With so many pubs on offer in Sussex, sometimes it can be tricky to find one that’s perfect for your family. Ideally you want one that’s child-friendly with a nice, warm atmosphere. We’ve searched up and down Sussex, and compiled a list of a few of our favourites that not only look pretty but will also offer a fun day out for you and the kids.
The Cock Inn, Ringmer
Great for dog lovers!
The Cock Inn is a beautiful country pub just outside of Lewes. If you’re a dog mad family, this is the pub for you! You’ll be welcomed by the owners’ dogs Bailey and Tally. The pub serves a great selection of reasonably priced, traditional dishes. Their huge green beer garden at the rear of the pub makes it a great choice for those sunnier days.
Recent review:
“Good food, good atmosphere and most importantly all the staff made a huge effort with our kids (4 and 18 months), including crayons and colouring pages! Def recommend this pub for all families, we’ll be coming back!”
The Royal Oak, Poynings
Great for Sunday Roasts!
The Royal Oak is a great pub stop after a long Sunday family walk over the beautiful South Downs. The pub in Poynings has been described as having ‘one of the best Sunday roasts in the UK’! This pub is great for kids, not just for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere from the staff, but also for its impressive ‘ship-wrecked’ themed play area which will keep the kids entertained for hours!
Recent review:
“Great place for a Sunday roast, good children’s menu too.”
The Barley Mow Freehouse, Lewes
Great for an afternoon outdoors!
The Barley Mow Freehouse was one of the oldest coaching inns in Sussex; it’s now a family-run pub which offers a very warm welcome! Their large garden, outside bar, live music and fabulous play area ensure it will be a special experience for any families visiting during the summer!
Recent review:
“Great food and friendly staff. Lots of outdoor seating and a great kids play area with swings, a fort, monkey bars etc. Decent selection of roasts, including DF/VG options, burgers, pasta and a separate kids menu.”
The Half Moon, Plumpton
A fantastic adventure golf course!
The Half Moon at Plumpton is a “Quintessentially English pub” with good quality locally sourced produce. At this family friendly pub, you can also enjoy a round or two on our new mini golf course. There is no need to book, just turn up and play! Just £2.50 for kids. On top of this, their adventure climbing frame is ready for young adventurers to explore. They have tunnels, bridges, rope climb, climbing wall, slide, sand pit, stepping stone walk, swings and more!
Recent review: “We came in on Sunday, what a beautiful pub in a beautiful setting. The Sunday roast was fantastic, children played all afternoon on the climbing frame and in the field with ice cream from the hut, wonderful we will be back!”
The Royal Oak, Midhurst
Great for all types of diners!
Set in the heart of the South Downs, this beautiful 17th Century pub is situated just outside the town of Midhurst. With an abundance of space indoors and outdoors, plus a large heated marquee, the Royal Oak caters for all kinds of dining experiences!
It’s ideal for families, couples, walkers, and even parties and events! Dogs and kids are of course also welcome, and well catered for. The pub has also received great reviews from those with any specific food requirements.
Recent review:
“Great and friendly space. Lovely fresh cooked food and lots of room for the kids to run around outside. Loved it here. Will be back.”
The Sussex Ox, Milton Street, East Sussex
Great for countryside lovers!
The Ox is a large country pub between Lewes and Eastbourne. The pub has its very own farm, making it a great place to take your kids. The farm also supplies much of the meat that they serve, including beef and lamb.
Recent review:
“Worth a visit: A great litle pub. Children and dog friendly, plus great food. There are some great country walks and bridle paths right on the doorstep too… Also plenty of space in the garden in the summer.”
