What's On in Sussex

Wilfrid the Seal - Trail for Children and Families

Venue: Chichester Cathedral

Website: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

Families are invited to seek out artefacts, such as flowers pressed by a soldier between the pages of a Bible in the trenches of WWI and 800-year-old rings worn by Bishops during the 12th century. Led...

Demonstrations by Call to Arms

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Call to Arms is a group of volunteers with a passion for history and training in Historical European Martial Arts. Dressed in full armour, they show what medieval combat may have looked like, by showing...

How to Train Your Dragon Trail

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Let your imagination run wild and channel your inner Viking as you pick up tips and tricks to master the art of dragon training. Discover different dragon species, learn the forgotten language of Dragonese,...

Emily Gravett's Tidy Trail at Bateman's

Venue: Bateman's

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/batemans

Join Pete the Badger and his friends for a fun-filled summer adventure. Whether you're a super organiser or a little on the messy side, this family trail is perfect for everyone. Includes activities and...

Dragonfly Festival

Venue: WWT Arundel

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

Explore the magical world of dragonflies and dive into a summer full of wondrous new wetland experiences including outdoor dragonfly games, Dragonfly boat safari, adventure play area, pond dipping and...

Free Summer Events at Priory Meadow

Venue: Priory Meadow

Website: www.priorymeadow.com

The beach will be open daily for the whole of July and August and you can also enjoy a sunshine-filled lineup of FREE family events. From giant bubbles and puppet shows to seaside crafts and roaming seagulls,...

Summer of Play

Venue: Standen House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore the garden, its hidden corners and winding hillside paths, play in Adventure Corner and discover activities in the woodland den. Have a go at archery and swingball near Adventure Corner, on Goose...

Hurrah for Shippam's

Venue: The Novium Museum

Website: www.thenovium.org.uk/whatson

Step into the story of one of Chichester’s most iconic companies in this nostalgic and surprising exhibition. Discover quirky adverts, colourful packaging, factory memories and family-friendly interactives.Admission...

Children’s summer crafts at Bodiam Castle

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Craft activity for families, children can decorate their own ceramic dragons to take away. Little ones can imagine themselves becoming a knight or Viking as they decorate their own wooden shield. 1pm-4pm,...

Crazy Golf at Standen - July Weekends

Venue: Standen House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden

Family fun playing Globetrotters 9 hole crazy golf course, 10.30am-3.30pm. Suitable for ages 4+.Booking essential. Adult £6, Child £4, Family (2 adults, 2 children under 12 £18).

Exotic Spots Summer Trail

Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden

This summer, follow the free family trail to discover nine big and beautiful animals from around the world. Each one is hanging out near its favourite exotic tree or plant. There will be dog free Saturday...

Ship Ahoy! Family Trail

Venue: Petworth House and Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth

Step into the world of J.M.W. Turner and set sail on an artistic adventure through Petworth House and Garden! Follow the clues to discover the golden light, rolling landscapes, and stormy skies that inspired...

Summer of Play at Bodiam Castle

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Take to the stage with dressing up, test your aim with archery, and try your hand at jester skills like juggling. Includes other fun games to enjoy, including hobby horses, quoits, sand play, dancing ribbons,...

Dragonfly Children's Crafts

Venue: WWT Arundel

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

Drop-in to dragonfly crafts in the Outlook In building.Children 3-16 years of age can create a dragonfly in just a few minutes using natural materials and crafting staples. Mon-Fri 11am-12.30pm.This activity...

Summer Holiday Activities

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Discover more about the history of the railways as part of the 200th year anniversary celebrations of the modern railways in Britain. Follow the new family railway trail available throughout the summer...

ESCC Library Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: East Sussex Libraries

Website: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraryevents

East Sussex Libraries have lots of free events from wildlife crafts plus After the Rain theatre performance, Wildlife inspired crafts with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, Zoolab animal experience...

