Tilgate Nature Centre

Near Pulborough Brooks

RSPB Pulborough Brooks is a family-friendly nature reserve in West Sussex featuring both wetland and wooded heathland trails with rich wildlife including birds, dragonflies, and fungi. Visitors can enjoy accessible paths, bird hides, a visitor centre with cafe and shop, and special events like night-time safaris. Dog access is allowed on specific trails, and facilities support wheelchair and pushchair users.

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.

Near Bignor Park

Bignor Park is a historic Georgian house set on an eleven-hundred-acre estate at the foot of the South Downs. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the house with family introductions, explore extensive gardens and parkland, and appreciate the connection to Romantic poet Charlotte Turner Smith. Picnics are welcome on the lawns.

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.

3 miles from Parham House & Gardens

Parham House & Gardens is a historic Elizabethan mansion with significant collections of needlework, paintings, and furniture, set within extensive gardens including a four-acre Walled Garden. Visitors can explore both the indoor house and outdoor gardens, with accessible facilities and on-site food options.

2 miles from Denbies Hillside

Denbies Hillside in Surrey offers beautiful outdoor experiences with spectacular views, diverse wildlife, and historic features such as WWII pill boxes. Visitors can enjoy peaceful countryside walks and scenic nature trails.

3 miles from Story Explorers - autumn fun for pre-schoolers

23 Sep, 30 Sep…

A pre-school session for children and their grown-ups featuring stories, rhymes and nature-based crafts.

3 miles from Bramber Castle

Bramber Castle features the ruins of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle with a well-preserved gatehouse tower and historic earthworks in West Sussex. Visitors can explore the outdoor remains overseen by English Heritage, including the original motte and foundations, alongside an adjacent historic church still in use.

3 miles from Dapdune Wharf

Dapdune Wharf is a historic former industrial wharf and boat-building yard on the Wey and Godalming Navigations in Guildford, now managed by the National Trust. Visitors can explore a complex of boatyard buildings, view rare Wey barges, enjoy interactive displays, and take boat trips on the navigation.

3 miles from Wharf Weenies

9 Oct, 6 Nov…

Wharf Weenies is an outdoor session for children aged up to four, featuring songs, stories, play in the natural environment, mud-kitchen activities, natural-resource crafts and wildlife spotting.

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.

2 miles from The Ashley Centre

The Ashley Centre is a shopping centre in Epsom, Surrey, featuring a mix of shops, office spaces, and a theatre space with accessible facilities including a multi-storey car park and Shopmobility service, conveniently located near public transport.

Near 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.

Near 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.

Near St Mary’s House & Gardens

St Mary’s House & Gardens in Bramber, West Sussex, features a medieval timber-framed house with fine panelled interiors, an Elizabethan Painted Room, and five acres of scenic gardens. The venue offers mostly wheelchair accessible facilities, a cafe, free parking, and a shop, with access for Historic Houses members free of charge.

Located in Steyning

Steyning is a historic market town in West Sussex, England, known for its Saxon origins, medieval heritage, cultural festivals, and scenic location on the edge of the South Downs.

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 Abinger Roughs and Netley Park

Abinger Roughs and Netley Park offer extensive woodland and grassland with marked trails for walking and cycling, a natural play area, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The area features ancient oaks and has historical significance linked to Charles Darwin. Netley Park's woodland grounds provide scenic views over the Tillingbourne Valley, making it a great outdoor destination for families and nature lovers.

3 miles from We’re going on a Ghost Hunt™ family trail at Hatchlands Park

10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)

A Halloween family trail based on the children’s books, following the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill as they search for hidden ghosts around Hatchlands Park. The outdoor trail includes things to see and do along the way and is aimed at pre-schoolers and young children.

2 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.

2 miles from 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 Arundel Castle Gardens

Arundel Castle is a historic castle with an 11th-century Norman Keep set in over 40 acres of gardens and parkland, featuring grand State Rooms, art collections, and beautiful views over the South Downs. It offers a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences and includes facilities for visitors of all ages.

Located in Arundel

Arundel is a picturesque market town in West Sussex, known for its medieval castle, Roman Catholic cathedral, and rich historical heritage, nestled in the South Downs with scenic river views.

3 miles from River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf

River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf in Guildford offer a historic river navigation experience with an award-winning visitor centre, boat trips, riverside tea-room, and a second-hand bookshop. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, wildlife, and family-friendly activities including an adventure playground.

3 miles from Music Time Wharf Weenies

16 Oct, 20 Nov

A music session for children aged up to four and their adults at Dapdune Wharf. Participants explore songs, rhymes, musical instruments and simple movement games, with a story to finish.

2 miles from Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is a historic garden in Kent featuring seasonal floral displays, themed garden areas, panoramic views, and family-friendly outdoor attractions including a playground and hedge maze.

3 miles from Selsdon Wood

Selsdon Wood is a 200-acre local nature reserve woodland in Croydon, London, offering outdoor trails, wildlife corridor, and historical significance as a preserved natural area within the London green belt.

