A - Z of Sport & Leisure... 15

Stoolball (cont.)

Newick Junior, Ladies & Mixed Stoolball, 01825 722081 Nutley Stoolball, Ladies & Mixed, 01825 764824

Swimming & Scuba Diving

Aquatots, Crowborough, 0208 6886488 Crowborough Leisure Centre, lessons, life saving club, splashmania, Sat swim club, public swimming, 01892 665488 Deborah Barnes, Swimming Lessons, Home Educated Children, Eastbourne, 3yrs+, 07790 369927 Eastbourne Otters, swimming lessons at various locations across Eastbourne, 4yrs+, 07936 592840 Hailsham Leisure Centre, swim lessons, splash mania Fri eve for all ages, toddler area, 01323 846755 Hydro School, Eastbourne, all abilities, 3yrs - adult, 07840 146248 Lewes Leisure Centre, fun swimming & lessons for all ages; Super Splash Sat & Sun 3 - 5pm, 01273 486000 Lewes Swimming Club at Seaford, Ringmer, Newhaven & Lewes, 3yrs - masters, 01273 582629 Liberty Swim School, St Leonards, Mayfield, 2½ - 15yrs, Sat am, 07540 103319 Love Baby Swim School, birth upwards, private pool in Isfield, nr Uckfield, 01825 840377 Motcombe Pool, Eastbourne, swimming lessons from 3mths+, open 7 days a week, 01323 410748 Planet Divers, Eastbourne, Discover Scuba Experience, 10yrs+, £30 for 2 hours, 07889 883232 Puddle Ducks baby & preschool swimming lessons in Crowborough, Hailsham and Uckfield, 01892 617246 Ringmer Swimming Pool, Lewes Rd, Ringmer, BN8 5RB, open 7 days, inflatables at weekends, 01273 813533 Scuba 2000: family-friendly scuba diving & snorkelling for adults and children (8+), 07724 412161 Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, Newhaven, lessons & lane swimming, 01273 512498 Small Splashes, Wilmington, classes for babies - 8yrs, 07951 129354 Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne fun & training pools; lessons from 6mths+, dive from 8yrs+, 01323 738822 Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, Wave Rave, 01323 738822 Swim Skills School, York House Hotel, Eastbourne, 0 - 5yrs, 07817 640748 The Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre, 14 Brassey Parade, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, BN22 9NG, 01323 325556 Uckfield Beacon Swimming/Triathlon Club, Uckfield Leisure Centre, 7yrs+, 01825 761160 Uckfield Leisure Centre, fun, lessons 2yrs+, Seahorses for tots, parties, Splashdance, 01825 761160 Water Babies, Chailey Heritage School, weekends, birth - 4yrs, 01273 552454 Water Babies, Eastbourne, Crowborough, Bexhill, Ticehurst, Tunbridge Wells, birth - 4yrs, 01424 892568

Table Tennis

Crowborough Leisure Centre, casual bookings, 01892 665488 Five Ashes Table Tennis Club, 12yrs+, Mondays, 8.15pm, September - March, 01825 830520 Hailsham Table Tennis Club, 10yrs+, 01323 841203 Shinewater Sports & Community Centre, casual bookings, 01323 768614 Sport Brighton, Denton Rd, Eastbourne, casual bookings, 01273 643706

Tennis

Burwash Tennis Club, junior memberships & coaching, Sat pm, 01424 842796 Crowborough Tennis & Squash Club, teams, coaching, camps, 4yrs+, 01892 652618 Eastbourne Sports Park, indoor tennis courts for hire, 01323 649214 Elevate Tennis Coaching, coaching for all ages & holiday camps Cross in Hand & Horam, 07790 037030 Hailsham Tennis Club, child friendly junior tennis, coaching, holiday camps & fitness classes, 0781 5511130 Hampden Park Sport Centre, Eastbourne, junior tennis coaching, Fridays at 5pm, 01323 509859 Hampden Park Tennis Club, Eastbourne, juniors coaching, holiday camps, tournaments, teams, 5yrs+, 01323 500461 Horam Tennis Club, coaching from 5yrs+, Tue pm & Sat am & holiday courses with Good4Tennis, 07484 140811 Le Tennis, Maresfield & Newick, tennis coaching & holiday camps, 01825 760926 Maresfield Lawn Tennis Club, active junior section, 01825 760926 Mayfield Lawn Tennis Club, 4yrs+, junior coaching for members, camps, 01435 873113 Newhaven Tennis Club, family orientated club with junior memberships & coaching, 01273 512162 Newick Tennis Club, active junior section, 01825 760926 Nutley Tennis & Squash Club, junior tennis coaching, 07947 796196 Southdown Sports Club, Lewes, junior coaching, holiday courses, 01273 480630 Tennis Eastbourne, coaching & camps at the Sports Park, 4 - 12yrs, 07850 327695 Tennis in the Park, Gildridge Park, Eastbourne, free taster; coaching & holiday camps, 2yrs - adult, 07837 890429 Victoria Pleasure Ground, Uckfield, active junior section, 01825 760926 Wadhurst Tennis Club, group coaching, tournaments, holiday camps, 4yrs+, 01892 783303

