East Sussex

3 miles from Drusillas Zoo Park

Drusillas Zoo Park is a small family-run zoo in East Sussex featuring a variety of small animals and primates, interactive children's play areas, rides, and educational exhibits, providing both indoor and outdoor experiences for visitors of all ages.

3 miles from Guided Group Walk - The Dean and Winchester

12 Oct (next Monday)

A guided walk of approximately 4.5 miles from Alfriston, climbing onto the Downs for views across the South Downs before descending to the Cuckmere valley and Lullington Church.

3 miles from Lamb House

Lamb House is an 18th-century writer's house museum in Rye, East Sussex, showcasing the home and garden of renowned authors like Henry James. Visitors can explore the historic interiors and the walled garden, enjoying both indoor and outdoor heritage experiences.

3 miles from Captured by Caricature: Max Beerbohm and Henry James

9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…

An exhibition exploring the connection between Max Beerbohm and Henry James, featuring Beerbohm’s caricatures of James alongside sketches by William Rothenstein and John Singer Sargent.

Near Royal Victoria Place

Royal Victoria Place is a partially covered shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with 99 retail units and a community centre, offering an indoor shopping experience.

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells is a historic spa town in Kent, England, known for its picturesque Pantiles, cultural venues, green parks, and convenient transport links including rail services. It offers a blend of heritage, shopping, and outdoor leisure for tourists.

2 miles from Priory Meadow Shopping Centre

Priory Meadow Shopping Centre in Hastings is a large indoor retail complex featuring numerous stores and a notable cricket-themed statue outside, offering a typical shopping experience with extensive parking.

3 miles from Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey

10–11 Oct (this weekend)

A large-scale re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings, with Saxon and Norman soldiers, living history camps, falconry displays, traditional music and a performance telling the story of the Bayeux Tapestry. Children can take part in sword school and a re-creation of the battle.

Located in Hastings

Hastings is a historic seaside town and borough in East Sussex, England, known for its medieval old town, fishing fleet, cultural events, and coastal landmarks like Hastings Castle and Pier.

3 miles from Standen

Standen is an Arts and Crafts house in West Sussex, featuring original Morris & Co. interiors and an extensive Arts and Crafts garden. Visitors can explore the historic house and surrounding gardens managed by the National Trust.

3 miles from Spookiful at Standen

5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)

A Halloween-themed trail around the garden, with spooky features including creepy crows and Standen bats. Visitors can explore the Spookiful Bothy and take part in creative activities in the Witchard den.

3 miles from Stone House Country Estate

Stone House Country Estate offers a blend of Tudor and Georgian architecture with services for weddings and private events, featuring indoor drawing rooms and extensive gardens for an exclusive visitor experience.

2 miles from Horne's Place Chapel

Horne's Place Chapel is a late medieval timber-framed private chapel dating from 1276 near Appledore, Kent, noted for its exquisite architecture and historic significance as a Grade II* listed building. The chapel is open to visitors to view its interior, but the attached manor house remains private.

Near Glynde Place

Glynde Place is a historic Tudor house built in 1569, offering guided house tours that explore over 500 years of family life. Visitors can enjoy a basic tea room and beautiful views over the Weald and Sussex Downs. The house is open on select days in May, June, and August with wheelchair limitations due to no lift access.

2 miles from The Big Draw at Monk's House

9–10 Oct, 16–17 Oct…

The Big Draw at Monk's House offers a range of garden-based art activities themed around making marks, including drawing, sketching and creating pictures from natural forms. Activities are open to all ages and abilities.

2 miles from Broadwater Warren

Broadwater Warren is a nature reserve set in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with heathland and woodland restoration, offering wildlife habitats for threatened species, scenic viewpoints, and accessible trails for visitors including wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Near Wakehurst

Wakehurst is a historic estate in West Sussex featuring a late 16th-century mansion, extensive botanic gardens, and the international Millennium Seed Bank. Visitors can explore the gardens and mansion, enjoy the woodland and wetland conservation areas, and dine onsite. It offers a rich horticultural experience including the largest Christmas tree in England and national plant collections.

3 miles from Fungi Walk

10 Oct (this Saturday)

A local mycologist leads a circular walk through the woods and meadows of Borde Hill’s South Park to explore fungi. Afterwards, attendees can ask questions over tea, coffee and cake inside the Ginkgo Coffee Shop.

