Summer attractions in Sussex

The summer holidays are drawing closer. Thinking of ways to entertain the kids for 6 whole weeks can be challenging, so you might want to plan some activities. Or perhaps you just want to be a tourist yourself for the day and take some visiting family members on a fun day out!

Whether you are looking for something historical, an amusement day with lots of laughter, or maybe a treat for the animal lovers, we have something for everyone to enjoy with these great local attractions!

Lewes Castle & Museum

Love tales of Knights & Dragons and medieval Lords & Ladies? Lewes Castle & Museum is the perfect spot for all the family this summer.

This Norman fortress was built by supporters of William the Conqueror just after the Battle of Hastings and has stood in the heart of the county town of East Sussex ever since.

Climb to the top of this 1,000-year-old Keep for stunning panoramic views of the town, Downs and English Channel, as well as the beautiful gardens. You can even bring a picnic and enjoy it in the grounds before taking part in some of the traditional games that are provided free of charge.

Admission includes entrance to the adjoining museum, which has a model of the town and a short film, plus plenty of artefacts from prehistoric to medieval Sussex.

Keep an eye out for special event days throughout the summer, including Birds of Prey displays and medieval reenactors, plus outdoor theatre.

Adult admission is £10, while family tickets start from £17.60. Under 5s go free!

For further details or book your tickets click here!

Harbour Park

Harbour Park, the children’s beach adventure, is a must for any family planning a day to the seaside!

Splash land on the Log Flume, take a spin on the Whirlpool Waltzer or take to the high seas with our friendly fish Ocean Coaster. Try the family favourites such as the Dodgems and Adventure Mini Golf. Rides for younger guests include the Trampolines, Bumper Boats, and Mini Car Circuit.

Inside offers an underwater themed soft play with giant slide and interactive gaming screen, Toddler Town role play area, and prize ticket arcade games. The Galley Restaurant serves freshly battered fish and chips, whilst the Harbour Kitchen provides a selection of lite bites, snacks, and children’s lunch boxes. Fancy an ice cream? Visit Kelly’s Ice Cream Parlour which serves a wide variety of flavours from classic Cornish Vanilla to Bubble Gum. Check out all the places to eat here!

Seasonal opening – check our website for up-to-date information and to book tickets here!

Benson’s Pleasure Fairs

The name Benson’s is synonymous with high-quality funfairs. As one of the most long-standing names in the showmen’s industry going back generations, Benson’s Funfairs has been running funfairs for long before most other showmen.

Famous for fabulous, brightly painted lorries and leading professionalism, Benson’s Funfairs manage to stay on track, even in the most extreme of weather conditions, working tirelessly to put an event together and to ensure every site visited is left in at least as good a condition, if not better, than which it was found.

Constantly re-investing in new rides and equipment, Benson’s Funfairs have a reputation for putting customer and visitor safety first. All events are comprehensively insured (Ten million pounds public liability insurance). All rides are fully inspected by ADIPS and operated by experienced, trained staff. Registered and qualified first aiders are always on-site.

Having been brought up with a strong sense of standards and ethics, instilled by his family’s history of operating Benson’s Funfairs, Mark Benson began Benson’s M&L Pleasure Fairs with his wife Lillian, operating to the same exacting high standards and continuing the Benson’s heritage in the name of Benson’s M&L Pleasure Fairs.

Click here to see our upcoming events or details on how to hire.

Raystede

Raystede is a working rescue centre, caring for more than 400 animals every day, including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, rabbits, goats, alpacas, hens and exotic birds.

Many of the animals are looking for forever homes and for those who cannot be rehomed, Raystede provides sanctuary.

Visitors are welcome to share the tranquil surroundings that many rescue animals call home – walk around the beautiful 43 acre site and get a glimpse into the charity’s work. Café, shops, dog-friendly, parking, open every day from 10am to 4pm. Free entry – ticket booking is essential. Plan your visit here!

To find out about adopting an animal or to book a ticket, click here! Or you can call 01825 840252. It costs around £2 million a year to care for all the animals. Raystede receives no government funding so relies entirely on the support of the local community.

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, The Broyle, Ringmer, East Sussex, BN8 5AJ. Registered charity no: 237696.

Love Fairs

Love Fairs run amazing antique and vintage fairs at Brighton Racecourse, Lingfield Racecourse and The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells, with 15 events across all venues in 2023. Here are the dates and details of each:

Brighton Racecourse Fair, Freshfield Road, Brighton, BN2 9XZ

175+ indoor stalls all packed with fantastic treasures for you to explore. With a Swing singer performing and a lovely café area with great sea views.

Sunday 21st May 2023
Sunday 27th August 2023
Sunday 22nd October 2023
Sunday 10th December 2023

Find out more

Lingfield Racecourse, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6PQ

180+ indoor and outdoor (April to September) stalls bristling with all variety of unique and unusual items. The fantastic Swing singer, Steve Conway, will be performing throughout the day!