The beautiful South Downs in Sussex

Best days out in Sussex

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When you combine East and West Sussex, they account for a whopping 15 percent of the UK’s total land. As a result, it’s unsurprising that there’s plenty to do here for all ages in the county’s beautiful countryside, charming towns and historic cities.  

We’re lucky enough to have Haven holiday parks situated near two delightful Sussex towns - Bognor Regis and Hastings. So, not only are there plenty of beaches and dining options close at hand but also wonderful activities to enjoy with your family. Read on for our selection of the best days out in Sussex to discover some of the best spots to enjoy with your kids on the South Coast.

1. Hastings Aquarium

1. Hastings Aquarium

Address: Rock-A-Nore Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 3DW

Hastings Aquarium is a fun, weatherproof day out in the Old Town, right by the seafront. The best bit is the underwater tunnel, where you can watch tropical marine life glide overhead. Keep an eye out for blacktip reef sharks, rays, moray eels, and loads of vibrant colour in the bigger tanks.

It’s not all about sea life either. There’s also a Jungle Room with reptiles, including snakes and a colour-changing chameleon, so you can tour the ocean and rainforest in one visit. It’s also in a great spot for a little wander round Hastings Old Town afterwards, with the fishing boats and net huts just outside.

2. 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield (Battle Abbey)

2. 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield (Battle Abbey)

Address: High Street, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0AE

If you fancy something unique to Sussex, Battle Abbey is a must see. The abbey sits on the spot where the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066, so you’re walking a site that changed English history.

Explore the abbey ruins, wander the battlefield, and follow the story through the displays as you go. There’s an audio tour you can follow as you walk the battlefield, plus dramatic wooden figures to spot along the route. Take your time in the ruins too. There are some great viewpoints for photos, and it’s fun spotting little details in the old stonework. This is a large open-air site, perfect for when the sun emerges and you’re tired of indoor attractions.

Abbey opening is seasonal, and in winter it tends to be weekend-only, with extended opening in spring and summer. If it’s rained a lot, some paths can get muddy, and the site sometimes closes specific routes when conditions are dire. Sturdy shoes are a good idea, especially if you’re planning to do the full tour.

3. Bodiam Castle

3. Bodiam Castle

Address: Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA

14th-century Bodiam Castle, managed by the National Trust, offers the classic storybook castle day out. Expect epic towers, dramatic battlements, and a moat that makes the castle look like it’s floating. You don’t need to plan too much ahead. Just arrive, enjoy the view, then head inside to explore the rooms and viewpoints at your own pace.

The grounds are spacious enough for a slower wander, including a shop and a tearoom for a bite to eat. There’s also a second-hand bookshop by the river that’s well worth a browse. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the castle grounds, too.

4. Weald & Downland Living Museum

4. Weald & Downland Living Museum

Address: Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0EU

Weald and Downland Living Museum is a fantastic discovery day out in the South Downs. The museum has over 50 historic buildings spread across a 40-acre site, with everything from older farm buildings to a unique a tin church. Fans of TV’s Repair Shop might recognise the 17th-century Court Barn, where the show is filmed.

Stroll between buildings, and step inside to get a feel for how people lived and worked across a thousand years of rural history. Because it’s outdoors, it never feels like you’re stuck in one place waiting for crowds to move on. There’s always another structure to explore.

This visit pairs well with Chichester town, which lies only six miles to the south. Both can be reached within a 30-minute drive from Haven Church Farm Holiday Park.

5. WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

5. WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

Address: Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PB

For fresh air and epic views, WWT Arundel is a perfect day out. It’s a wetland reserve with plenty of footpaths and places where you can get close to the water without disturbing the wildlife. The centre has multiple birdwatching hides, offering a range of viewpoints on birds including kingfishers, pelicans, and egrets. Bring binoculars if you’ve got them, but even without, the hides are arranged to give you a perfect view across the water

The Wetland Discovery Boat Safari takes around 20 minutes and glides through reedbeds on quiet boats, letting you see the reserve from the best vantage point. Book on the day at the admissions desk: boats run daily from spring to autumn, with a more limited schedule in mid-winter.

If you’re staying at our Church Farm Holiday Park, Arundel is also a nice town to combine with it: wander the wetlands first, then head into town to sightsee and grab a late lunch. Both are a 30-minute drive away.

Discover breaks in Sussex

Combe Haven self catering holidays

Combe Haven, Sussex

4 nights from £49
Church Farm self catering holidays

Church Farm, Sussex

4 nights from £49

6. South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre (Chichester)

Address: Kingsham Road (Sir Patrick Moore Building), Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8AE

If you fancy something different from the usual seaside fare, the South Downs Planetarium is a fun and fascinating evening visit. Sit beneath the dome while stars, planets and deep-space scenes are projected overhead, with live commentary. It’s epic, informative, and exciting, and ideal if you need a wet weather option.

Some shows are flagged as unsuitable for under-6s, so do check the listing before you make rash promises to stargazing toddlers! Parking is free but there is no café onsite. If you want snacks, it’s worth grabbing something in Chichester before you arrive. Get there early and you’ll have time to look at the displays before the lights go down and the heavens open.

7. Drusillas Park, Alfriston

7. Drusillas Park, Alfriston

Address: Alfriston Road, Alfriston, East Sussex BN26 5QS 

Drusillas Park offers one of the best family days out in all of Sussex. This small 10-acre zoo is targeted towards children between 2 and 10 years old with an array of animals, play areas and rides, but in truth it’s enjoyable for visitors of all ages. The range of animals is impressive for a zoo of this size with camels, red pandas, alpacas, otters, sloths, meerkats and even snakes to look out for. 