3 miles from Sheffield Park and Garden

Sheffield Park and Garden is a large landscape and woodland garden in East Sussex, originally designed by Capability Brown. It features a significant collection of rare plants and trees, natural ponds, and extensive grounds for outdoor exploration. The garden remains a National Trust property and offers visitors a serene and historic natural environment.

3 miles from Stranger Folk Adventure at Sheffield Park

7 Oct–15 Nov (another 37 days)

Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to take part in an outdoor, games-based adventure inspired by British folklore. Guided by the Old Crone, teams complete magical tasks to find the Stranger Folk and decide their fate.

2 miles from Pevensey Castle

Pevensey Castle is a historic medieval and Roman Saxon Shore fort located in East Sussex. Visitors can explore the extensive outdoor ruins of the largest Saxon Shore fort, Roman curtain walls, and Norman medieval castle remains, including inner and outer baileys. The site also features WWII defensive machine-gun posts and has a history of several significant sieges.

3 miles from Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent is a renowned historic garden created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, featuring an influential series of garden rooms, including the iconic White Garden. Located on Tudor-era estate buildings, it showcases a vast collection of old garden roses and other plants, attracting large numbers of visitors and managed by the National Trust.

3 miles from New Ideas and Old Loves: Sissinghurst and Italy

26 Sep 2026–6 Jun 2027 (another 240 days)

An exhibition exploring the influence of Italy on Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, featuring objects, love letters, photographs and multimedia experiences.

3 miles from Bayham Old Abbey

Bayham Old Abbey is a historic 13th-century Premonstratensian abbey ruins located near Lamberhurst, Kent. Now maintained by English Heritage, visitors can explore scenic outdoor ruins featuring ornate stonework and a nearby gatehouse, set within landscaped grounds enhanced by famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton.

Located in Wadhurst

Wadhurst is a historic market town in East Sussex with a well-preserved traditional centre, notable Georgian architecture, medieval church, and a history linked to the iron industry. It offers a range of local shops and churches, accessible by train and bus.

Near Farleys House & Gallery

Farleys House & Gallery is a former Georgian farmhouse that showcases an art gallery and sculpture garden, offering guided tours of the house and seasonal exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy tea and cakes onsite and explore gardens featuring permanent and contemporary artworks.

2 miles from Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, England, known for its distinctive quadrangular design with towers and battlements. Set in a landscaped environment with an ornamental moat, it showcases medieval architecture and history. The castle is a ruin open to the public under the care of the National Trust and has been featured in films and television.

2 miles from Spell Quest at Bodiam Castle

10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)

Families can follow a magical, Halloween-themed trail around Bodiam Castle, making potions, discovering spells and taking part in activities. On weekends, visitors can also enter a spooky best-dressed costume competition in the castle courtyard.

2 miles from Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke near Brighton is a dramatic dry valley and scenic nature spot featuring historic hill fort remains, panoramic views, and rare chalk grassland habitat, ideal for walking, cycling, and exploring nature.

3 miles from Bateman's

Bateman's is a 17th-century Jacobean house in Burwash, East Sussex, known as the home of Rudyard Kipling. Visitors can explore the house preserved as it was in Kipling's time, including his study and collections, as well as the garden and the historic water mill on the estate.

3 miles from Rudyard Kipling introductory talks

6–30 Oct (another 21 days)

A short outdoor introductory talk gives an overview of Rudyard Kipling’s life, family and writing, and explains his connection to Bateman’s before visitors go inside the house.

3 miles from Camber Castle

Camber Castle is a 16th-century Device Fort built by Henry VIII near Rye, East Sussex, to protect the coast from invasion. It is a ruined concentric artillery fortress operated by English Heritage, open to visitors for guided tours. The castle is notable for its historic military architecture and coastal location.

3 miles from Book of the Month

9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…

Visitors can discover a featured novel inspired by or connected to Lamb House and the history of its notable residents. The featured book changes monthly.

Near Fore Wood

Fore Wood is a peaceful ancient woodland near Crowhurst, East Sussex, renowned for its wildlife and rare plants including bluebells and orchids. It offers outdoor nature trails through varied terrain and is managed for conservation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reserve is free to access but has limited facilities and accessibility challenges.

2 miles from Cuckmere Valley

Cuckmere Valley is a scenic outdoor nature reserve in East Sussex known for its striking views of the Seven Sisters cliffs, diverse wildlife, species-rich chalk grassland, historical WWII artefacts, and family-friendly walking trails along the river and hills.