Triathlon

Team Bodyworks, Eastbourne, 8yrs+, 07590 851259

Uniformed Groups

3rd Eastbourne Company, Boys Brigade, Victoria Baptist Church, 01323 737974 Air Training Corps, HQ in Seaford; units: Eastbourne, Hailsham, Uckfield, Crowborough, 13-18yrs, 01323 899900 Burwash Brownies & Guides, 01435 883473 Heathfield & Horam District Commissioner, 01435 868304 Newhaven & Denton Rainbows, Brownies & Guides East Sussex Scouts, county administrator, 01342 826491 Newhaven & Seaford Sea Cadets, 01273 655442 Scout Association for nearest Beaver, Scout, Venture, Air & Sea group, 0845 3001818 Seahaven Beavers, Cubs & Scouts, 0844 4146086 St John Ambulance Badgers, 7 - 10yrs, contact via the website, 08700 104950 St John Ambulance Cadets, 10 - 17yrs, contact via the website, 08700 104950 Sussex Army Cadet Force, 8-18yrs; C’brough, E’bourne, Hailsham, Heathfield, Lewes, Newhaven, Seaford, 01273 552222

Yoga

Alice Yoga at Yoga Life Studio, Eastbourne, 07500 060119 Cai Baby Yoga, 1-2-1 & group classes, 12wks to mobile, 07999 286778 Just Relax Baby Yoga, suitable from 10 weeks, Covid-19 ready, onsite parking, Eastbourne, 07885 293430 Just Relax, baby Yoga classes in Polegate with Hannah Hanraty, 07885 293430 Mother & Baby Yoga, Seaford Children’s Centre, last Wed monthly, 11am-12pm call to book, 01323 464180 Sprite Yoga, Lewes New School, yoga for teenagers, Monday evenings, 07774 397269

Young Farmers Clubs

Hailsham Young Farmers, 01273 892101 (Tues only) Ringmer & Lewes Young Farmers, 10 - 26 years, 01273 892101 Sussex Federation of Young Farmers, 01273 892101

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Great Outdoors

1066 Country Walk follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror from Pevensey to Rye via Herstmonceux and Battle. Abbots Wood Arlington, Polegate BN26 6SL. Ancient woodland with walks, medieval lake, BBQ hire, picnic tables and play area, plus horse riding with a TROT pass 0300 0674880 Ashdown Forest Centre Wych Cross, RH18 5JP Metrobus 270. Once a Norman deer hunting forest, Ashdown Forest is now the largest free public access space in the southeast and the ‘home’ of Winnie the Pooh. Walks. Pooh Sticks Bridge and Pooh Corner Shop in Ashdown Forest, Hartfield on B2026, TN7 4AE, 01892 771155

Beachy Head Countryside and

Visitor Centre walks, shop and breath-taking views. Open late March – October, full opening times on website, these may vary due to weather conditions, but usually 10am – 4pm, 01323 737273 Bedgebury Pinetum Goudhurst TN17 2SJ, 2,000-acre forest for numerous walks, family cycling trails, mountain bike, dirt jump area, cycle hire, horse riding for TROT members, adventure play trail, cafe and Go Ape, 01580 879842 Boothland Wood ancient woodland south of Uckfield for walks and cycling Chailey Common BN8 4DH, walks, horse riding and cycling on paths only, 01444 831098

Crowborough Country Park

Tollwood Road TN6 2NH. Beautiful 16-acre nature reserve, tracks, ponds, picnic areas, 01892 652907 Cuckmere Valley BN26 5TT, National Trust land, open dawn until dusk, a haven for wildlife and great for kite flying, High and Over hill, chalk horse and stunning views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley, 01323 423197 Devil’s Dyke Devil’s Dyke Road, Poynings, near Brighton. Longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK. Legend has it that the Devil dug this chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald. On the other hand, scientists believe it was formed naturally just over 10,000 years ago in the last ice age. Open dawn until dusk, 01273 857712 Friston Forest Exceat, west of Eastbourne off the A259, walks, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding with TROT permit, picnic tables, BBQs and children’s play area.

