You’ll be spoilt for choice of wonderful days out across West Sussex; here are four of our favourites
Petworth House and Estate
Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0AE
Petworth is a jewel in the crown of the National Trust. One of the grandest houses in Britain it houses one of the nation’s most valuable art collections. Its beautiful rooms are adorned with incredible paintings and sculptures. You’ll find lots of magnificent Turner paintings, as he lived and worked here for a while. The house is all on one level so it’s one of the few National Trust properties you can take a buggy round. They are child friendly here and have quizzes and games as well as lots of excellent special events throughout the summer. The house is set in a magnificent deer park, and there are fantastic walks to be had right round the estate. The pretty town of Petworth is also well worth an amble round. There’s a tea shop in the house with highchairs and plenty of baby changing facilities.
Tel: 01798 343929 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Weald and Downland Museum
Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU
This is a fantastic open air ‘museum’ nestling in the heart of the downlands and it’s a truly wonderful family day out. Spread over a vast site, you follow a path around lots of different houses which have been brought from all over the weald and downland area, and lovingly restored using traditional methods. The paths are well maintained and you can take a buggy round all of it so it’s great with babies and toddlers. There is a café but I must say we’ve always taken picnics and enjoyed sitting on the grass then feeding the ducks our crusts!
Tel: 01243 811348 www.wealddown.co.uk
Arundel Castle
Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB
If you’re coming to West Sussex then Arundel, with its magical castle, is one of the must-see places to visit. The castle has been the seat of The Dukes of Norfolk for centuries and it’s set in 40 acres of gorgeous grounds and gardens, as well as being home to one of the nation’s most priceless collections of art and objects. Originally a Norman castle Arundel has something from the history of every century, and is still the home of the Duke of Norfolk and his family. The gardens are splendid and there’s also a restaurant and gift shop. If you want to be able to take in the views from the keep, it might be worth taking a baby sling or back pack so you don’t get stuck with a buggy at the bottom of the steps!
Fishers Farm Park
Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0EG
Although my children enjoy pottering around National Trust houses and castles with me, their idea of the perfect day out is a farm park with lots of places for them to pet animals and play. If that’s what yours like too, then you can’t go wrong with Fishers Farm Park. It’s an award-winning all-year attraction with plenty of farm animals and lots of adventure play. If you get caught out by the rain, there is plenty to do that’s under cover and there is a variety of places to buy food. Lots of animal related events take place throughout the day.
Tel: 01403 700063 www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk
