Park is ideal for a day out, especially for families with younger children.
Harbour Park has the usual favourites rides such as Waltzer, dodgems, Crazy bikes, caterpillar roller coaster, etc. The rides are both indoor and outdoor and include games machines and arcades.
Fontwell Park Racecourse
Fontwell Park, located in West Sussex, is a popular racecourse known for its horse racing events, especially jump racing.
The feature race of the season at Fontwell Park is National Spirit Hurdle run over a distance of two miles and four furlongs in February.
There are over 20 race meetings at Fontwell Park each year and the racecourse is very ‘customer friendly’ with a number of evenings, Saturday and Sundays meetings
Visitors can enjoy a thrilling day watching races, exploring the scenic grounds, and experiencing the electric atmosphere. Besides racing, Fontwell Park also hosts various events throughout the year, including themed family days, live music, and seasonal fairs.
Hollycombe Steam Collection
Visitors to the Hollycombe Steam Collection in Liphook, West Sussex, will enjoy a unique journey into the past, with its impressive collection of steam-powered fairground rides, vintage machinery, and beautifully preserved steam engines. Highlights include traditional attractions like the Edwardian-era carousel, steam-powered Ferris wheel, and steam railway, all set in scenic, rural surroundings. The collection’s interactive and historical focus offers a charming, nostalgic experience for all ages, making it a delightful day out for families and history enthusiasts alike.
There are three railways: narrow gauge, standard gauge and miniature railway. The Edwardian Fairground is a complete steam fair comprising rides originating from the 1870s and later. The farm includes a wide range of vintage steam-powered farm equipment including: ploughing engines, a threshing machine, a baler, and a stationary steam engine.
Petworth House and Park
Visitors to Petworth House and Park in West Sussex will appreciate its rich history, stunning art collection, and beautiful landscaped grounds. The grand 17th-century mansion houses masterpieces by Turner, Van Dyck, and Gainsborough, offering an impressive glimpse into England’s artistic heritage. The surrounding 700-acre deer park, designed by Capability Brown, provides peaceful, scenic walks and picturesque views, making it a delightful destination for art lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre
Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre is an open-air museum located in the South Downs of West Sussex, dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage and crafts of the region. Set on a 36-acre former chalk quarry, the museum features historic buildings, exhibits, and hands-on displays related to various trades, including printing, telecommunications, ironwork, and transportation. Visitors can explore vintage vehicles, ride on a narrow-gauge railway, and experience traditional crafts in action, making it an engaging destination for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in England’s industrial past.
RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve
RSPB Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve in West Sussex is special for its diverse habitats and rich wildlife, offering some of the best bird-watching opportunities in the region. The reserve’s wetlands, woodlands, and heathlands attract a variety of bird species, especially during migration seasons, including wading birds, warblers, and birds of prey. With scenic walking trails, seasonal wildlife events, and breathtaking views of the South Downs, it’s a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, families, and photography enthusiasts alike.
Other sites worth visiting are:
- Arundel Wildfowl and wetlands
- Pagham harbour local nature reserve – Sidlesham
- Warnham nature reserve – Horsham
Tullys Maize Maze
Tulleys Maize Maze is a family-friendly seasonal attraction in West Sussex, offering an impressive, themed corn maze filled with twists, turns, and hidden clues. Each year, the maze features a unique design, adding a fresh challenge for visitors as they navigate its paths. Besides the maze, Tulleys also provides additional activities such as outdoor games, tractor rides, and a play area, making it a fun and engaging outdoor experience for families and groups during the summer months.
Fishbourne Roman Palace – Chichester
Step back in time with a visit to Fishbourne Roman Palace, the largest Roman home in Britain, and uncover the incredible lifestyle of the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago!
Located in West Sussex, this remarkable archaeological site offers breathtaking, perfectly preserved mosaic floors—some of the finest outside of Italy—as well as intricate garden layouts that reveal Roman gardening techniques and aesthetics.
Visitors can explore reconstructed rooms, witness authentic artifacts, and enjoy interactive exhibits that bring Roman history to life.
With guided tours, a museum, and family-friendly activities, Fishbourne Roman Palace is an unforgettable journey into Britain’s ancient past, perfect for history lovers, families, and anyone fascinated by the grandeur of Roman life.
Parks and Gardens
Borde Hill Garden – Haywards Heath
Visitors to Border Hill Gardens will be treated to breathtaking views of beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring a wide variety of plants, flowers, and mature trees. They can explore tranquil walking paths, vibrant seasonal displays, and artistic garden designs, all set against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.
- Leonardslee Lakes & gardens – nr Horsham
- Nymans – Handcross
- West Dean gardens – Chichester
Denmans Garden – Fontwell
Denmans Gardens in Fontwell offers a unique blend of contemporary garden design and natural beauty, with its innovative use of plants and creative layouts. Visitors will especially enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, diverse plant collections, and the beautifully curated spaces that highlight both modern and traditional horticultural styles.
High Beeches Woodland & water garden – Handcross
High Beeches Woodland & Water Garden in Handcross is special for its serene, natural setting, where visitors can explore a stunning blend of ancient woodlands, tranquil ponds, and carefully designed water features. The garden’s unique charm lies in its diverse plantings, including rare and exotic species, and its peaceful, immersive atmosphere that invites visitors to connect with nature in a beautifully secluded environment.
West Dean gardens – Chichester
West Dean Gardens in Chichester is a must-visit for its stunning blend of historic and contemporary garden design, featuring beautiful walled gardens, vibrant plant displays, and meticulously restored Victorian glasshouses. Visitors will also enjoy the peaceful setting, with expansive views of the surrounding countryside, and the opportunity to explore seasonal exhibitions, rare plant collections, and the renowned restored flint-walled garden.
Nymans – Handcross
Nymans in Handcross is ideal for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, and those seeking a tranquil escape. Its diverse landscapes, from formal gardens to woodlands, attract visitors interested in horticulture, history, and photography, while families and walkers can enjoy its beautiful outdoor spaces and scenic views.
Leonardslee Lakes & gardens – nr Horsham
At Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens near Horsham, visitors will enjoy exploring a stunning 240-acre estate with picturesque lakes, cascading waterfalls, and a variety of woodlands and plant collections. The beautiful landscaped gardens, including an impressive collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias, offer year-round beauty, while the tranquil setting and wildlife, including wild deer, provide a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.