Burgess Hill Girls Open Morning

Venue: Burgess Hill Girls

Address: Keymer Rd, Burgess Hill

Website: https://burgesshillgirls.com

Choosing the right school is a big decision. The weekly Open Mornings every Friday offer the perfect opportunity to experience the warm, vibrant and successful community at the school, which is dedicated...

Crazy Fun at Hastings Adventure Golf

Venue: Hastings Adventure Golf

Website: www.hastingsadventuregolf.com

Home to the World Crazy Golf Championships, Hastings Adventure Golf boasts three imaginatively designed 18-hole courses - Pirate, Adventure and Crazy. They have delicious fish and chips, homemade gelato,...

Harbour Park

Venue: Harbour Park

Website: www.harbourpark.com

Take a plunge on the Water Chute or fly around on the Jellyswinger. Family favourites include the Whirlpool Waltzer, Junior Ocean Coaster and Reef Dodgems. Indoor attractions include Under the Sea soft...

Hove Park Junior Parkrun

Venue: Hove Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/hovepark-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but register before you first go along.

Family Fun Day

Venue: Brighton Racecourse

Website: www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk

Join this Family Fun Day to end the school Summer holidays with a bang. Enjoy thrilling horse racing, the best free entertainment, and a fantastic atmosphere. Includes face painting, bumpercarz, teacup...

Kids Disco Party Nights

Venue: Eastbourne Bandstand

Website: www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk

Kids Disco Nights: Party with DJ Oli, dance to popular tunes, and meet Leo the Lifeguard! Perfect for ages 5-12. Doors and Bar open from 6.30pm. Tickets £7.

Dive into Dragons Sessions

Venue: WWT Arundel

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

Perfect for home schoolers, this exclusive new event is available during the WWT Dragonfly Festival only. Spend a two hour session with the Learning Team diving into the world of dragonflies! Then roam...

Wednesday 1812 and Fireworks Concerts

Venue: Eastbourne Bandstand

Website: www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk

An evening of classical music and popular film scores ending with a firework finale to the 1812 Overture.2-hour show with short interval. Doors and Bar open from 7.30pm.

Diesel Gala

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Expect a variety of home fleet and visiting locomotives, hauling a mix of passenger and demonstration freight services. Enjoy the rare chance to see diesels operating across the full length of the Bluebell...

Christ's Hospital Open Morning

Venue: Christ's Hospital

Website: www.christs-hospital.org.uk

A Christ’s Hospital student’s experience goes far beyond academic progress. Their holistic education centres on developing talent and fulfilment in a range of broader activities from music, theatre,...

Flarewave Festival - See and Create

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: https://brightondome.org

Join this fun, creative drop-in workshop where everyone can participate on an equal footing. This is especially important for families who use both BSL and spoken English, as it can help bring community...

Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live!

Venue: Assembly Hall Theatre

Website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world- renowned Natural History Museum has teamed up...

The Big Bad Wolf

Venue: Brighton Open Air Theatre, Dyke Rd

Website: www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk

Following the success of their 2024 production of The Secret Garden, The Plandits are back on the road with this brand-new show bursting with live music, silliness and laughs for the whole family. Go on...

The Bubble Show 2 - More Bubbles!

Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Website: https://wtm.uk/events/the-bubble-show

From the creator of The Bubble Show® comes a dazzling new adventure full of bubble artistry and visual magic. Watch as the master of bubbles breathes life into: light, water, plants, animals, stars, and...

Vintage Tractor Weekend

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Get ready to be transported to a bygone era as you get up to close to a stunning array of vintage tractors set against the Museum’s picturesque backdrop.Children will be delighted by the interactive...

Art Sundays

Venue: De La Warr Pavilion

Website: www.dlwp.com

Workshops offering drop-in style creative activities for all ages, in dialogue with the exhibitions. Art Sunday workshops run on first and third Sunday of each month in the Rooftop foyer. 2–4.30pm, drop-in...