Gildredge Park and Manor

Gardens Vicarage Road, Eastbourne BN21 1HA. Family park, playground, tennis courts, lawns, picnic tables and café. Hampden Park Eastbourne BN22 9QN. Sports and recreation facilities including those for football, rugby, cricket, tennis, children’s playground and BMX skate facility. There is a café in the centre of the park. 10-minute walk from Hampden Park railway station. Open all year round. Free admission and free parking, 01323 410000

Hastings Country Park Nature

Reserve Over 850 acres of ancient woodland, meadow and cliff top grassland, plus 3 miles of dramatic cliffs and coastline between Hastings and Fairlight. Hempstead Meadow Open-Spaces Uckfield, nature reserve along the River Uck floodplain, important wetland habitat. Lake Wood Uckfield TN22 2DE. Once part of the Rocks Estate, the mix of natural and man-made features create dramatic and beautiful views. Look out for the rocky sandstone outcrops with high cliffs that overhang the picturesque 3-acre lake and the cave-like boathouse carved out of rock, wildlife. Motcombe Gardens Eastbourne Old Town BN21 1PU. Originally forming part of a farmyard, the 9th Duke of Devonshire gave the garden to the town of Eastbourne in 1909. Includes duck pond, sheltered lawns for picnicking. The pond is the source of the Bourne stream from which ‘East Bourne’ got its name. There is an historic round, flint-built dovecote with a conical tiled roof standing on an upper level. Main paths suitable for wheelchair access. Free entry.

Newhaven Skatepark and

Pumptrack Located off Fort Road, BN9 9DL, in the south of the town, near Newhaven Fort. An exciting project which has re-developed the skatepark and dirt jumps in Newhaven. Park Wood Hellingly. Semi-natural woodland with walking trails and 400m surfaced trail. Peacehaven Big Park skate park, playgrounds, natural play spaces, climbing wall, seating, grassed pitch, café, footpaths and links to the South Downs. Princes Park Eastbourne BN22 7AE. Playgrounds, summer splash pad, boating lake and café. Open all year, free entry.

Railway Land Nature Reserve

Lewes BN7 2FG. Over 20 acres of meadowland and woodland reclaimed from the old rail yards, including the award-winning Linklater Pavilion. The nature reserve is open to the public 24 hours a day all year round and is accessible by wheelchair, 01273 477101

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

TN31 7TX. Explore the saltmarsh on a guided walk and discover the local wildlife and history, Discovery Centre, 01797 227784

Seaford Head Local Nature

Reserve BN25 4JQ. Cliffs, downland, grassland and a shingle beach are home to many nationally rare and significant species of plant, bird and insect. Enjoy peaceful walks and stunning views of the Seven Sisters & Cuckmere Valley. Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley, open chalk grassland for walks, bird watching, rock pooling, cycling to the beach and canoeing on the meanders. Tea rooms and visitor centre (open April-Sep), 0345 6080193 Shinewater Park Eastbourne BN23 8AT. Includes footpaths and cycle paths, playground, lakes, all-weather sports court, BMX and skate area, fishing with a permit. Open all year, free entry.

South Downs National

Park and South Downs Way, including Ditchling Beacon, which is the second highest point in the South Downs National Park with spectacular views across the Weald. Ditchling Beacon was one of a chain of fires lit to warn of impending invasions. Once an Iron Age hill-fort, with its steep northern slope used as a natural defence. Stanmer Park Falmer, off the A270 Lewes Road, Brighton. Landscaped park with lots of walks and two football pitches. Awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund, the park will be undergoing numerous changes and upgrades. Plus Stanmer House, Stanmer Church, Stanmer Organics, Earthship Brighton. One Garden Stanmer Park’s walled garden transformed & open to the public, plant nurseries, café, market, workshop & events.

St Helens Park Local Nature

Reserve Langham Road, Hastings. Nature reserve managed by St Helens Park Preservation Society. Ancient woodland with an extensive network of footpaths. The Helen Garden Dukes Drive, Eastbourne BN20 7XH. Playground, putting, bowls and petanque, seafront office 01323 410611 Uckfield Millennium Green access via New Road, Ridgewood or park at Ridgewood Village Hall. Hard surfaced path, dog free picnic area and lots of wildlife. Undercliff Walk just over 5km from Brighton Marina to Saltdean, the walk can be used by both cyclists and pedestrians. Occasionally very wet when the waves come over the seawall!

