Things to do in Sussex

 Ever get stuck trying to find things to do on the weekends with your family? Sometimes you can just run out of ideas so this article will give you ten suggestions on where you could visit in Sussex for a special day out. 

1. Beachy Head – Beachy Head is a stunning location in Sussex with dramatic white cliffs and beautiful undulating downs. Beachy Head is an area of outstanding natural beauty and along with the Seven Sisters it has to be one of the best places in Sussex to walk or cycle. You can enjoy so many activities such as picnics, mountain boarding, kite flying and many more. There is a sheep centre, you can play cricket on the recreation ground or go to the Hikers Rest Tea and Gift Shop. For more information on Beachy Head visit www.beachyhead.org.

2. Amberley Museum – Why not visit the Miniature Steam Show at Amberley Museum? You will find a stunning range of steam models on show as well as all the usual museum attractions. Some of the steam engines on show will be paraded around the site. For more information you can call 01798 831 370 or check out their website at www.amberleymuseum.co.uk. 

3. De La Warr Pavilion – The De La Warr Pavilion was opened in 1935 and was the first public Modernist building. The Pavilion is a Grade 1 listed masterpiece and has been restored and redeveloped with the help of lottery funding. There are two state of the art galleries, a stylish café, modern restaurant and an open roof terrace with beautiful sea views, it is well worth a visit and it is free. For more info call 01424 229100 or visit www.dlwp.com. 

4. Highdown Gardens – Highdown gardens are absolutely beautiful and a fantastic place to visit. The whole garden is deemed a National Collection. The Chalk Garden is a particular highlight and achievement of Sir Frederick and Lady Stern who worked for 50 years to prove plants can grow on chalk. A lot of the original plants can be seen in the garden today, in particular those collected by Reginald Farrer and Ernest Henry Wilson. For more information you can call 01903 501 054 or visit their website at www.highdowngardens.co.uk. 

5. Cass Sculpture Foundation – The Cass Foundation has a fantastic reputation for commissioning large scale sculpture from the finest of British artists. To date they have exhibited over 440 new sculptures in their beautiful grounds. It is a lovely place to enjoy the art and the outdoors. If you would like to know more call 01243 538 449 or look on their website at www.sculpture.org.uk for photographs. 

6. Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival – The food and drink festival is the largest of its kind on the south coast and has lots of exciting events going on for keen foodies. For information on festival events visit www.brightonfoodfestival.com. 

7. Charleston – Charleston farm house was the beautiful home of artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. Their home became the meeting place for a group of writers, artists and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury Group. The interior of the house is simply beautiful and a unique example of their decorative style. To learn more call 01323 811 265 or visit their website www.charleston.org.uk. 

8. Arundel Jailhouse Ghost Experience – The all new ghost experience for 2010 offers a fun and informative tour around the old prison cells beneath the town hall where ghosts are said to inhabit. Even if you do not believe in ghosts before you visit you will find yourself spooked by the stories you hear in this cool ghostly experience. The tour is suitable for all who are brave enough to enter! For more information on the ghost tours telephone 01903 889 821 for opening times. 

9. Pallant House Gallery – This gallery is unique and holds one of the best collections of 20th century British art you will see in the world. They have an extensive exhibition programme which includes touring exhibitions and print room shows. There is an art reference library and studio for workshops. The bookshop at the gallery is fantastic and specialises in Modern British Art. There is also a restaurant which is stylish and offers lunch and tea and coffees throughout the day. If you like the sound of Pallant House then call 01243 774 557 for more details or visit their website www.pallant.org.uk. 

10. Ashdown Forest Llama Park – The llama park at Ashdown Forest is fantastic, you can see over 100 really friendly llamas and some reindeer in 30 acres of beautiful countryside. When you visit you can enjoy wonderful views, park walk, museum, adventure playground and picnic area. You can also go on llama walks which are suitable for adults and children over the age of 14. There is also a coffee shop which serves light lunches. The Alpaca Shop is also full of delights such as alpaca knitwear and accessories. Call 01825 712 040 for more information or look at their website www.llamapark.co.uk.