West Sussex family attractions: 10 places for kids and parents
July 17, 2025
West Sussex is a true paradise for families seeking unforgettable adventures and educational experiences. This beautiful region in southern England offers an incredible variety of attractions that will delight both children and parents. From picturesque parks and gardens to bustling farms and fascinating museums, there is something for everyone. In this article, we'll highlight the top 10 places that will make your family trip to West Sussex full of fun, discovery and moments spent together. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the most interesting corners of this charming county!
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Farms and amusement parks for the whole family
West Sussex offers a range of attractions that combine fun and education, ideal for families with children of all ages. Let's start with Fishers Farm Park, which received an impressive 4.7-star rating. This place is a true paradise for little explorers. The farm offers a range of activities, from contact with animals to tractor rides. Parents praise the wealth of activities for children and the friendly atmosphere. As one visitor noted: 'We had an amazing day at Fishers Farm, all the staff were smiling and helpful, the queues were also practically non-existent, which was refreshing!' It's worth noting that the facility is well-maintained and offers plenty of opportunities to spend the day.
Another great option is Harbour Park Amusements in Littlehampton, rated 4.2 stars. This amusement park is ideal for younger children and offers a variety of attractions. As one reviewer points out: 'Super place and great staff! The park offers not only rides, but also slot machines and a soft play area, making it the perfect place for family fun throughout the day.
For those who prefer a more natural setting, Southwater Country Park (rated 4.5) is an excellent choice. The park offers a beautiful lake where you can swim, a rarity in England. Kayak rentals are also available, and large parking lots make access easy. One visitor emphasizes: 'A great place to spend time, especially since there is a lake where you can bathe.
Comparing the three places, Fishers Farm Park seems to offer the most diverse attractions and the highest rating, making it ideal for families looking for a day's entertainment. Harbor Park Amusements is a great option for families with younger children, especially if they like amusement parks. Southwater Country Park, on the other hand, is the perfect place for those who enjoy getting in touch with nature and staying active by the water.
It is worth noting that each of these places has its own unique advantages. Fishers Farm Park offers an educational experience of farm life, Harbor Park Amusements provides typical park entertainment, and Southwater Country Park allows you to relax in nature. The choice depends on the family's preferences and the age of the children, but each of these places guarantees an unforgettable experience and plenty of fun for the whole family.
Historic estates and gardens
West Sussex is not only about amusement parks and farms, but also a region rich in historic estates and picturesque gardens that offer unforgettable experiences for the whole family. One such place is Petworth House, rated 4.6 stars. This impressive mansion impresses not only with its architecture, but also with its extensive deer park. As one visitor notes: 'Absolutely amazing place. Walking through the deer park is like paradise on earth. So many deer and mushrooms! Beautiful lakes, too.' Petworth House offers a fascinating glimpse into history, with tours of old kitchens, distilleries and other historic rooms.
Another remarkable place is Wakehurst, a botanical garden rated 4.6 stars. This place is ideal for nature lovers, offering beautiful walking paths, ponds and a variety of plant species. One reviewer emphasizes: 'A great place for garden lovers and more. Attractive walking paths, ponds, landscaping and a variety of plant species make the garden draw you in for hours.
National Trust - Nymans is another gem among West Sussex gardens, also with a 4.7 star rating. This place combines natural beauty with a rich history. As one visitor notes: 'Beautiful place. Very well-maintained property, you can immerse yourself in the history of the place.' Nymans offers not only picturesque gardens, but also the opportunity to discover the history of the property.
Comparing the three places, each has its own unique character. Petworth House stands out for its impressive architecture and extensive deer park, making it ideal for families interested in history and wildlife. Wakehurst is a botanist's paradise, offering the widest variety of plants and the best nature education opportunities. Nymans, on the other hand, combines elements of a historic estate with beautiful gardens, making it an excellent choice for families seeking both culture and nature.
It is worth noting that all of these places are managed by the National Trust, which guarantees a high standard of maintenance and service. Petworth House may be best suited to older children interested in history, while Wakehurst and Nymans offer more space for free play and exploration for younger children.
Admission prices to these sites are moderate, and National Trust members can use them free of charge, making them an attractive option for families planning multiple trips. All three sites also offer cafes and picnic areas, making it easy to plan day trips.
Regardless of your choice, each of these places guarantees an unforgettable experience, combining education with relaxation in a beautiful setting. These are ideal places for families who want to combine learning about history and nature with enjoying the outdoors.
Educational museums and nature parks
West Sussex also offers a number of fascinating museums and nature parks that combine education with entertainment, ideal for families looking for a worthwhile experience. Let's start with the Weald & Downland Living Museum, which received an impressive 4.7-star rating. This remarkable outdoor museum allows visitors to step back in time and experience life in centuries past. As one visitor notes: 'A great day out for almost the whole family. If the weather is good, so much the better, because you can walk among the buildings outdoors.' The museum offers interactive experiences and workshops that are especially appealing to children.
Another noteworthy site is Tilgate Park, rated 4.7 stars. It's a sprawling park offering a variety of attractions for the whole family. One reviewer emphasizes: 'A very cool place to go for a walk at any time of the year. Large area, with a tiny zoo, with a lake and benches.' The park combines elements of a zoo, a nature park and a recreation area, making it ideal for day trips for families.
Amberley Museum, with a 4.8-star rating, is another gem among West Sussex's educational attractions. This place offers a fascinating journey through the region's industrial and craft history. As one visitor notes: 'Highly recommended. It's free to visit the Amberley Museum, but you can make a donation.' The museum offers interactive exhibits and displays that are both educational and fun for children.
Comparing the three places, each offers a unique educational experience. The Weald & Downland Living Museum is ideal for families interested in history and daily life in the past. Tilgate Park is an excellent choice for those who want to combine contact with nature, animal observation and active recreation. Amberley Museum, on the other hand, offers the most technical and industrial approach to history, which may be of particular interest to older children and teens.
In terms of accessibility, Tilgate Park seems to be the most family-friendly with young children, offering spacious walking areas and playgrounds. The Weald & Downland Living Museum and Amberley Museum may be more suitable for slightly older children who can appreciate the historical and technical aspects of the exhibitions.
Admission prices to these places vary. Tilgate Park offers free admission to the park itself, making it the most economical option. The Weald & Downland Living Museum and Amberley Museum require an admission fee, but offer a more organized and educational experience instead.
All three sites are open year-round, but it's worth remembering that some attractions may be seasonal. In summer, the sites offer more outdoor activities, while in winter they may hold special events and exhibitions inside.
Regardless of your choice, each of these places guarantees an educational and fun experience for the whole family. These are ideal destinations for parents who want to combine learning with entertainment, offering children the opportunity to interactively learn about history, nature and technology in a fascinating way.
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