East Sussex | Days out with Kids

Embark on a journey to another time, another world. A Victorian steam engine will take you along Britain's first light railway through miles of magnificent scenery. Arrive at Bodium Castle, the kind of castle that has everything a fairy tale castle should have.

Barbican House Museum, opposite the Castle, tells the story of Sussex from the Stone Age through the medieval period. Displays include flint tools, pottery, weapons, jewelry and other archaeological discoveries. It also houses a model of Lewes during the Victorian period.

Special family sessions on archaeological and historical themes are held all year. Other events include a Medieval Day and open-air theatre performances.

See our website for events including the Antiques Fair, Medieval Weekend and popular Country and Game Fair.

Don’t let your little ones miss out on their special day. Our weekly Birthday Bash package is complete with unlimited games of bowling, a live entertainer and a visit from our own company mascot, Roley. This is no ordinary birthday party, this is a party charged with fun, laughter and energy, so join in the fun and let Bowlplex do the rest!

For bookings and further information on our packages or any excuse for a great day or night to remember, simply log on to our website where you will find full contact and address details of your local Centre.

So, can we interest you in The Great Indoors?

Find yourself transported back into a bygone age, navigate your way through your journey in time, reliving Victorian and Edwardian Britain and onwards to the 1960s and beyond. Housed in a charming medieval hall-house, the exhibition offers you the opportunity to see many rarities including Queen Victoria's personal effects and letters written by Queen Elizabeth II about her courtship with Prince Philip.

Web: www.yesterdaysworld.co.uk

Picnic places, BBQs, tearoom/garden with local produce, gift shop and exhibition in timber barn. Dogs allowed.

Open daily all year 10am – 5.30pm/dusk. On A272 in Hadlow Down, 5 miles NE of Uckfield.

Web: www.wildernesswood.co.uk

Web: www.ukclimbing.com/databases/listings/clubs.html

Blue Reef Aquariums are situated in Southsea (Portsmouth), Tynemouth on Newcastle's coast, Tyne and Wear, Newquay in Cornwall and Hastings on the East Sussex coast.

Web: www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk

Sign the whole family up for some high-energy fun at the Fire Academy and enjoy the acrobatic entertainers at the pirate themed Stunt Show. Everyone will be fascinated by the incredible LEGO® models throughout the park. From comical camels to world landmarks and a yellow submarine, it’s amazing what can be built with millions of LEGO bricks!

With over 55 interactive rides and attractions, there’s just too much to experience in one day!

If it’s culture, history or entertainment you’re after, Keith Prowse Tickets has ideas for every family.

With attractions including ‘Hop On Hop Off’ bus tours of the capital, Theme Parks like Thorpe Park or explorations of UNESCO world heritage sites and not forgetting tickets to the hottest family shows in the West End – the opportunities available on Keith Prowse Tickets are simply endless!

With new products uploaded on a regular basis, you and your family are guaranteed access to the latest and greatest family activities around. So how about the spanking new Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour? It’s bound to thrill and engage Potter fans of all ages.

No more trawling the Internet in search of inspiration… Keith Prowse will provide your family a low-cost, original and fulfilling day to remember.

Now, containing seventeenth and eighteenth century country furniture, ironwork, textiles and domestic objects displayed in furnished rooms, it stands in a traditional cottage garden. The garden includes herbaceous perennials, shrubs, wild flowers and over one hundred and seventy herbs.

The National Cycle Network is 5000 miles of safe, signed, attractive cycle routes, open and mapped in June 2000. It is made up of traffic-free sections and traffic-calmed road and minor roads, running right through urban centres and reaching all parts of the UK.

Sustrans is the charity co-ordinating the project and will continue to work with local authorities to expand the Network to a target of 10,000 miles by 2005.

For more information on the National Cycle Network and Sustrans and a copy of their free catalogue of maps, information sheets and technical publications please call the number above or visit their website.

E-Mail: info@nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk

Parts are in period furnishings. Galleries tell the story of Lewes from fifteenth century to modern times, the role of local resident Tom Paine, the Lewes Bonfire traditions and the important Wealden iron industry. There are also displays of everyday domestic objects and children’s toys.

The enclosed garden gives a feeling of stepping back into an earlier age and will be the venue for a delightful Tudor Fair in October.

Log on for full details on this fascinating museum .

Web: www.hmag.org.uk

Web: www.bluebell-railway.co.uk

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, in over 100 acres of Surrey forest, Campaign Paintball Park offers paintball days for children between 10 and 16 years and adults. The day includes everything you need including full kit, tuition and lunch. Naturally, with safety a top priority, all players are carefully supervised throughout the day.

Just one mile from junction 10 of the M25 near Cobham, Surrey and with easy access from London, Berkshire, Hampshire, Sussex and the home counties.

Visit our website for full details.

Theme Parks: Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington WoA, LEGOLAND Windsor, Disneyland Resort Paris, Port Aventura, Disney World Resort, Florida, Orlando FlexTickets - and much more.
Heritage Sites: HM Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Warwick Castle, Hampton Court, Windsor Castle, Warwick Castle, Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Visitor Attractions: London Eye, The Dungeons, Madame Tussauds, Original London Sightseeing Tour, The Big Bus Company, Jorvik Viking Centre, Ripley's Beleive it or Not!
Natural World: London Zoo, London Aquarium, 10 UK SEA LIFE Centres, Whipsnade Zoo
River Sightseeing: London Ducktours, City Cruises, Thames Clippers, Flying Fish Jet Boat Tours
Eating Out: Hard Rock Café VIP Meal, Medieval Banquet, Bateaux London

Plus much more!

As the former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, with its domes and telescopes, visitors can savour the unique atmosphere of a site where astronomers studied the heavens from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Explore science on a grand scale at Herstmonceux’s exciting Discovery Park, our outdoor science playground.

Set amid beautiful East Sussex countryside, the green domes provide an exciting environment with plenty of picnic space and wheelchair access. A special event programme operates year round.

Web: www.the-observatory.org

Have you got what it takes to be a suave international jewel thief? Could you make it as a top secret agent?

Head down to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! London and put your sneaky side to the test in the new Impossible Laser Race – the capital’s best new interactive attraction.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London is the largest Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® attraction in the world and showcases a place of wonders right in the heart of the Capitals West End.

With everything you can imagine (and plenty more you can’t), Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London is a family day out that’s definitely out of the ordinary.