3 miles from Clandon Park

Clandon Park House is an early 18th-century Palladian country house near Guildford, Surrey, owned by the National Trust. Though significantly damaged by fire in 2015, it is a site of historical and architectural importance with restoration plans underway. Visitors can explore its extensive parkland, gardens, and the rare Maori meeting house, along with an associated regimental museum.

3 miles from 1776 - The World Turned Upside-down

7–9 Oct, 11–16 Oct

An exhibition in the main showrooms at Hatchlands Park explores how the American Declaration of Independence in 1776 affected people connected to the estate. Visitors can view information and displays about the event.

2 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.

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.

3 miles from Hatchlands Park

Hatchlands Park is a historic red-brick country house with notable Robert Adam interiors and surrounding landscaped gardens in Surrey. It features the world's largest collection of historic keyboard instruments and a rare Cobbe portrait of William Shakespeare, with facilities including a café, shop, and open parkland.

3 miles from Slindon Estate

Slindon Estate offers 3500 acres of woodland, farmland, downland and a charming historic village with paths for walking, cycling and horse riding. Visitors can explore historic landscape features including a medieval deer park and a Roman road, enjoy seasonal woodland displays, and experience stunning panoramic views across the Sussex countryside.

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.

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.

Near Petworth

Petworth House and Park in West Sussex features a 17th-century historic house with a renowned art collection, extensive Capability Brown landscaped gardens, and a large deer park. Visitors can explore the house interiors including historic kitchens, enjoy woodland and garden walks, and relax in the on-site café. The venue offers activities suitable for families and dog walking in designated outdoor areas.

Near We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure​

10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)

A Halloween trail based on the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill children’s books, with activities including Halloween hoopla, broomstick racing and a celebration party where children can collect a sticker.

Located in Petworth

Petworth is a historic town in West Sussex, England, known for the National Trust's Petworth House and its cultural heritage including art galleries, museums, and an annual traditional fair.

2 miles from Cissbury Ring

Cissbury Ring is a large prehistoric hillfort and Neolithic flint mine in West Sussex, offering extensive earthworks, rich biodiversity and panoramic views. It is a notable archaeological and biological site owned by the National Trust, with deep historical significance from Neolithic through Iron Age periods.

Located in Worthing

Worthing is a historic seaside town and borough in West Sussex, England, known for its long beach, cultural heritage, theatres, and art deco pier. It offers a blend of historic architecture, seaside leisure, and arts and culture attractions.

3 miles from Petworth House

Petworth House is a historic late 17th-century country house in West Sussex, renowned for its extensive art collection including paintings by J.M.W. Turner and its Capability Brown landscaped deer park. Visitors can explore both the grand indoor galleries and the expansive outdoor parkland and gardens, with visitor facilities such as a cafe and shops on site.

3 miles from Headley Heath

Headley Heath in Surrey is a protected heathland offering extensive outdoor paths for walking, cycling, and horse riding. It features a rich variety of wildlife, rare birds, and plants, and is historically significant for Second World War training. Visitors can enjoy guided walks, a mobile van with refreshments, and stunning views across open heath and woodland.

3 miles from Silent Space

9 Oct, 16 Oct…

Silent Space is a quiet place in Polesden Lacey’s Upper Sunken Garden where visitors can pause, relax and take in the surrounding nature and changing seasons. It runs on Friday afternoons.

Located in Leatherhead

Leatherhead is a historic market town in Surrey, England, known for its scenic riverside location on the River Mole, rich heritage including medieval architecture, vibrant arts and cultural venues, and recreational open spaces.

3 miles from Leith Hill

Leith Hill is the highest summit of the Greensand Ridge in Surrey, England, featuring an 18th-century Gothic tower with panoramic views, surrounded by extensive woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It offers natural beauty, historical interest, and excellent outdoor walking opportunities.

3 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 Titsey Place

Titsey Place is a historic 16th century manor house in Surrey with guided tours, beautiful gardens, parkland, woodland walks, and a tea room, open seasonally to the public with parking and picnic facilities.

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.

3 miles from Lavington Common

Lavington Common is a National Trust biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in West Sussex, featuring diverse heathland, acid grassland, and woodland habitats with rich wildlife communities.

2 miles from Hever Castle

Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is a historic Tudor castle featuring richly decorated interiors, a significant collection of Tudor portraits, and extensive gardens including a maze. Restored by William Waldorf Astor in the early 20th century, it offers both indoor and outdoor experiences with facilities like a cafe, picnic areas, and accessible amenities.

3 miles from ‘Churchill: Image and Power’ exhibition at Chartwell in the Uniform Room

7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)

Visitors can explore the restored Uniform Room at Chartwell and view Sir Winston Churchill’s recently conserved uniforms and other clothing, including his Siren Suit.

3 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.

2 miles from 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.

3 miles from Chevening

Chevening offers visitors access to historic gardens set around a Palladian country house, featuring lawns, a lake, maze, parterre and woodland walks. The gardens are open seasonally with limited visitor numbers and are mostly accessible to wheelchair users. The house itself is not open to the public as it serves as a country retreat for Foreign Secretaries.