HMS Pinafore

Venue: Brighton Open Air Theatre, Dyke Rd

Website: www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk

Full to the gunwales with sharp dialogue and catchy tunes, this timeless comic opera is performed by a cast of six outstanding performers, on a spectacular nautical set, using Sullivan’s full score....

Voyager: Fantastic Journey to the Outer Planets

Venue: South Downs Planetarium

Website: www.southdowns.org.uk

Visit to the Planetarium and experience the greatest ever voyage of planetary exploration and travel with the Voyager spacecraft from Earth to the giant outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune...

Six

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-brighton

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century...

Evening Bat Walks

Venue: Borde Hill

Website: https://bordehill.co.uk

As the sun sets over the estate, some of Borde Hill’s most amazing residents – the bats – are waking up and taking to the night skies.The evening will start with a short illustrated talk where you’ll...

Late Summer Stars, Moon and Planets – South Downs Planetarium

Venue: South Downs Planetarium

Website: www.southdowns.org.uk

Visit the Planetarium for all the very latest space news and for a breathtaking tour of the night sky and to find out more about what there is to be seen on clear evenings in the late summer. Not suitable...

Bat Walk at Bodiam Castle

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Head out around the castle parkland after hours to try out a bat detector and learn more about this extraordinary nocturnal flying mammal’s world. Remember to take a torch as you will be heading out...

Battle Abbey School Open Days

Venue: Battle Abbey School

Website: www.battleabbeyschool.com/about/open-days

The school seamlessly blends modern and traditional elements, both in its facilities and academic approach. Open Days are always very well attended and give prospective parents the chance to see what makes...

Miniature Steam Show

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Take in the sights and smells of the miniature steam engines as the Museum transforms into a world of steam, smiles and whistles.On both days there will be a parade of all the engines on display ending...

Town Show and Family Fun Day

Venue: Rosemead Park, Littlehampton

Website: www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk

The popular event returns for its 22nd year and is undoubtedly one of the biggest community celebrations in the Town calendar. A celebration of the vibrant Littlehampton community including live performances,...

Wicked Open Air Theatre

Venue: Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Website: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

Before Dorothy dropped in, two unlikely friends met at Shiz University: one ambitious, golden and adored; the other misunderstood, powerful, and green. Wicked is the epic, dazzling origin story of the...

Professor Slug’s House Of Bugs

Venue: Brighton Open Air Theatre, Dyke Rd

Website: www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk

The House of Bugs is fully booked with all sorts of bugs seeking help from Professor Slug and his fellow bug experts.From the co-creator of the award winning One Duck Down, this show is packed full of...

The Fantastic Northern Lights

Venue: South Downs Planetarium

Website: www.southdowns.org.uk

Visit the Planetarium to understand how these eruptions on the Sun cause displays of the Northern Lights, find out the best times and the best places from which to see them – and when they might once...

Steying Grammar Schools Open Events

Venue: Shooting Field, Steyning

Website: www.sgs.uk.net/parents/event-bookings

There will be an opportunity to explore the school, get involved in activities and workshops, meet teachers and students. Head Teacher talks at 5.30 and 6.30pm. If the first session is full when you arrive...

Bohunt Worthing Open Evening and Mornings

Venue: 65a Broadwater Road, Worthing

Website: www.bohuntworthing.com/open-mornings

This purpose built, modern and innovative Academy school opened in September 2015 to Year 7 and 8, and has since grown into a vibrant and successful 11-16 comprehensive school in the heart of the Worthing...

Grow Up Wild - Home-ed Forest School

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

There is a flexible structure to each session with seasonal craft and cooking activities interleaved with regular opportunities for developing fire lighting skills, tool work, exploration, games and...

Heritage Open Days 2025

Venue: Nymans

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Join Nymans for Heritage Open Day and enjoy free entry for all to the house and garden.10am-5pm.

