LOCAL CHARITIES & BUSINESSES • CONTENT
Homes + Gardens
Pfeiffer Design, interior architecture & design, Chapel Barn, Lewes Rd, Piddinghoe BN9 9AL, 01273 499200, www.pfeifferdesign.co.uk
Simplify + Style, local professional organising, decluttering and home styling services, 07771 788324, www.simplifyandstyle.co.uk (see box p.3)
Sussex Fireplace Gallery, specialises in providing, installing & maintaining electric fires & fireplaces, East Sussex, www.sussexfireplacegallery.com
Village Bathrooms, luxury bathroom design & installation, visit showroom in Uckfield, 01825 705800 villagebathroomstudio.co.uk/
Village Heating Company, trusted heating engineers in Uckfield, info@villageheatingcompany.co.uk villageheatingcompany.co.uk/ Local Businesses
Care Remedies, complete home caring service, covering East Dean to Pevensey Bay and surroundings, 01323 301152
Coffin Club Hastings, hear talks, ask questions and plan your perfect send off, 07985 295373
In This Issue
driveJohnson’s Eastbourne, established driving school in Eastbourne, 0330 1244877
Jurgen Matthes Student Organisation, looking for host families & English teachers, around Eastbourne, 01323 744020
Lightning Fibre, local broadband company building a new full fibre network in East Sussex, 01323 380260
Maya & Friends Dog Walking Service based in Eastbourne, DBS & Fully Insured., 07763 091912
W.E. Clark & Son, Sussex family jewellers since 1819, Lewes BN7 2AF, 01273 487816 & Uckfield TN22 1AJ, 01825 708777, www.weclarkandson.co.uk/
Charities + Volunteering Opportunities
Baby Bank South Wealden, baby, children’s clothing, equipment, toys & more to families in need, Heathfield, Eastbourne, Faccebook: @baby bank south Lewes area, wealden CIC (see advert)
Holding Space, family support group drop-in sessions, Eastbourne, 4th Tue 10am-12pm, 2nd Thu 6-7pm, hello@holdingpsace.org.uk
Mediation Plus, supporting separating couples, young people & neighbours in dispute, 01424 446808
Welcome to our SPRING 2025 issue, which is filled with ideas to take you outdoors, from fabulous family days out, to catching some bluebells or lambs being born, or simply getting out for some fresh air! We are also featuring some tips for your spring clean, to declutter your home and bring back some order and calm.
Our spring competitions feature some fabulous prizes, which include an amazing family weekend at Good Vibrations Society Festival to celebrate the beginning of the festival season (see our front cover), a family tickets to Percy Jackson - The Musical at The Other Palace in London and a day out in the countryside at the South of England Show, as well as the chance to win an eco-friendly Beewax Food Wrap Set from the local Park Farm Cottage Bee Products. THANK YOU to our wonderful advertisers and prize providers. Please continue to support these hardworking local businesses, and don’t forget to mention that you have heard about them through the FAMILY GRAPEVINE!
Our SUMMER/AUTUMN 2025 MAGAZINE will come out in early July, so keep an eye out for it and follow us on social media!
Bettina x
Bettina Horne-Muller - acting editor bettina@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk | 01444 443068
Eastbourne, Wealden & Lewes ewlfamilygrapevine www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes
The front cover features the family parade at the GOOD VIBRATIONS SOCIETY Festival – a magical and nourishing 3-day celebration of music, wellbeing, and ecology, set in the breathtaking beauty of Ashdown Forest.