What’s equally impressive are the two outdoor playgrounds, complete with slides, climbing frames, swings and trampolines which your little explorers are sure to wear themselves out on. There’s also a massive splash park for when the sun’s out, in addition to a maze, bouncy castle slides, rock climbing and two indoor play areas to enjoy if the weather isn’t so good. 

8. Treasure Island Adventure Park, Eastbourne

Address: Treasure Island Adventure Park, Royal Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN22 7AE 

As you might have guessed from its name, Treasure Island is a pirate theme park. Just a 30-minute drive from Combe Haven Holiday Park in Eastbourne, a swashbuckling adventure awaits your kids. They can climb aboard a shipwreck in the outdoor play to enjoy slides, bridges, netted walkways, and a zip line, compete with you on an 18-hole mini golf course complete with crocodile obstacles, look for buried treasure on the sandy beach or paddle in the lagoon.

9. Blackberry Farm, Lewes

9. Blackberry Farm, Lewes

Address: Blackberry Farm, Whitesmith, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6JD 

This is a family run farm park set in 18 acres of beautiful East Sussex countryside, 20 miles from our Combe Haven Holiday Park. Your kids will love meeting the animals including rabbits, goats, tortoises and llamas. They can also take part in handling sessions, pony rides, and feed some of the larger animals on the farm if they want to interact with the animals up close. There’s a lot for them to do besides the animals - tractor rides, pedal go karts, barrel bug rides, outdoor playgrounds, a play barn and sensory zone - almost all of which is included in the entry price, making it great value for money. 

10. Hastings Adventure Golf, Hastings

Address:  Pelham Pl, Hastings TN34 3AJ 

There’s nothing like some friendly family competition, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Hastings Adventure Golf. Located in the picturesque town of Hastings, just a 15-minute drive from out excellent Combe Haven Holiday Park, this miniature gold bonanza has an array of obstacles, impossible bridges, and ridiculous water features across the three unique 18-hole courses. 

You can choose between the regular Crazy Golf, Adventure Golf or Pirate Golf themes as you negotiate spitting tikis, dodge the flying cannonballs, and take on the iconic windmill. The park also has plenty in the way of food, drinks, and ice cream to keep you fuelled up as you make your way around. 

Start planning your Great British break

Important information

Terms and conditions

Terms and conditions

Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2033

Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.

‘Make no site fee payments until 2033 when using Let2offset’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.

“Make no site fee payments until 2033 when using Let2offset” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Make no site fee payments until 2033 when using Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £701.67 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £707.92. The monthly difference equates to £6.25, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2026 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.

Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset at Burnham-on-Sea

Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income. ‘Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset’ is available at Burnham-on-Sea. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability.

“Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Burnham-on-Sea with a monthly site fee of £797.08 (includes purchasing discount of £19.58) and monthly letting income of £667.25. The monthly difference equates to £129.83 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2026 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to be billed monthly during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.

Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.

Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset at Lydstep Beach

Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income. “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is available at Lydstep Beach. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability. "Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Lydstep Beach with a monthly site fee of £949.50 (includes purchasing discount of £28.83) and monthly letting income of £789.83. The monthly difference equates to £159.67 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2026 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to be billed monthly during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.

New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 22 January 2026

Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.

As at 22 January 2026, price is available at the following parks: Blue Dolphin, Cardigan View, Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Hafan Y Mor, Haggerston Castle, Lakeland, Littlesea, Marton Mere, Orchards, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Quay West, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Skegness, Thornwick Bay, Wild Duck and Weymouth Bay. Price can be withdrawn at any time.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Price excludes 2026 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.

Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 22 January 2026

As at 22 January 2026, price is available at the following parks: Blue Dolphin, Cardigan View, Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Hafan Y Mor, Haggerston Castle, Lakeland, Littlesea, Marton Mere, Orchards, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Quay West, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Skegness, Thornwick Bay, Wild Duck and Weymouth Bay. Price can be withdrawn at any time.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Price excludes 2026 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.

Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.

As at 22 January 2026, price is available at the following parks: Blue Dolphin, Cardigan View, Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Hafan Y Mor, Haggerston Castle, Lakeland, Littlesea, Marton Mere, Orchards, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Quay West, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Skegness, Thornwick Bay, Wild Duck and Weymouth Bay. Price can be withdrawn at any time.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Price excludes 2026 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.

Move your caravan to Haven for free - full terms and conditions

This offer is available for holiday home owners not located at a Haven park and that want to relocate their holiday home from their current holiday park a Haven holiday park, subject to pitch availability and the satisfactory completion of our standard onboarding checks. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion, apart from the free 2026 site fee promotion if applicable to the Haven park. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice.

In order to be eligible to participate in the offer, your holiday home must be situated within a 50-mile radius of the Haven park that you wish to relocate to. The holiday home must be no more than 15 years old from the date of manufacture and if it has been purchased under a finance agreement, the holiday homeowner must provide confirmation from their lender that the holiday home can be moved to the Haven park.

Haven will transport your holiday home from the entrance of its current holiday park location to the required Haven park and will reimburse your transportation costs up-to a maximum value of £750; any excess must be paid by the holiday homeowner. Haven does not accept any responsibility for any damage that happens to the interior of your holiday home whilst it is being transported to one of our holiday parks. We recommend your holiday home is fully packed down and ready for transportation. Transportation does not include decking. Any decking bought onto a Haven park must be approved by the General Manager of that park to ensure it meets Haven standards. Siting and connection costs for your holiday home on a Haven park will be paid for by Haven. Offer excludes payment of holiday home disconnection at your current park and transportation costs from its current pitch to the entrance of its current park.

Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times. Images are shown for representational purposes. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.

Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.

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