Bat Walk at Bodiam Castle

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Join expert Bodiam Castle rangers for a walk around the castle parkland. Learn more about the species of bat found around Bodiam Castle and hear why Bodiam is a brilliant place for bats. Remember to bring...

Beach Clean

Venue: Sutton Place Bexhill

Website: https://www.mcsuk.org/beach-cleans/bexhill-environmental-group-20-09-2025

Join this beach clean to help us stop harmful litter from reaching the ocean and collect vital data that we can use to bring about positive change for our seas. Take your own gloves and a mug for refreshment...

Bede's School Open Events

Venue: Upper Dicker, Hailsham

Website: www.bedes.org

Bede's is a co-educational day and boarding school for children from 3 months to 18 years old. With two stunning campuses, they have a strong reputation for helping every child discover and develop their...

Model Boats on the Lake

Venue: Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

Website: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

See the Schooner Radio Control Group in action on the Lakes at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, and enjoy a fantastic fun-filled day with a range of Model Radio Control Boats, yachts, steamboats and warship...

Pop-up Second-hand Book Sale at Bateman’s

Venue: Bateman's

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Scullery Bookshop will be open as usual with its range of modern and vintage fiction, children’s books and Kipling plus outside there will be even more fiction, non-fiction and children’s books.10am–4.30pm. Free...

Shippam's Family Day (Heritage Open Day)

Venue: The Novium Museum

Website: www.thenovium.org.uk/whatson

Children can enjoy themed craft activities inspired by the Shippam’s brand, while grown-ups can explore fascinating stories and share memories of a local company that left a lasting impression on generations....

Autumn Bus Show

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

A showcase of buses from Amberley Museum’s own collection, the Southdown Omnibus collection and a number of visiting buses.There will be bus rides all day, transporting visitors around the Museum grounds...

Taylormania

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

The show has already taken ‘Swiftie’ fans across the world by storm and features all of Taylor’s much loved hits including ; Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You...

Bohunt Horsham

Venue: Bohunt Horsham

Website: www.bohunthorsham.com

This is a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore this vibrant school community. If you are unable to attend the open evening, they have a small number of open mornings...

Home Educators Day

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Enjoy a day exploring Amberley Museum, with drop-in activities and experiences specially for home-educating families. Includes a new bewitching broomsticks workshop and other exciting new activities –...

WMTC: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Website: www.wtm.uk/events/wmtc-charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory

Willy Wonka, the world’s most famous chocolatier, has opened his factory doors—but only to a lucky few! Join Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners as they embark on a life-changing adventure...

Stick Man

Venue: The Old Market

Website: www.theoldmarket.com

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever...

Autumn Show and Horse Trials

Venue: South of England Showground

Website: www.seas.org.uk

Guests of all ages (and their canine companions) will enjoy this jam-packed outing featuring the prestigious South of England International Horse Trials, affiliated with British Eventing. Throughout the...

Farlington School Open Morning

Venue: Farlington School

Website: www.farlingtonschool.com

Horsham’s only co-educational independent school and nursery for ages 6 months to 18 years, Farlington School is a warm and welcoming day and boarding school and year-round nursery, nestled in 33 acres...

Skip's Family Workshop - Totoro

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Everyone's favourite forest spirit Totoro is the inspiration for this workshop. Follow the Soot Sprites around the Theatre and enjoy wonderfully imaginative arts and crafts and making and playing themed...

The Colour of Dinosaurs

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

A rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig for curious humans of all ages.Join five musicians and palaeontologist Dr Jakob Vinther as they enter the multi-coloured world of the dinosaurs with soaring music,...

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

When 16 year old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined....

The Smeds and The Smoos

Venue: Assembly Hall Theatre

Website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall...

Sir Robert Woodard Academy Open Evening

Venue: Upper Boundstone Lane, Sompting

Website: www.srwa.woodard.co.uk

The catchment area includes all Lancing and Sompting primary schools and extends into Shoreham. All places at the Academy are free and open to children of all abilities, and from all backgrounds The prospectus...

