Bluebell Railway, Horsted Keynes

Here you can experience the great era of steam travel and enjoy the sights that greet you along the line between Horsted Keynes and Sheffield Park, where you’ll find a beautiful 120-acre garden close to the station. Created by ‘Capability’ Brown, the garden is famed for its spring flowering rhododendrons and dazzling autumnal colours.

Lewes

Why not browse the antique shops of the Cliffe or take a rewarding stroll in search of this historic old town's many independent retailers and quaint buildings, or visit historic Lewes Castle. The atmosphere here is bustling and friendly and there are plenty of opportunities for a welcome coffee break.

Paragliding

Learn to fly in the skies above Sussex with seasoned experts at premier sites in the depths of the South Downs National Park. Airworks Paragliding Centre is based at Glynde railway station, just a short drive from Firle.

Brighton Laines

This corner of Brighton represents a tightly packed network of narrow lanes and twisting alleyways where you’ll find countless independent shops, boutiques, jewellers, cool cafes and corner pubs. The accent in this highly individual and extremely colourful bohemian district is on the quirky and eclectic.

Racing at Plumpton

Think of horse racing in Sussex and you immediately think of Plumpton. This is the place to go to enjoy the sport of kings. Superbly situated below the South Downs, the racecourse is one of the smaller jump courses in the country and draws large crowds from far and wide.

Shooting, Fletching

Northall Clay Pigeon Club is the perfect venue for clay shooting whether you are a beginner or simply want to improve your shooting skills. Northall offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere to enhance the occasion.

Gliding

Fancy taking the controls of a glider and soaring high above the Weald and South Downs, then book a trial lesson with a qualified instructor and explore the Sussex skies from the East Sussex Gliding Club at Ringmer.

Cycling the South Downs Way

The South Downs Way, one of Britain's premier national trails, runs like a thread along the ridge of the South Downs from Winchester in Hampshire to Beachy Head in East Sussex. The trail illustrates the true character of the South Downs - wooded in the west, bare and exposed in the east, and there is no better way to discover the rolling downland than to follow the waymarked route on a mountain bike.

Ballooning

Opt for a local launch station with Virgin Balloons and see the glorious Sussex landscape from the air. One of the highlights of a balloon trip here is a bird’s eye view of Bewl Water and the rolling High Weald landscape.

Hastings Old Town

Fish stalls and net sheds by the beach and narrow streets lined with cafes, art galleries and vintage shops set the quirky, bohemian vibe of Old Hastings, contrasting with the traditional pier and promenade of the modern town. Ruins of William the Conqueror's castle brood above, best reach via the East Hill Cliff Railway, Britain's steepest funicular railway built in 1902.

Drusillas Park, Alfriston

One of the best small zoos in Europe, Drusillas is both very animal friendly and very child friendly making for a great family day out. The enclosures are imaginative and creative, presenting the animals in an interesting and naturalistic setting. Kids will love the amazing family-friendly rides, the immersive sensory experience SPARK, and the wild indoor and outdoor adventure play areas.

Trekking with Llamas, Cousley Wood

Yes, you really can enjoy a llama adventure in the middle of the East Sussex countryside. There’s a range of llama-trekking options to enjoy, including various themed walks with cream tea or, for a special occasion, champagne and chocolates.

Wilderness Bushcraft, Etchingham

Founded in 1983 by well-known bushcraft expert Ray Mears, Woodlore offers in-depth courses on a wide range of bushcraft and survival subjects. Discover a very different world deep in the East Sussex countryside.

Rye

Ten miles north of Hastings, the charming East Sussex town of Rye is filled with picturesque cobbled streets and clay-tiled roofs. Exploring the town really does convey the impression of visiting the set of a period costume drama or film. With its independently owned shops, potteries, art galleries and smart cafes, Rye is the perfect place for shopping and browsing.

Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down

Sixty two acres of working woodland in Hadlow Down with a network of footpaths to explore, brilliant play areas, a forest school, woodland products, cafe, outdoor kitchen with pizzas and BBQs, and innovative and interesting workshops, from Print Making in Nature to Den Building and Woodland Crafts.

Camber Sands

A stunning three-mile stretch of dunes and vast expanse of sand between Rye Bay and the Kent border. A popular spot for windsurfing and kite-surfing. Beach is dog-friendly between May and September but dogs must be kept on a lead.

Cycling - Forest Way

Part of the Downs and Weald cycle route, this tree-lined path follows the route of a disused railway track for 10 miles, taking you through the heart of the East Sussex countryside, through small fields and farms among wooded, rolling hills. The route is flat and traffic-free, making it the perfect day out for families or less experienced cyclists.

Bewl Water, Ticehurst

Bewl Water, near Wadhurst on the Kent/Sussex border, offers a multitude of things to do. There are scenic walks and cycle rides around the reservoir shores, fishing, watersports and many family-friendly activities, plus a range of great events throughout the year.

Kent & East Sussex Railway, Bodiam

The picturesque line weaves between Tenterden and Bodiam for 10.5 miles. Experience travel and service from a bygone age aboard beautifully restored coaches and steam locomotives dating from Victorian times.

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