3 miles from Book Rummage

9–10 Oct (another 1 day)

A book sale in the lower parlour offers an eclectic range of books across different genres, available by donation.

Located in Seaford

Seaford is a picturesque coastal town in East Sussex known for its broad sandy beach, historic harbour town heritage, proximity to the South Downs and Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, and a vibrant local cultural and leisure scene.

3 miles from Battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings site near Battle, East Sussex, marks the location of the pivotal 1066 battle between the Normans and Anglo-Saxons that shaped English history. Visitors can explore the battlefield, Battle Abbey ruins, and learn about this decisive Norman victory and its aftermath.

Located in Rye

Rye is a picturesque historic town in East Sussex, known for its medieval streets, cobbled lanes, and rich maritime history as a former Cinque Port. It offers a vibrant arts scene, cultural festivals, and local seafood specialties, making it a popular tourist destination.

2 miles from Ditchling Beacon

Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex offering extensive panoramic views, historic Iron Age hillfort remains, and scenic chalk downland walks including the South Downs Way. It is popular for walking, wildlife observation, and picnics.

Near Scotney Castle

Scotney Castle in Kent is a National Trust property featuring a medieval moated manor ruins and an early Tudor Revival country house surrounded by picturesque gardens with seasonal floral displays. Visitors can explore both indoor historic house spaces and outdoor gardens with historical and natural highlights.

Near Photography Display

25 Jun–31 Oct (another 22 days)

A display in the ground-floor rooms of Scotney Castle’s Mansion House presents previously unseen photographs of the Old Castle and the Hussey family, drawn from the estate’s photography collection.

2 miles from Smallhythe Place

Smallhythe Place is a Tudor-era historic house and theatre museum in Kent, dedicated to Victorian actress Ellen Terry, featuring her theatrical collection, costume displays, beautiful gardens, and an active barn theatre hosting numerous productions annually.

2 miles from Styling Smallhythe: From the functional to the unconventional

7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…

A display at Smallhythe Place traces changes in women’s fashion from the late 1800s into the 1900s, using clothing, photographs and paintings to explore changing attitudes and the lives of some of the house’s residents.

3 miles from Monk's House

Monk's House is a 16th-century cottage in Rodmell, East Sussex, notable as the home of writer Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group. Visitors can explore the period interiors, her writing lodge, and the garden with views of Mount Caburn, all operated by the National Trust as a writer's house museum.

Located in Peacehaven

Peacehaven is a historic and scenic coastal town in East Sussex, known for its unique grid layout, proximity to the South Downs, and the Greenwich Meridian monument. It offers a blend of green spaces, local shops, community events, and cultural heritage attractions suitable for tourists.

3 miles from Monkey Puzzle trail at Bateman’s

23 May–1 Nov (another 23 days)

A family trail at Bateman’s inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Monkey Puzzle. Visitors explore the house and garden, helping Little Monkey find his mum through interactive games and challenges.

3 miles from Penns in the Rocks

Penns in the Rocks is an early 18th-century historic house with artistic and literary heritage, featuring a garden with a dedicated temple and situated near natural sandstone rocks, offering visitors a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences.

Located in Crowborough

Crowborough is a historic market town in East Sussex, notable for its picturesque setting on the edge of Ashdown Forest, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural heritage including ties to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

3 miles from Autumnal Foraging Workshop with Megan Howlett

15 Oct, 3 Nov

Join professional forager Megan Howlett for a walk and talk through Sheffield Park’s gardens, exploring seasonal wild foods and learning about their folklore, history, uses and edibility.

3 miles from The Big Cat Sanctuary

The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent is a specialised animal sanctuary focusing on big cats, offering limited public open days and experience packages like overnight stays and photography workshops, with enclosures designed to mimic wild habitats.

Located in Tenterden

Tenterden is a historic market town in Kent, England, known for its charming High Street, rich Anglo-Saxon and medieval heritage, and cultural festivals. It features notable churches, a railway museum, and hosts popular events including a Christmas market and folk festival.

2 miles from Battle Abbey

Battle Abbey is a historic Benedictine abbey site in East Sussex, England, built on the site of the Battle of Hastings. Visitors can explore the abbey ruins, enjoy the visitor centre with exhibitions and film, participate in audio tours of the battlefield, and use child-friendly facilities including a discovery room and playground.