West Park Local Nature Reserve

Uckfield. Relatively small reserve covering just over 8.5 acres of woodland, grassland, marshy areas and sandstone outcrops. Boardwalks provide easy access around the site. Wilderness Wood Hadlow Down, near Uckfield TN22 4HJ. 62 acres of woodland and nature trails, lots of children’s activities, wild camping, café and shop. Generally open Wed– Sun, 9am – 5pm term time, and every day in school holidays, Christmas Trees & Winter Fayre late Nov-Dec, find full details on their website, 01825 830509

Family Farms, Animals, & Sealife

Blackberry Farm Whitesmith near Lewes BN8 6JD. Set in 18 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside, home to over 200 friendly animals, wildfowl; most can be petted or fed by hand. Large outdoor play area, ‘Clucky’s’ indoor adventure playbarn and sensory zone, tractor rides, pony rides, family fun picnic area and baby area. Open daily 10am – 4pm in winter, 01825 872912 Blue Reef Aquarium Rock-A-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW. Close encounters with seahorses, sharks, rays and hundreds of other aquatic creatures, plus reptiles and frogs. With incredible views from the underwater walk-through tunnel. Nov – Easter last admission 4pm, 01424 718776

Butterfly Gardens Middleton

Common Farm, Ditchling, free flying butterflies from all over the world inside a 3000 square foot polytunnel. Onsite farm shop, 07531 922318 Drusillas Park Alfriston Road just off the A27, BN26 5QS. Zoo, interactive displays, extensive adventure playgrounds, rainforestthemed carousel ride, Safari Express Train and Hello Kitty Secret Garden which includes three children’s rides; restaurants, cafes. Open daily 10am – 5pm in winter, 01323 874100 Heaven Farm Furners Green, Uckfield TN22 3RG. 100-acre farm on the Greenwich Meridian, with nature walks, wallabies, deer, seasonal bluebell nature trail, tea room, play barn, ice cream parlour and camping, 01825 790226

Knockhatch Adventure Park

on A22 at Hailsham BN27 3GD. Animals, falconry, year-round indoor soft play at ‘Froggies’, children’s farm, go karts, outdoor playgrounds and paddling pools, Wave Runner water slide, ski slope, Knockhatch Mining Co motion simulator. Special features for Christmas, 01323 442051 Middle Farm West Firle, Lewes, BN8 6LJ. Family farm with a small flock of sheep, lambing in spring, playground and play hay barn, animal handling sessions, farm shop, tea room, gift shop. Open Nov–March 9.30am–5pm, 01323 811411

Mallydams Wood (RSPCA) Peter James Lane, Fairlight, Hastings TN35 4AH. Wildlife rehabilitation centre, education centre and woodland nature reserve. Guided walks, badger watching, local visits and residential stays. Oct – March 9am – 5pm, 0300 1230723

Raystede Centre for Animal

Welfare, Ringmer BN8 5AJ, is a charity that aims to give animals a better life through rehoming, rehabilitation and sanctuary. Caring for more than 400 animals every day, including cats, horses, donkeys, goats, alpacas, dogs, rabbits, hens, tortoises, terrapins,exotic birds; providing lifelong sanctuary for elderly horses, donkeys and other animals that cannot be rehomed. Open daily 10am to 4pm, café, shop and activities, free but book a ticket online or phone 01825 840252

Sharnfold Farm and Farm Shop

Hailsham Road, Stone CrossBN24 5BU. Farm trail, animals, play area, PYO, coffee shop, farm shop with traditional butcher, tractor and trailer rides every weekend and school holidays, closed Mon, 01323 768490 Places of Historic Interest & Gardens

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey

and Battlefield High Street, Battle TN33 0AD. English Heritage insight into the Battle of Hastings and 1066. Explore the abbey ruins and the award-winning audio exhibition which brings to life the dramatic story of the Norman Conquest, 01424 775705

Amberley Museum and Heritage

Centre Station Road, Ford, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT. Home to a collection of listed buildings and monuments, many of which have been rescued from around Sussex. Vintage vehicles, rural crafts and woodland walks, plus many Christmas event, see website, 01798 831370

Anne of Cleves House and

Museum 52 Southover High Street, Lewes BN7 1JA. Medieval, halftimbered house, a gift to Anne of Cleves from Henry VIII, discover how the Tudors and Elizabethans lived, worked and relaxed at home, incl. the Museum of Lewes history, displays about Tom Paine and the Wealden iron industry, 01273 474610

Bateman’s National Trust House

Bateman’s Lane, Burwash TN19 7DS. Former home of Rudyard Kipling with gardens, walks, watermill and tea room. Open daily, 01435 882302

Bodiam Castle National Trust

near Robertsbridge TN32 5UA. Story book castle; the exterior is virtually complete and the walls rise dramatically above the moat. There are battlements to explore and spiral staircases to climb. festive Christmas sleigh 1 Dec-3 Jan, 0pen daily (excl. 24+25 Dec) 11am–4pm, 01580 830196 CM Booth Motor Museum at Falstaff Antiques, 63 High Street, Rolvenden, TN17 4LP. Unique collection of 3-wheeled Morgan cars, plus other historic cars. , bicycles and tricycles, displays of toy and model cars, and all surrounded with auto-mobilia. Open Mon– Sat 10am – 5.30pm all year round, 01580 241234 Firle Place Firle, Lewes BN8 6LP. An outstanding, privately owned country house in Sussex which dates from the time of Henry VIII but was substantially remodelled in the 18th Century. The house, gardens and notable collection of works of art and porcelain are of national importance and will ensure a day to remember, 01273 858307

Fishbourne Roman Palace

Fishbourne Road West, Fishbourne, West Sussex PO19 3QR. Roman palace with the largest mosaics in situ in the UK, recreated formal gardens and family activities. Open daily Feb–Oct, Nov–Dec weekends only, 01243 785859

Hastings Lifeboat Visitor Centre

East Beach Street, Hastings Old Town TN34 3FJ. Go to Hastings Old Town and the boathouse is near the harbour and fishing boats. Contact Shirley Hawley for group visits, 01424 425502. Don’t miss crew training; check the notice boards at the station for further details. Open daily except in Jan & Feb weekends only, 01424 720828

Herstmonceux Castle Gardens

and Grounds Hailsham BN27 1RN. Magnificent moated castle, set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens. The Castle is closed to the public, however guided tours are conducted at an extra charge and subject to availability. The estate is also home to the Observatory Science Centre 01323 833816

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham RH13 6PP. This magnificent Grade I listed garden was nearly lost forever and has been the subject of the largest garden restoration in England and possibly Europe. 'Leonardslee Illuminated' 25 Nov-22Dec and Christmas events.

Lewes Castle and Barbican

House Museum 169 High Street, Lewes BN7 1YE. Climb to the top of this 1,000 year old Norman Castle for stunning views across Sussex. In the Barbican House you’ll find the Museum of Archaeology and a mini cinema which tells the story of Lewes from prehistoric to medieval times. Open daily (closed Mondays in January) 01273 486290 Michelham Priory near Hailsham BN27 3QS. See the foundations of the 13th century priory and explore the main house, tranquil moated gardens, watermill and play area. With numerous family activities during the summer. Includes an interactive medieval gallery, NovFeb 11am – 4pm, 01323 844224 Newhaven Fort BN9 9DS. The story of a Victorian Fortress and demonstrations of the Fort’s role during two World Wars. Explore the tunnels, gun emplacements, Blitz street shelter simulation and playground,searchlight Café. Open daily and Tue-Thur Nov-Jan, dogs on a lead welcome, 01273 517622 Pevensey Castle Castle Road, Pevensey BN24 5LE. With a history stretching back over 16 centuries, Pevensey Castle chronicles more graphically than any other fortress the story of Britain’s south coast defences. Beginning in the 4th century as one of the last and strongest of the Roman ‘Saxon Shore’ forts, two-thirds of its towered walls still stand. It was the landing place of William the Conqueror’s army in 1066 and during the century following the Conquest, a full-scale Norman castle, with a great square keep and a powerful gatehouse, was built within one corner of the fort. In the 1250s the towered bailey wall was constructed, and soon put to the test during the great siege of 1264. Open 10am – 4pm weekends only NovMarch, 01323 762604

Priory of St Pancras in Priory

Park Southover, Lewes BN7 1HP (for satnav use BN7 2XA). During the 11th century, monks came here from Cluny in France to establish the first Cluniac priory in England. The Priory survived for 450 years until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537. Interpretation panels allow you to walk in the footsteps of medieval monks and imagine how the buildings once looked. A recreated herb garden grows plants that monks would have used for medicinal, culinary and ceremonial purposes. Admission free. Rye Heritage Centre Strand Quay TN31 7AY, includes the story of Rye, Rye Town Model sound and light show and a working collection of Old Pier amusement machines. Historic and ghost audio walking tours are available for hire. Open Wed-Sun, 01797 226696 Rye Castle Museum the Ypres Tower, East Street TN31 7JY. The Ypres Tower was built in the 14th century as part of the town’s defences. Various exhibits include a replica of a gibbet with the skull of the murderer John Breads, a new model of the changes in the local shoreline. The Ypres Tower Embroidery created by a team of embroiderers and depicting the Tower’s roles through nine centuries of history; as defence, private home, prison, mortuary and museum. There is also armour and chainmail to view, and helmets and costumes for children to try on. Open daily, 01797 226728

Places of Historic Interest & Gardens (cont.)