1st-3rd August 2025, Pippingford Park - Ashdown Forest, East Sussex www.goodvibrationssociety.com | Socials: @goodvibrationssociety Image credit: Leila Ghaffari / @leilagphotography (see competition p.9)
Drawn cartoons are by Lesley Harvey (see advert p.8)
GREENER CHOICE
Refill Store
eco haven, sells sustainable personal care products online + pop ups at local events, ecohavenstore.com
Buy The Weigh, refill store, Ticehurst, Wadhurst TN5 7AS, open Mon-Sat, 07790 748369
Simply Weigh, zero waste shop, St Mary’s Walk, Hailsham BN27 1AF, open Tue-Sat, 01323 441467
The Season Lewes, Cliffe High St, Lewes BN7 2AH, wholefoods with refill & plastic-free products, 01273 359200
Wonderfill, refill store, Saint Leonards-on-sea TN37 6DY, open Wed-Sun, 01424 532104
No Waste! Community Fridge + Pantry
Crowborough Community Pantry, Beechview Parade TN6 3RA, Mon/Sat am, Tue, Thu eve, greentransitioncrowboroug.org.uk
Heathfield Community Fridge, Union Church, TN21 8LB, Mon-Thu 9.30-11am, find on Facebook
“Households in the UK are estimated to throw away 66 items of plastic packaging per week on average. This means that 1.85 billion plastic packaging items are thrown away each week across all UK households, equating to almost 100 billion items a year.” [Statista, August 2023]
Langney Community Fridge, Eastbourne BN23 7DX, Tue 1-3pm, FB:
@LangneyCommunityCentre
Lewes Community Fridge, 2 Fisher St, Sat 10.30am-12.30pm, find on Facebook
Newhaven Community Supermarket, Denton Island Com. Centre BN9 9BA, Tue 11am-1.30pm, 01273 517250
Old Town Community Fridge, Victoria Baptist Church, Eastbourne BN21 1UE, Wed 8.30-10am, Facebook: @CommunityFridge
Pass it on Community Fridge, James West Com. Centre, Hailsham BN27 3FY, daily 10am-1pm, find on Facebook
Peacehaven Community Supermarket, Meidian Centre BN10 8BB, Thu 11am-1.30pm, 01273 517250
Seaside Community Fridge, Eastbourne BN22 7NN, Tue-Thu 11am-3.30pm, find on Facebook
Shinewater Community Fridge, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne, Tue 10am-12pm, Facebook: @EHSFamilyHubs
Uckfield Community Fridge, Hub Garden TN22 1AL, Tue, Fri, Sat 10am-12pm, Wed 2.30-4pm, find on Facebook
Willingdon Trees Community Fridge & Pantry, Holly Place Eastbourne BN22 0UT, Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, willingdontrees.org.uk
Fix + Re-use! Repair Café
Crowborough Repair Café, Ashdown Junior School TN6 2NT, monthly 1st Sat, 10am-12.30pm, find on Facebook
Heathfield & Horam Repair Café, Village Hall TN21 0JE, monthly 2nd Sat, 9.30am-noon, find on FB
Lewes Repair Café, Landport Community Hub BN7 7SU, monthly 1st Sat, 2-5pm, find on Facebook
Scrap Store Eastbourne, Arts & Crafts sessions using scraps, find on FB
Seaford Repair Café, Mercread Youth Centre BN25 1AB, monthly 4th Sat, 12-3.30pm, find on Facebook
Uckfield Repair Café, Victoria Pavilion TN22 5DJ, monthly 4th Sat, 9.30am-12pm, find on Facebook Plastic-Free
The Washable Nappy Company, free demonstrations & trial kits, 07833 927210
Wealden Council’s FREE REAL Reusable Nappy Trial Kit, test before buying, apply online
Park Farm Cottage Bee Products, beewax food wraps as eco-friendly alternative to cling film, candles, honey, bee experiences and more, www.parkfarmcottage.co.uk (see competition above)
Beach Clean
Seaford Beach Clean, monthly 1st Sun, check FB:@PlasticFreeSeaford Eastbourne Beach Clean, monthly 2nd Sun, check Facebook: @PlasticFreeEastbourne
The Grand Eastbourne, community beach clean, 6 June, equipment provided, meet at the Prince Lawn. Apps
Freegle App, online dating app for free stuff, ilovefreegle.org/mobile Olio Mobile App, for giveaways, borrowing/lending things to reduce household & food waste, olioapp.com/en/ Too Good to Go App, link customers to restaurants/stores that have surplus unsold food, toogoodtogo.com
Family + Parenting Support
Al-Anon Family Groups, for friends & families of alcoholics, Lewes, Telscombe & Eastbourne groups, 0800 0086 811