3 miles from Penshurst Place and Gardens

Penshurst Place features 11 acres of historic formal gardens divided into unique themed rooms including an Italian garden and rose gardens, with facilities such as a children's play area and refreshments, offering visitors a rich outdoor horticultural experience.

2 miles from Object of the month

7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…

Visitors can discover collection items linked to the history of Smallhythe Place and Ellen Terry, including theatre props and historic pub objects from the 1800s. The items are rotated monthly and displayed inside the house.

2 miles from 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield offers a combined indoor and outdoor historical experience including a visitor centre with interactive displays, battlefield walks with audio tours, abbey ruins, and a gatehouse exhibition, alongside a café and children's playground.

Near Churchill Square (Brighton and Hove)

Churchill Square is a large indoor shopping centre in Brighton featuring around 85 shops including major chain stores, a food court with multiple restaurants, outdoor seating areas, and an IKEA City Store. It offers ample parking and easy access by public transport.

Near Flapper Fashion

5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)

A display in Scotney Castle’s Mansion House showcases early 20th-century dresses belonging to Betty Hussey and Maud Kerr-Smiley, including a Schiaparelli designer dress. It also presents research into the garments and their owners.

Located in Uckfield

Uckfield is a historic market town in East Sussex, England, featuring a walkable town centre with a rich heritage, local nature reserves, cultural festivals, and good rail and bus connections to London and surrounding areas.

3 miles from Alfriston Clergy House

Alfriston Clergy House is a modest 14th-century Wealden hall house in East Sussex, notable as the first property acquired by the National Trust. It features timber framing, a thatched roof, and a historic cottage garden, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into medieval domestic architecture.

3 miles from Pashley Manor Gardens

Pashley Manor Gardens offers 11 acres of beautifully maintained English country gardens surrounding a historic Grade I listed manor house. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays of flowers including tulips, roses, and dahlias, art exhibitions, and a café with garden views. The site provides good wheelchair accessibility and facilities including accessible parking and toilets. Admission is free for Historic Houses members, with fees for others, especially during the annual Tulip Festival.

Near Diwali at Bateman's

8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)

Celebrate Diwali at Bateman’s with displays of Indian objects, artworks and decorations, family crafts, and opportunities to browse Indian gifts and books. The event also highlights Rudyard Kipling’s connections with India.

3 miles from East Dean and Friston

East Dean and Friston is a civil parish in East Sussex featuring the coastal hamlet of Birling Gap, known for its scenic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, pebble beach, and National Trust visitor facilities including a cafe and shop. It offers a natural outdoor experience with coastal views and geological interest.

Near Borde Hill

Borde Hill is a Grade II* listed English Heritage Garden set within 383 acres of woodland and parkland, famous for its diverse collection of unusual trees and shrubs and distinct garden 'rooms'. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, wheelchair accessible facilities, and family-friendly amenities including a cafe and picnic area.

Located in Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath is a historic market town in West Sussex, England, known for its railway connections, community events, and evolving residential areas.

Located in Burgess Hill

Burgess Hill is a historic market town in West Sussex with vibrant shopping areas, cultural venues, parks, and good rail and bus transport links, located close to the South Downs National Park.

3 miles from Litlington White Horse

The Litlington White Horse is a large outdoor chalk hill figure of a prancing horse on Hindover Hill, East Sussex. Originally cut in 1838 and recut in 1924, it is maintained by the National Trust and is a notable local landmark with historical and cultural significance, popular for hiking and scenic views.

3 miles from Devil's Dyke, Sussex

Devil's Dyke is a deep dry valley on the South Downs near Brighton, known for scenic views, walking, hang gliding, and historic Iron Age hillfort remains. It is managed by the National Trust and offers a popular outdoor experience for visitors.

3 miles from Great Dixter House & Gardens

Great Dixter House & Gardens is a renowned historic house and garden in East Sussex featuring Christopher Lloyd's renowned horticultural design, accessible grounds, a café, a shop, and educational tours, suitable for visitors interested in gardening and heritage.

2 miles from Moat tour with a costumed medieval character

9 Oct, 16 Oct…

Join a costumed medieval character for a guided tour around Bodiam Castle’s moat, hearing about the castle’s construction, landscape and past inhabitants.

Located in Hailsham

Hailsham is a historic market town in East Sussex, England, known for its heritage buildings, weekly markets, cultural events, and scenic parks. It provides a pedestrian-friendly town centre with a variety of shops and local amenities, supported by local public transport links but without a direct railway station.

