With a diverse selection of superb cultural attractions, amazing architecture, fantastic natural landscapes and kid-friendly places to visit, anyone planning a trip to this inspiring corner of England won’t be stuck for things to do!

From echoes of William the Conqueror to visits in the footsteps of famous residents, including Rudyard Kipling and Vanessa Bell, we highlight the top 10 things to do in East Sussex that will entertain families, nature lovers and art lovers alike.

1 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield (English Heritage)

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield © English Heritage

Where: Battle TN33 0AD
Details: Plan your attack on the country’s most famous battlefield and abbey ruins! Experience the atmosphere with interactive displays and a video that rolls back the centuries. The ruined abbey is very impressive and there’s a great audio tour around the 100-acre battlefield, including a visit to the very spot where King Harold met his eye-watering date with destiny. From summer 2016 you can experience stunning rooftop views from the top of the gatehouse and a new special exhibition exploring the battle. Events throughout the year range from kids battles, crafts and trails, to encounters with Normans and Saxons. And, when you’ve had enough history, there’s a themed wooden playground, picnic area and the Battle Abbey Café, where you can relax in the delightful surroundings.

2 Bateman’s (National Trust)

Bateman’s by Nick Allen

Where: Burwash TN19 7DS
Details: This delightful Jacobean house was home to author Rudyard Kipling and is packed to the rafters with his memorabilia, with most rooms – including Kipling’s study – preserved almost exactly as they were when the writer lived there. The 300 acres of beautiful countryside that surround the house include a delightful garden running down to the River Dudwell, complete with working water mill, a real hidden gem. It’s a fun place for children with a range of events including Jungle Book Days with pond dipping, bug hunts and storytelling. Relax with a picnic in the gardens or indulge in something delicious in the Mulberry tea room. A trip to Bateman’s will be a treat for the whole family.

3 Bodiam Castle (National Trust)

Bodiam Castle by Eksley

Where: Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA
Details: One of Britain’s most picturesque and evocative castles – with its massive towers, great portcullis and broad moat – Bodiam Castle is the real thing! Let your kids’ imagination run wild as they spot murder holes, climb spiral staircases and explore the ruins where knights once roamed. Colourful castle characters bring the medieval world to life through intriguing (and sometimes gruesome) tales, while the Knight’s Peril interactive audio adventure invites you to solve a mystery and save the day. With lots of events throughout the year to entertain your bold knight or aspiring princess and open all year around, what are you waiting for?

4 Charleston House & Garden

© Charleston – photographer Tony Tree

Where: Firle, East Lewes BN8 6LL
Details: Charleston is the former home and country meeting place for the influential 20th-century Bloomsbury Group of writers, painters and intellectuals, including Virginia Woolf and E M Forster. 2016 is the centenary of the artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant arriving at Charleston. They transformed the charming house, painting the walls and furniture and filling the rooms with textiles, ceramics and works of art from their collection. Apart from exploring the house, the surrounding whimsical garden, with its humorous statues set amongst the Mediterranean-inspired gravel paths, ponds and mosaics, is a special place for a picnic or just to stroll. There is also a café and shop, not to mention events including the Charleston Festival in May, as well as workshops and talks.

5 Drusillas Park

© Drusillas Park

Where: Alfriston BN26 5QS
Details: Make tracks to Drusillas Park and enjoy all the animals, attractions and events on offer at this award winning zoo. Get nose to nose with hundreds of fascinating creatures from monkeys and crocodiles, to penguins and meerkats or challenge the animals in the popular Zoolympics – open to adults and children alike! However animals are only half the fun at Drusillas. Your little monkeys can get up to all sorts of antics in the brilliant jungle themed play areas as well as Edens Eye Maze and the ‘Amazon Adventure’ indoor soft play arena. Plus don’t miss Hello Kitty’s Secret Garden, the Thomas & Friends™ train ride or the new ultimate splash pad experience, Get Wet!

6 East Sussex Falconry

© East Sussex Falconry

Where: Herstmonceux BN27 1PX
Details: East Sussex Falconry is the ultimate venue to get up close and personal with a large collection of amazing birds of prey under the guidance of the experienced handlers. Marvel at the stunning squadron of trained falcons, hawks, eagles, kestrels and owls as they show off in the skies with the magnificent 15th-century moated Herstmonceux Castle as the backdrop! A memorable experience for all ages, book a full or half day and you’ll get to hear all about the noble sport of falconry and learn how to care for and handle the birds, as well as fly and feed the powerful predators for yourself. There’s plenty of time to spend with the real stars of the show: the birds themselves, so don’t forget your camera!

7 Glyndebourne

© Glyndebourne – photographer James Bellorini

Where: Lewes BN8 5UU
Details: For a unique experience. pack your black tie and your picnic hamper and rug and join the entertainment at Glyndebourne, one of our oldest operatic venues. The Glyndebourne Opera Festival, running from May 21st until August 28th 2016, is one of our great British summer traditions, and something that anyone who loves opera – or is charmed by Things English – should definitely experience. The award winning opera house stands next to the stunning Glyndebourne House, and the surrounding gardens and landscape are worth a visit alone. The opera house also hosts many other events for children and adults all year round, so visitors of all ages can enjoy the performing arts.

8 Royal Pavilion

© Royal Pavilion and Museums, Brighton and Hove

Where: Brighton BN1 1EE
Details: Built as the glittering party pad and palace of King George IV, the Royal Pavilion is one of the most opulent buildings in England. Certainly the finest example of early 19th-century chinoiserie anywhere in Europe it’s an apt symbol of Brighton’s reputation for decadence. The entire palace is an eye-popping spectacle, with lavish interiors amid a riot of decoration. An unimpressed Queen Victoria called the Royal Pavilion ‘a strange, odd Chinese place’, but for visitors to Brighton it’s an unmissable chunk of Sussex history. Features include audio guides in various languages (available for a small charge), a tearoom, gift shop and stunning Regency Gardens.

9 Seven Sisters Country Park

 
Where: Exceat, Seaford BN25 4AD
Details: Nothing says England like chalk cliffs, and the Seven Sisters are by far and away the best, providing breathtaking views. The Seven Sisters Country Park forms part of one of Britain’s finest stretches of unspoilt coastline, with 700 acres of chalk cliffs backed by meadows, woodlands and a meandering river valley. With fantastic walking and cycling and plenty of footpaths and trails to explore, it’s a great way to spend a day. Walk to the beach along the easy access trail, and enjoy fishing and wonderful wildlife, including wading birds and the fascinating underwater world of the rock pools. Or simply relax over a picnic and take in the stunning surroundings.

10 The Observatory Science Centre

The Observatory Science Centre by Science Projects Ltd

Where: Herstmonceux BN27 1RN
Details: For a great day out with a bit of a thrill, budding Galileos and Einsteins should head for this former world-famous observatory. They’ll love the exciting range of interactive hands-on science and discovery among the domes and telescopes. Weather permitting, visitors can also enjoy outdoor exhibits such as the Discovery Park and Water Planet. The centre runs a variety of kids’ workshops which range from rocketry, car power, space and astronomy to electricity and water experiments. With spectacular science shows during school holidays, and star-gazing open evening events, it’s an educational and fun experience for everyone.

What else?

Our top 10 things to do in East Sussex highlight just some of the great attractions on offer when you stay at our luxury holiday cottages in East Sussex. If you need some more ideas for fantastic days out, take a look at the ‘Things to Do & Events’ section for each property listing and make the most of your getaway!