Royal Pavilion, Brighton BN1 1EE. Built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between 1787 and 1823, the Royal Pavilion is remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out. This magnificent royal pleasure palace was revered by fashionable Regency society, Christmas event (20 Nov-2 Jan), 03000 290900

Sheffield Park and Garden

(National Trust) TN22 3QX. Informal landscape garden laid out in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ Brown and further developed in the early years of the 20th century by its owner, Arthur G. Soames. Walks, family activities and woodland play trail. Parkland open daily dawn till dusk, check website for further details of events, 01825 790231

Wakehurst Gardens and

Millennium Seed Bank Selsfield Road, Ardingly, RH17 6TN Metrobus 272. ‘Kew in the Country’, botanic gardens run by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. With lots of walks, children especially love the rocky Himalayan Garden. Explore the Adventurous Journeys natural play spaces, Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, restaurant, café, plant and gift shop. Open daily at 10am, Glow Wild Nov-Dec, 01444 894066

Weald and Downland Open Air

Museum Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0EU. Fascinating collection of historic buildings dismantled from their original locations and reassembled in 40 acres of Sussex countryside, woodland walks, picnic areas and farm animals. Festive events. Open Jan – 23rd Dec, 01243 811348

Museums & Galleries

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey

and Battlefield, see p.21

Amberley Museum and Heritage

Centre, see p.21 Battle Museum TN33 0EA. Local history museum with displays that include dinosaur footprints, artefacts from the Roman Bathhouse at Beauport Park, a Saxon battle-axe believed to be a unique relic of the Battle of Hastings, the world’s oldest effigy of Guy Fawkes and the story of the Battle gunpowder industry, 01424 775955

Brighton Toy and Model Museum

52-55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 4EB. Under the arches of Brighton station. Over 10,000 toys and models, incl. two working model railways. Open TueSat, 01273 749494

Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft

Lodge Hill Lane, Ditchling, East Sussex BN6 8SP. Exhibitions of the works of craftspeople and artists who were drawn to the village. Under 16s free admission. Children’s activities may need to be pre-booked. Open Tue–Sun, 01273 844744

Eastbourne Heritage Centre

BN21 4BT. Discover Eastbourne’s rich heritage, see displays of original maps, pictures, artefacts and films, and trace the development of ‘Elegant Eastbourne – the Empress of Watering Places’ a fashionable new Victorian seaside town into ‘The Suntrap of the South’. Open Sat until Easter, 01323 411189

Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum

King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne BN21 4BY. Admission free, open all year round, see website for opening times, 01323 730717

Filching Manor Motor Museum

Polegate BN26 5QA. Home to the Foulkes Halbard collection concerning the record-breaking Campbell family’s achievements including Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird K3 world record breaking boat, along with other famous Campbell cars, boats and memorabilia. Open only by prior arrangement to groups, 01323 487124

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery

TN4 1ET. A rich mix of fine paintings and china, the cultures of other lands, well-known personalities such as John Logie Baird and Robert Tressell, and a contrasting view of local wildlife today and as it would have been 150 million years ago. There are plenty of special features for children, with fossils that transform into dinosaurs, prehistoric crocodiles and fish, a diorama of local animals and birds and Native American Galleries complete with tipi and buffalo. The most spectacular part of the museum is the magnificent Durbar Hall constructed for the Indian and Colonial Exhibition of 1886 as part of an Indian Palace. Closed on Mon, admission free, 01424 451052

Hastings Fisherman’s Museum

Rock-a-Nore Road TN34 3DW. Original lugger, photos, models, stories, paintings and nets. Open daily, admission free, donations requested, 01424 461446

Lewes Castle and Barbican

House Museum, see p.21 Newhaven Fort, see p.21

Newhaven Local and Maritime

Museum at Paradise Park, Avis Road BN9 0DH. Owned and operated by Newhaven Historical Society, see website for opening dates and times, 01273 515404

