Places to Visit Around Sussex

Wings Museum Unit 1, Bucklands Farm, Balcombe RH17 6JT – 07769 688064. World War 2 remembrance museum with a fascinating insight into life in WW2. Variety of themed displays of original memorabilia and relics relating to the Home Guard, Battle of Britain, The Blitz, The Home Front, RAF Bomber Command, US 8th Air Force, D-Day and the Russian Front. Open Tuesday –Sunday, 10am – 5pm.

Beech Hurst Miniature Railway Beech Hurst Gardens, Haywards Heath RH16 4BB. Almost half a mile of track run by volunteers; includes two tunnels and automatic colour signals. Operating 2pm – 5pm weekends and bank holidays from Easter – end September, plus Wednesdays during summer school holidays. See website or Facebook page for timetable which is published in spring each year.

Bentley Miniature Railway Ringmer, Lewes BN8 5AF – 0845 8672583. One mile of track run by volunteers. Trains run every weekend from Easter – end of September, plus October half term, mid-week operation during August and other East Sussex school holidays. See website for detailed timetable and details of seasonal events.

Bluebell Railway from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park Station TN22 3QL – 01825 720800. Volunteer preserved steam railway. See website for the timetable of train services and special and regular events.

Goffs Park Light Railway Horsham Road, Southgate RH11 8PB –07517 184543. 1,250-foot-long elevated track miniature railway run by Crawley Model Engineers. Open Sundays and bank holiday Mondays 2pm – 5pm, late March – late October.

Shoreham Harbour Lifeboats Kingston Beach, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 6RN – 01273 596376. Visit the lifeboat station and its state of the art Tamar all weather lifeboat. The boathouse on Kingston Beach comprises a large boat hall, crew training room, drying facilities for wet kit, changing facilities and a viewing platform for the public. Open 10am – 2pm Monday – Friday and 10am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday, free to visit, donations very welcome.

South Downs Light Railway Pulborough Garden Centre, Stopham Road, Pulborough RH20 1DS – 07518 753784. The trains take you on an exciting trip through the gardens from Stopham Road Station. Open March – September, see website for timetable of train running times and special events.

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.

Volks Electric Railway Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1EN –01273 292718. The UK’s oldest electric railway, hop on, hop off along the seashore, trains run from Easter – early November, dog friendly, see website for timetable.

Wey and Arun Canal Centre located behind the Onslow Arms in Loxwood RH14 0RD – 01483 505566. Operating March –October, runs every Wednesday, Friday – Sunday, subject to volunteer availability. All canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and small unpowered craft are welcome on the canal.

Active Play and Bounce Kings Centre, Moat Road, East Grinstead RH19 3LN – 01342 328616. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 session times, soft play, ride-ons and bouncy castle suitable for walking –4 years old.

Active Play and Bounce The Bridge Leisure Centre, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham RH12 3YS – 01403 211311. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 2 session times, soft play and bouncy castle suitable for walking – 4 years old.

Antics Softplay Triangle Way, Burgess Hill RH15 8WA –01444 876000. Antics is an indoor soft play adventure zone, which promotes fun, healthy play for under 12s, max height 140cm (4ft 7ins), in a safe, clean environment. With 3 tiers to explore, kids will love the excitement, adventure and creative play that Antics offers. Open Monday – Friday 9.15am – 5.30pm, Saturday and Sundays, 9am – 1pm.

CJ’s Play Café Three Bridges Road, Crawley RH10 1HL – 07824 161118. No admission fee, small charge for use of the soft play area, open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, close at 2pm on Tuesday, check Facebook page for weekend opening hours.

Dolphin Cafe Pasture Hill Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1LY –01444 457337. Sports centre cafe with active soft play area for under 8s, open every day.

Doves Play Barn Heaven Farm, Furners Green, Uckfield TN22 3RG – 01825 790424. Made from sustainable wood with ride-ons, rope bridges, slides and ball pond. For 0-8 years, with cafe and ice cream parlour, open every day.

Happyscamps Play Café 1st Floor, 12 Swan Walk, Horsham RH12 1HQ – 01403 754597. Indoor soft play for 0 – 5 year olds.

High Places The Triangle, Triangle Way, Burgess Hill RH15 8WA – 01444 876000. Colourful arena featuring 16 fun themed climbing walls towering over 20 feet high, each showcasing striking designs. Book in advance or attend an open session.

Hope Hive Pilgrim House, St Dunstan’s Road, West Worthing BN13 1AA. Children’s role play centre offering fun and stimulating role play for young children to grow their imagination and creativity. Children can visit a variety of role play areas and small world activities, open Monday – Friday, see website for session times.