2 miles from Nymans

Nymans is a Grade II* listed English garden in West Sussex, featuring extensive woodland, rare plants, and the picturesque ruins of a mock-medieval stone manor. Managed by the National Trust, it showcases a variety of historic horticultural styles and plant collections.

2 miles from We're Going on a Ghost Hunt this Halloween at Nymans

10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)

A Halloween activity trail at Nymans, inspired by the children’s books. Follow the bunnies’ ghost-hunting adventure, try activities including Halloween hoopla and broomstick racing, and collect a sticker at the celebration party.

2 miles from Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill

Saddlescombe Farm and Newtimber Hill near Brighton offer visitors a scenic outdoor experience with ancient woodland, chalk grassland, and historic farm buildings including a donkey wheel. The site is part of the South Downs Way and is known for diverse wildlife and stunning views.

3 miles from Michelham Priory House & Gardens

Michelham Priory House & Gardens is a historic Augustine Priory set on its own island in East Sussex, offering visitors immersive indoor historical displays and extensive outdoor gardens with family-friendly activities including a playground and a café.

3 miles from Bates Green Garden

This seven-acre naturalistic garden offers visitors a sensory experience with unusual plants, colour-themed borders, and a large wildflower meadow and ancient woodland. Facilities include accessible paths, refreshments, parking, and plant sales. Free entry is available for RHS members on selected days.

3 miles from Autumn Colour Early Morning Self-Led Photography

14 Oct, 21 Oct

Visitors can enter Sheffield Park and Garden before its normal opening hours to enjoy the autumn colours, walk around the lakes and take photographs.

3 miles from Hole Park

Hole Park is a renowned private garden in Kent featuring extensive formal and wild gardens including Bluebell Wood, wildflower meadows, and woodland. The 16-acre site offers seasonal displays of flowers and topiary with a café serving homemade teas and light lunches. Dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and courtyard.

3 miles from Penshurst Place

Penshurst Place is a historic fortified medieval manor house in Kent surrounded by 11 acres of beautiful walled formal gardens. Visitors can explore the house's historical staterooms with family portraits and tapestries, stroll through the extensive gardens with fruit trees and water features, and enjoy onsite facilities including a café and shop. The venue offers accessibility features, activities for children, and is rich in history and seasonal events.

2 miles from Merriments Gardens

Merriments Gardens is a creatively designed four-acre outdoor garden featuring sub-tropical and herbaceous borders, water features including ponds and a waterfall, and a wildlife area with bird-hide. It offers a vibrant seasonal display of plants and an organic vegetable garden providing produce for the on-site restaurant.

3 miles from Display of the Sir Philip Burne-Jones portrait of Rudyard Kipling

5 Oct–31 Dec (another 83 days)

A portrait of Rudyard Kipling by Sir Philip Burne-Jones goes on display in Kipling’s Study at Bateman’s, alongside the portrait of his wife, Caroline. The display marks the start of a three-year loan from the National Portrait Gallery.

Near Display of Su Blackwell's 'Bateman's Reimagined'

5 Oct 2026–14 Feb 2027 (another 128 days)

An exhibition of Su Blackwell’s paper artwork, a house created from copies of Rudyard Kipling’s handwritten manuscript of The Jungle Book. The artwork is displayed in Elsie’s Room on the ground floor of Bateman’s.

3 miles from Blackcap

Blackcap in East Sussex is a 623-acre hilltop area along the South Downs ridge featuring scenic views, ancient history, wildflower walks, and diverse wildlife. It's an outdoor destination rich in natural beauty and historic significance.

Located in Bexhill-on-Sea

Bexhill-on-Sea is a picturesque seaside town in East Sussex known for its historic charm, the landmark De La Warr Pavilion modernist arts centre, and its legacy as the birthplace of British motor racing. Visitors can enjoy beaches, riverside scenery, cultural events, and a vibrant town centre with shops and independent markets.

2 miles from Firle Place

Firle Place is a historic country estate in East Sussex offering guided tours of its Grade One listed house with a rich collection of art and furniture, set within beautiful parkland in the South Downs National Park. Visitors can also enjoy the tea room and accessible facilities during a meaningful indoor and outdoor experience.

Located in Lewes

Lewes is a historic county town in East Sussex, England, known for its medieval landmarks, annual Bonfire celebrations, vibrant arts scene, and scenic setting in the South Downs National Park along the River Ouse.