🌺Nymans

5.8 mi

🌺Wakehurst Place (Kew Gardens down south)

Wakehurst is a 500-acre botanic garden in West Sussex, England, managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It features diverse landscapes, including woodlands, gardens, and a nature reserve, offering a tranquil setting for families to explore. The site is also home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the world's largest wild plant seed bank, which plays a crucial role in conserving plant biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy various family-friendly activities, such as the Wild Wood trail, Children's & Community Garden with a Mud Kitchen, Tree Trunk Trek, and Dinosaur Trail. The gardens are accessible by car and bus, with a short drive from Haywards Heath station. Opening times are from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5.30pm. Admission prices vary, with children aged 16 and under visiting for free. The site offers picnic areas, cafés, and restaurants for dining options. Accessibility features include level or ramped access to most buildings and suitable routes for buggies. Please check the official website for the most current information before planning your visit.

7.5 mi

🦁Tilgate Park

Tilgate Park, located in Crawley, West Sussex, is a 60-year-old recreational area offering a variety of attractions for families. The park features expansive grassy lawns, tranquil lakes, and vibrant gardens filled with beautiful flowers, trees, and shrubs. Its extensive woodlands and bridleways invite visitors to enjoy long, leisurely walks. The park is also home to Tilgate Zoo, which houses over 100 animals, including owls, parrots, snakes, reindeer, meerkats, armadillos, and porcupines. Additionally, the Walled Garden offers a hedge maze, a café, and several craft emporiums. The Lakeside Café serves a wide range of snacks, meals, and drinks, with a good selection of vegan and vegetarian items on the menu. The park is accessible by car, with parking available in the main car park and the Fisherman’s car park. Daytime charges apply, and there is a 2.1m height restriction in all Tilgate Park car parks. For public transport, Metrobus service 2 runs to the park on weekends and Bank Holidays, stopping at the main car park. On weekdays, it stops at K2 Crawley, a 15 to 20-minute walk from Tilgate Park. The park is open year-round, with summer hours from 10am to 6pm and winter hours from 10am to 4pm. Last entry to the zoo is 5pm in summer and 3pm in winter. Please note that barbecues are not allowed, and dogs must be kept on a lead around Tilgate Lake at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the zoo, walled garden, or play area. Cycling is allowed on the bridleways on the park’s perimeters and along the roadway to the zoo.

9.1 mi

⛰️Devil's Dyke

Devil's Dyke is a stunning natural landmark on the South Downs, offering spectacular panoramic views across the Weald and the coast. It's a perfect spot for families who enjoy outdoor adventures. Highlights include: - Breathtaking viewpoints and the famous 'Devil's Dyke' valley - Excellent kite flying slopes (bring your own kite) - Family-friendly walking trails, including an accessible path from the car park to the viewpoint - A visitor centre with a café serving snacks and hot drinks - Picnic areas with tables and benches - Wildlife spotting: butterflies, birds, and occasional deer The site is well-suited for children of all ages, from toddlers in pushchairs (the main path is pushchair-friendly) to older kids who can explore longer trails. Facilities include a car park (pay and display), toilets, and a small shop. There are no playgrounds, but the open space is ideal for running and playing. Note that the terrain can be steep in places, so keep younger children close. The site is free to enter, but parking charges apply. Visit on a clear day for the best views.

9.3 mi

✈️Gatwick Aviation Museum

Gatwick Aviation Museum is a family-friendly museum dedicated to preserving aviation history. Housed in a large hangar and outdoor area, it features a fascinating collection of aircraft, engines, and memorabilia. Kids can get up close to planes like the Spitfire, Canberra, and various helicopters. The museum offers interactive exhibits and occasional cockpit visits (check ahead). Highlights: - See historic aircraft indoors and outdoors - Interactive displays and aviation artifacts - Small play area for younger children - Café serving light refreshments Practical tips: The museum is not open daily, so check the website before visiting. Free parking is available on-site. Allow 1–2 hours for a visit. It's suitable for children aged 3 and up, but plane enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy it.

11.1 mi

🌳Stanmer Park

Stanmer Park is a historic 250-acre parkland in Brighton, perfect for a family day out. Highlights include a large children's playground, beautiful walled gardens, and extensive woodland walks. The park also features a café, picnic areas, and a nature reserve, with plenty of space for kids to run and explore. - Free entry and parking - Playground with equipment for all ages - Walled garden with seasonal displays - Woodland trails and wildlife spotting - Café serving snacks and drinks Practical tips: Wear sturdy shoes for woodland trails; the park is pushchair-friendly but some paths can be muddy. Best for ages 2–12, but older kids enjoy the nature reserve.

11.9 mi

🌳Preston Park

Preston Park is a large public park in Brighton, East Sussex, offering a wide range of amenities for families. The park features a large children's playground with equipment for toddlers and older kids, including swings, slides, and climbing frames. There are also tennis courts, a bowling green, and extensive lawns for picnics and ball games. The park is home to beautiful Victorian gardens, including a rockery and a rose garden. A café serves refreshments and ice creams. The park hosts seasonal events such as funfairs and outdoor theatre. It's a great spot for a relaxed family day out with plenty of space for kids to run around. Practical tips: Free entry, ample free parking on surrounding streets, and public toilets are available on site. The park is easily accessible by bus from Brighton city centre. Suitable for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.