Willingdon Community School Open Events

Venue: Broad Road, Lower Willingdon

Website: www.willingdonschool.org.uk

Due to popular demand, all events are ticketed via Eventbrite. For the Open Evening on the 2nd October, please ensure you book a ticket for both the school open evening tour and the Headteacher’s address....

Claremont School Open Day

Venue: Bodiam, East Sussex

Website: www.claremontschool.co.uk

Mark your calendars and explore Claremont School at their upcoming Open Day. From 9am to 12pm, visit the Senior School in Bodiam to discover your future secondary and sixth form options. Register now and...

Fireman Sam Weekend

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Meet Fireman Sam at The Bluebell Railway and it’s all free with an All Day Rover Ticket! Fireman Sam will be making special appearances at intervals throughout the day at SteamWorks!, Sheffield Park...

Lancing Prep Worthing Open Morning

Venue: 122 Broadwater Rd, Worthing

Website: www.lancingcollege.co.uk

Lancing Prep Worthing is dedicated to nurturing positive mental health and emotional wellbeing through an open, supportive culture. Register for their open morning on Saturday 4 October or arrange a personal...

Slindon College Open Morning

Venue: Slindon College, Slindon House, Top Road, Slindon

Website: www.slindoncollege.co.uk/openmornings-visits

Open Mornings are an opportunity for families to see the College, its impressive 14 acres of grounds and to meet members of staff and the Senior Leadership Team. It's an informal way for families to see...

We're Going on a Ghost Hunt this Halloween at Standen

Venue: Standen House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the bunnies are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Standen with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way....

RBC Race for the Kids at School

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.gosh.org/get-involved

Take part in the annual school charity fun run between 6-10 October and help build the new Children's Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Get the whole class - or even the whole school...

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown...

The Gruffalo's Child

Venue: Assembly Hall Theatre

Website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Follow the Gruffalo's Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories' enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.Let your imagination run wild with songs,...

Family Friendly Backstage Tours

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk

This guided tour is a brilliant way to explore how theatre is made! Discover the backstage spaces, how shows are created and experience the famous Festival Theatre stage, plus there will be chances to...

Nick Sharratt’s Picture Book Drawalong

Venue: Ropetackle Arts Centre

Website: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

Join much-loved children's writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt in a family-friendly, fun-filled drawalong for all ages. He’ll be taking a look at some of his favourite books and sharing ways to invent...

Pirates Love Underpants

Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Website: www.wtm.uk/events/pirates-love-underpants

Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John Bridge, bob upon the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants and trek across Three Pants Ridge. Filled with music, puppetry and glittering pants...

Skip's Family Workshop - Alice in Wonderland

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Don’t be late for this fun Alice in Wonderland session! Take a walk around the Theatre with themed activities along the way, have a break for Jam Tarts and a drink, and make and play together creating...

Spell Quest at Bodiam Castle

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Young witches and wizards are wanted to take part in a thrilling quest to cast some spells with the help of the beasts of Bodiam Castle.Prepare for an immersive family-friendly trail filled with suspense...

Nick Cope's Family Show: I've Lost My Bobble Hat!

Venue: The Old Market

Website: www.theoldmarket.com

Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years, his performances are legendary. If you haven’t heard his songs or seen...

Swan Lake

Venue: Assembly Hall Theatre

Website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Swan Lake tells the unforgettable tale of two women, Odette and Odile, who resemble each other so closely that they can be mistaken for one another. This compelling story follows the tragic romance of...

Cirque: The Greatest Show Reimagined

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original Circus meets Musical Theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights.Experience iconic West End showstoppers...

Let's All Dance presents Hansel and Gretel

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

With expressive music and staging, this vibrant retelling of the classic tale celebrates the timeless themes of courage, family bonds and the power of love. Combining charm, suspense and fantasy in a beautifully...

Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live!

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world- renowned Natural History Museum has teamed up...