Redoubt Fortress and Military

Museum Eastbourne BN22 7AQ. The Redoubt Napoleonic fortress has stood guard on the South Coast for over 200 years. Discover history through the large military collection, plus events and children’s military training ground. Also holds openair cinema and ghost walks, plus stargazing in the evenings. See website for further details, 01323 410300 Rye Heritage Centre, see p.21 Rye Castle Museum, see p.21 Seaford Museum in the Martello Tower BN25 1JH. Local history museum with children’s events in school holidays. Displays from a general store, dressmaker’s parlour, the contents of an ironmonger’s, chemists, toy and photographer’s shop, as well as a Victorian schoolroom, Victorian kitchen and wartime kitchen. Domestic appliances from the first half of the 20th century include early typewriters, copiers, computers, radios and television sets, 01323 898222 Shipwreck Museum Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW. Stories of shipwrecks off the Hastings coast; explore shipwrecks, find out how you can find your own dinosaur remains on the beach and discover what global warming means for the coastline. Open Nov–March, Sat & Sun, 01424 437452 Towner Devonshire Park, Eastbourne BN21 4JJ, Contemporary art museum with lots of family activities and events. Open Tue–Sun (plus bank holiday Mon), admission free, 01323 434670 True Crime Museum Palace Court, White Rock, Hastings TN34 1JP. Displays of forensic evidence depicting violent events related to serial killers, gangsters and more, 01424 420115 Upside Down House Brighton. An amazing museum of illusions including a variety of designed rooms in a luxurious beach house based on the Brighton Sea Front in between the i360 and Brighton Beach Club. 07761 802281

Weald and Downland Open

Air Museum Singleton, near Chichester, PO18 0EU, see p.22)

Railways, Buses & Boats

Bluebell Railway from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park Station TN22 3QL. Volunteer preserved steam railway. See website for the timetable of train services, Steamlights 5 Nov-2 Jan & Santa Special 27 Nov-12 Dec/18-24 Dec, 01825 720800

Kent and East Sussex Steam

Railway Tenterden TN30 6HE, Northiam and Bodiam Stations. Vintage steam and historic diesel trains dating from the Victorian era. Special events include Thomas the Tank Engine days, meet Santa 4-24Dec, main season late March–early Nov, 01580 765155 Lavender Line Isfield TN22 5XB. Preserved railway, travels for a twomile round trip between the village of Isfield and Worth Halt near Uckfield. At Isfield you will find the headquarters of the Lavender Line which includes the original Victorian station and signal box, Victorian Christmas afternoon tea,12 & 19 Dec. Check website for timetable and more information, 01825 750515

Uckfield and East Grinstead

British Rail Lines Leave the car behind and explore Sussex by train – stopping at stations all over Sussex and along the Sussex coast. West Hill Lift West Hill, George Street, Hastings, East Sussex. Victorian funicular.

Adventure Parks & FamilyFun

Brighton Karting at QLeisure London Road, Albourne, West Sussex BN6 9BQ. 800 metres of pure adrenaline plus some of the finest facilities in the country make QLeisure outdoor karting well worth a visit. A fast, furious, frenetic and exhilarating track, 01273 834403 Brighton Marina BN2 5WA. Shops, restaurants, bars, cafés, bowling, cinema, fitness, casino, children’s rides, mini-golf, boat trips, fishing, sailing, diving, free outdoor ping pong and chess tables, 01273 693636 British Airways i360 seafront near the West Pier. 162m tower with passenger viewing pod climbing to 138m, making it the tallest moving observation tower in the world. 360-degree views of the Sussex coastline for up to 26 miles, meet Santa this winter, 03337 720 360 Drusillas Park BN26 5QS, see p.21. Eastbourne Pier one of the finest examples of a Victorian pier, Eastbourne’s stunning seafront landmark is fully open for business with a new walkway, 01323 410466 Globalls Unit 8 The Waterfront, Brighton Marina BN2 5WA, 12-hole indoor ultraviolet crazy golf courses, based on a Jurassic or Tropicana theme, players can enjoy putting amongst wonderful life size neon glowing sculptures and vivid wall art, 01273 911510 Hastings Adventure Golf Hastings Old Town Seafront TN34 3AJ. A complex of 3 x 18-hole miniature golf courses, providing facilities suitable for players of all ages. This is the National Centre for Miniature Golf in the UK and the home of the annual World Crazy Golf Championships, weather permitting, 01424 437227

Hollywood Bowl Brighton

Brighton Marina BN2 5UT. With 26 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, food and drinks in the Hollywood Diner, 0844 477 0484

Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham BN27 3GD, see p.20 (competition p.21) My Skateworld, Eastbourne BN23 6NY. Indoor roller-skating rink with daily discos, games, pool table, air hockey, café area. Check website for opening times, 01323 738288 (see advert p.18)

Ninja Warrior UK Adventure

Park Eastbourne, BN21 3NW. Supervised activity and fitness venue inspired by ITV’s hit programme Ninja Warrior UK! Climb, balance, jump and swing across different obstacles, 01273 054949

Observatory Science Centre

Herstmonceux BN27 1RN. Handson science and discovery with 100+ interactive exhibits both indoors and out, telescope tours, regular workshops. Check website for dates and times, 01323 832731

Paradise Park Family Leisure

Park Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 0DH. Planet Earth museum, Dinosaur Safari, Paradise Gardens including mini Sussex models and gardens, Plant House and Local Maritime Museum, Play Zone including miniature train and crazy golf. Open daily, 01273 512123 Paradox Place Brighton House of Illusions & Wonders, North Laine BN1 4AP. Four floors to explore, full of fun, family-friendly photo opportunities, 01273 964000

Rampion Offshore Wind Visitor

Centre Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2FN, free hands-on exhibitions, interactive displays, games and videos, as well as a 360˚ virtual reality experience taking you out to the wind farm itself.

Sky High Trampoline Park

Peacehaven BN10 8JQ. Wall to wall interconnected trampolines, walk the wall, aeroball, and more. Toddler bounce, open sessions for 5yrs+, weekends & school holidays only, 01273 580029 Treasure Island, Eastbourne BN22 7AE. Buccaneer’s soft play, adventure golf, outdoor adventure park, 01323 411077

Soft Play & Role Play

Barney’s Play Bell Lane, Uckfield TN22 1QL. For U12yrs, height restriction 142cm (4ft 8ins), reduced rate toddler mornings Mon & Thur until 1pm term time, 01825 764575 Dino’s Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford BN25 4QW. For under 10’s, different areas for different aged children. Check website for opening times, 01323 490011 Doves Play Barn Heaven Farm, Uckfield, TN22 3RG. Made from sustainable wood with ride-ons & ball pond. For 0-8yrs with cafe and ice cream parlour, 01825 790424 Fort Fun Adventure Park Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7LQ. Indoor adventure play for under 11s, 01323 642833 Funplex The Hyde Business Park, Bevendean, Brighton BN2 4JE. Indoor softplay adventure centre and laser tag parties, 01273 957898 Fun Abounds Bell Lane, Uckfield TN22 1QL. Trampoline centre with café, 01825 768479 ‘Froggies’ Indoor Soft Play at Knockhatch on A22 Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham BN27 3PR. Features dedicated under 3′s toddler area, 01323 442051 (see competition p.21) Hailsham Leisure Centre Vicarage Lane BN27 1BA. Two soft play frames, for 0–10 year olds, children must be under 148cm tall (4ft 10ins), separate play area for under 3s. Open daily 9am–6pm, 01323 846755 JumpIn Inflatable Fun 5-7 Jubilee Road, Burgess Hill RH15 9TL. All ages welcome, soft play and parties, 01444 241595

KiddiCity Role Play

Centre Eastbourne. Play sessions with 11 play zones to explore such a ‘real life’ city street, ride-ons with mini drive-thru activities. Opening early December 2021 Leo’s Play Den 1-3 Pevensey Road, Eastbourne BN21 3HJ. For 0–12 year olds, open Mon-Sun 10am – 6pm, 01323 749022 Lewes Leisure Centre Mountfield Road, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2XG. Ocean Adventure soft play over three levels, for under 8s, with dedicated baby and toddler area. Open daily, 01273 486000 Monkey Bizness Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes BN8 6JL. Maze of play frames, toddler area for 2–5 year olds and main frame suitable for 5–12 year olds, open daily, 01273 311566

Peacehaven Leisure Centre

Magic Castle, Greenwich Way, Peacehaven BN10 8BB. Two level soft play area for children under 10 or max 145 cm (4ft 9ins), open Mon–Sun 9am–6pm unless booked for parties, 01273 588858 Pupstation Eastbourne 3&4 Commercial Road, Eastbourne BN21 3XE. Soft play adventure area for children aged 6 months–12 years, 01323 411527 S3 Studios 64, Eastbourne BN23 6PW. Free running, foam pit, soft play, indoor climbing wall. Open daily, 01323 332183 Treasure Island, see p.23. Urban Jump Heathfield TN21 8AW. Trampoline park, ninja warrior track, soft play, toddler area and café. Open 9am–8pm, 01435 863277