Amazing things to do in West Sussex

Ardingly Activity Centre

Ardingly is a small village north of Brighton, and an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. If you fancy a relaxing picnic with wonderful scenery, and perhaps a friendly game of cricket with the family, Ardingly reservoir is a wonderful setting for groups of all sizes! The area is perfect for bird-watchers and peaceful hikes.

Ardingly Activity Centre is also the place to visit for water-sports enthusiasts and beginners alike. Pay them a visit if you’re interested in sailing (all ages), windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, powerboating or rowing.

Also, how fast do you think you could put together a fully-functioning raft? Raft-building is brilliant for team events for parties, schools, scouts or work outings. Carry your team around the reservoir without getting soaked – can you step up to the challenge?

Brooklands Go Karts (BGK)

Built in the 1960’s as one of the first purpose-built Go Kart tracks in the UK, BGK is matchless for zippy days out with family and friends. Suitable for both junior drivers and adults, let your competitive spirit run wild over this 290m course.

With 160cc - 200cc Honda 4-stroke petrol engines available to use, you can really pick up some speed. They also have lessons available for solo racers or groups, so you can finesse your driving ability and impress your friends!

Once you’ve satisfied the desires of your inner speed demon, you can unwind with an equally competitive, but slower-paced competition of mini golf, which is also offered at Brooklands park. Make sure you wear two pairs of trousers in case you get a hole in one!

Arundel Castle

Take a step back into Arundel’s history and heritage at Arundel Castle – family fun days are a regular fixture with re-enactments, tapestries, paintings and preserved furniture (to look at, not sit on). Learn about the traditions of the castle, wander through the beautiful themed gardens, venture around the historic grounds, and revel in the glorious architecture.

With views across the River Arun, there’s plenty to see; visit Arundel Castle for a magical day out, especially when the flowers are starting to bloom!

Harbour Park

Dodgems, mini adventure golf, sea-lion spinning barrels, slides, aqua boats, family arcade - you get the picture. The most complete family day out can be experienced at Harbour Park in Littlehampton.

The indoor play area is superb for children from 3 years and upwards – and the ball-pond is where the under 3’s are in charge! With cannon ball blasters and buoy ropes, it’s the ideal setting for the kids to have their own mini adventure.

Venture outside to experience the Water chute, Castle slide, Jelly swinger, Dodgems and many more. There are so many games and rides at Harbour park, you won’t know where to start...or finish! If all the excitement is making you hungry, head into the Harbour Kitchen for light bites and burgers, lunch boxes, cakes and pastries, while the Galley restaurant has a wide selection of hot and cold meals. The Ice Cream parlour also offers a vast selection of ice cream (we suggest trying the bubble-gum ice cream flavour which is aces).

The beach is just around the corner too, East beach is a great setting for a family picnic, while West beach is generally quieter with its sand flats and dunes.

All-in-all, Harbour Park is an enjoyable day out for all ages.

Chichester Harbour Water Tours

Chichester Harbour is a outstanding natural harbour, and one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in South England. It remains relatively wild, inhabited by a large variety of sea bird species: cormorants, herons, redshanks, curlews and snipes, to name a few. Evidently then, Chichester Harbour is the perfect setting for keen bird-watchers.

Although there is far too much to do and see at Chichester Harbour for one day, Chichester Harbour Water Tours covers the best parts of it with private charter tours, public trips, bird watching tours, and even seal-watching tours! See prices and availability here: trips and prices

Tulleys Farm

Originating in 1937, Tulleys Farm is a family-run farm that provide the perfect family day out all year round, but are particularly known for their special seasonal events: Tulleys Maze, Shocktober Fest and Tulleys Christmas.

Tulleys Maze is open from July to September, and is Tulleys’ main attraction during the Summer season. It’s based around an 8-acre maize field, converted into a challenging maze which you can complete during daylight, or (towards the end of the season) lit by the atmospheric glow of torch lights. Thousands attempt this maze every season, so why not give it a go? There’s also a secret forest to explore, farmers golf, giant slides and tractor rides to enjoy!

Shocktober Fest is scary fun and the most famous seasonal attraction, particularly with household celebrity names such as Kerry Katona, Gemma Collins, Katy Price and former “Girls Aloud” member, Kimberley Walsh recently in attendance. In 2018, Shocktober Fest introduced ‘The Circus of Horrors’, alongside the other 8 haunts that were returning fixtures to their line-up. On top of this, there is a variety of live music and fresh food.

Tulleys Christmas provides a fantastic atmosphere for Christmas enthusiasts, and is suitable for all ages. Santas Grotto is a favourite amongst the younger visitors, while the ice rink proves to be much loved by older guests. Other attractions include Gingerbread decorating, Make a bear and Puppet shows.

Throughout the rest of the year, Tulleys has one of the best rated escape rooms in the country, offering a unique experience for friends and families to create exceptional memories for everyone involved. There are three different themes to test your group with – are you up to the challenge?