There are loads of activities for all the family across East Sussex and May is the ideal time to explore the outdoors and try new things.
 
Get inspired by our ‘Top 10 things to do in East Sussex’ and, if you’re looking for even more entertainment, take a look at these 10 great events in East Sussex for the May half term holiday which have caught our eye.

1 The Smugglers Trail

Bateman’s by Phil Bartle

Where: Bateman’s (National Trust), Burwash TN19 7DS
When: May 27 – June 6 2016
Details: The infamous Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers have been back to Bateman’s. Find out who the smugglers are and where they have hidden their treasure around the garden. There’s a prize at the end! Whilst you’re there, tick off some of the National Trust’s ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾’activities this half term – play Pooh sticks in the wild garden over the River Dudwell, hunt out the natural bug hotels in the old hay meadow by looking under fallen logs, find frogspawn in the many ponds or make grass trumpets.

2 Elderflower Fields

© Elderflower Fields

Where: Pippingford Park, Nutley TN22 3HW
When: May 27 – 30 2016
Details: Elderflower Fields is a weekend of wild adventure, eclectic music and great local foodstalls, designed with children in mind. Focusing on the outdoors, families can make mini mud huts, go pond dipping, play beach rugby, climb trees, make fairy wands, go to art camp, try archery, and plenty more. There’s also a woodland spa, live music and delicious food and drink, all set in the beautiful surroundings of Pippingford Park. If you don’t fancy camping, day tickets allow entry to the festival on May 28th between 9am and 11pm!

3 Heathfield & District Agricultural Show

JCB dancing diggers! © Heathfield & District Agricultural Show

Where: Little Tottingworth Farm, Heathfield TN21 8UE
When: May 28 2016
Details: Experience the very best that the Sussex countryside can offer in this premier agricultural show. It’s not just farm animals and produce on show – there are dozens of exciting marquees with something for everyone, including a special microbrewery. The farmers’ market is packed with delicious produce and the Country Ways stands and arena demonstrate a host of different country crafts, including traditional trug making, as well as thrilling shows from falconry displays and terrier racing to JCB dancing diggers!

4 Bows, Arrows & Battle Tactics

© English Heritage

Where: 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield (English Heritage), Battle TN33 0AD
When: May 28 – June 5 2016
Details: Visor down. Sword raised. Bows and arrows at the ready. Let your kids stand shoulder to shoulder with the past at England’s most iconic battlefield as they steel into action as a Norman or Saxon soldier this half term. Unlock their imaginations as they practice their skills in the field with archery, sword and spear before picking a side for the light-hearted Kids’ Battle of Hastings!

5 Science in East Sussex

Telescope at the Observatory Science Centre by DaveBloggs007

Where: The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux BN27 1RN
When: May 28 – June 5 2016
Details: Science fans should head for The Observatory Science Centreduring the half term holiday. In addition to the interactive hands-on exhibits, there will be daily telescope tours and spectacular science shows every day, all included in your admission price! The centre is also running fantastic children’s workshops and special events include a Tim Peake returns weekend when you can build your own Space Station from recycled materials and learn all about his mission to the ISS.

6 ‘Lords of Bodiam’ half term trail

Bodiam Castle by Eksley

Where: Bodiam Castle (National Trust), Robertsbridge TN32 5UA
When: May 28 – June 5 2016
Details: Bring along your little explorers and travel back in time to discover more about the men behind this magnificent castle, from its medieval builder, Sir Edward Dallingridge, to the last owner, Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, who bequeathed the castle to the National Trust. On May 30th, you can join the family fun at St Edward’s Fair too, with the chance to try on armour, enjoy games and activities and explore local craft stalls. Plus an opportunity to enjoy a delicious hog roast!

7 Birling Gap 50 things trail

Starfish and anenomes at Birling Gap by Debs eye

Where: Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters (National Trust), East Dean BN20 0AB
When: May 29 – June 5 2016
Details: More of the National Trust’s ‘50 things’ await young explorers at Birling Gap. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Seven Sisters Country Park, it’s the perfect place to grab a trail list from the visitor centre and make some natural discoveries. Explore the beach, nestled at the foot of the sheer chalk cliffs and scour the shingle for fossils of sea creatures; dip for crazy critters in the rock pools revealed at low tide; or set off on a barefoot walk over the springy downland turf.

8 Battle Medieval Fayre

© Battle and District Chamber of Commerce

Where: Battle Abbey Green, Battle TN33 0EN
When: May 29 – 30 2016
Details: Medieval madness reigns in historic Battle! You won’t be able to resist the charms of the authentic mix of costumes, games, stalls and entertainment. There’s merry maypoling on the Abbey Green and a host of entertainers combining juggling, jesting and general tomfoolery. Battle’s very own chivalrous jousters strut their stuff and there’s an opportunity to try on armour and weaponry. With a delicious hog roast, and wine, cider and local fruit juices flowing, what’s not to like?

9 50 Things Wild Week

Woodland at Sheffield Park by Martin Thomas

Where: Sheffield Park and Garden (The National Trust), Uckfield TN22 3QX
When: May 30 – June 3 2016
Details: Young explorers can tick off lots of activities on their ‘50 things’ list in the garden and parkland at Sheffield Park. There’s a different organised activity every day during the week, including pond dipping on Monday, raft building on Tuesday, den building on Wednesday, bug hunting on Thursday and tree climbing on Friday. Elsewhere, around the park, complete even more activities on the list with trees to scramble up and inside, the Ringwood Toll play trail to build dens and the Hammerdick stream to build a dam or make a sticky mud pie.

10 Double the fun at Drusillas Park

© Drusillas Park

Where: Drusillas Park, Alfriston BN26 5QS
When: May 30 – June 2 2016
Details: Animals are only half the fun at Drusillas! Hello Kitty kicks off the star-studded line up during half term week as she returns to her home on Monday. Throughout the day, she will greet fans in her beautifully themed bedroom and pose for souvenir pictures. The Fat Controller will be causing a locomotion on Tuesday when he alights at the Park to take control of the Thomas & Friends™ railway. Make tracks to Tidmouth Hault and enjoy photo opportunities with Sir Topham Hatt himself. More adorable duos will be making appearances too, with Peppa Pig & her brother George on Wednesday and Bing and Flop on Thursday.

Where can I stay?

Now we’ve inspired you for the May half term holiday, why not take a look at our selection of luxury holiday cottages in East Sussex and find the perfect one for you and your family?