Baby Bank South Wealden, baby, children’s clothing, equipment, toys & more to families in need, Heathfield, Eastbourne, FB: @baby bank south Lewes area, wealden CIC (see advert p.2)
Beat, Eating Disorders Association helpline, 0808 801 0711
Bourne this Way, LGBTQ+ parent support group, meet ups every last Sunday of the month, bournethiswaylgbtparents.co.uk
Children with Cancer Fund, supporting families across East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, 01323 488561
Care Remedies, complete home caring service, covering East Dean to Pevensey Bay and surroundings, 01323 301152
Childline, 0800 1111
Children’s integrated therapy service covering speech & language, occupational & physiotherapy, 0300 1232650
East Sussex fostering, information, support and events, 01323 464129
East Sussex Smartphone Free WhatsApp Community, supporting parents delaying in giving smartphone to, their children: linktr. ee/smartphonefreech
Family Support + Special Needs
Family Support Work, free confidential service in areas of Wealden to families dependent on need, 01273 832963
Going Hungry? Visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau & ask about a foodbank voucher, 01825 745489
Holding Space, family support group drop-in sessions, Eastbourne, 4th Tue 10am-12pm, 2nd Thu 6-7pm, hello@holdingpsace.org.uk
Home Works, free housing support service for anyone in difficulties with housing, 01273 898700
Let’s Play - play therapy for emotional and behavioural difficulties, 07782 338496
Mediation Plus, supporting separating couples, young people & neighbours in dispute, 01424 446808
NSPCC, Child Protection Helpline, get advice or share their concerns about a child, 0808 8005000
Relate, Family Counselling service for divorce, separation, arguments, 0300 100 1234
WAVES, Seaford, social & practical support for families, 01323 873797
Working Families Helpline
- employment/legal advice, 0300 0120312
The Caring Instinct, parenting support, solutions for families rooted in developmental science, www.thecaringinstinct.com
Check you local Family Hub for workshops/adult education.
Children with Disabilities + Additional Needs
Amaze Information, Advice and Support helpline for parents of 0-25s with SEND, 01273 772289
Amaze Cuppa, Cake & Chat, monthly, Wed Eastbourne, Heathfield, Thu Uckfield, ruth@amazesussex.org.uk
Children’s Disability Short Break, offering carers restbite and overnight care, 01323 466438
Communication, Learning and Autism Support Service (CLASS), parents & carers in E-Sussex, 01273 336887
Contact, advice for families with a disabled child, 0808 8083555
Demelza, delivers care to children facing serious or life-limiting condition, demelza.org.uk
Disabled Parents Network, national organisation for disabled people who are parents/planning parenthood, 0300 3300 639
East Sussex Wheelchair Services, assessment, fitting, supply & repair all ages, 0333 003 5619 NYAS, for young people with disabilities or in need, 0808 808 1001
Seaford Downs Syndrome & Special Needs Support Group children of all ages, 07802 832835
SEN Day by Day, education & lifestyle support for families in Eastbourne, Newhaven & Heathfield, 07723 805444/ 07840 281563 (Heathfield)
Starjumpz, diagnostic assessment & treatment for children experiencing challenges, Crowborough, Brighton, starjumpz.com
Sports + Leisure for
SEND (more on p.11)
i-go card, leisure card for 0-25yrs offering free or discounted entry eg swimming, fitness, cabs, igo.eastsussex.gov.uk
SEN Schools
Chailey Heritage School & Future Life Skills Centre, 3-19yrs, for complex needs, 01825 724444
Cuckmere House School, Seaford BN25 4BA, 6-16yrs, 01323 893319
Grove Park School, Crowborough TN6 1BN, 3-9yrs, 01892 663018
Hazel Court School, Eastbourne BN23 8EJ, 11-19yrs, 01323 465720
Northease Manor School, Rodmell BN7 3EY, 8-17yrs, 01273 472915
Owlswick Independent School & Home, Kingston, 10-18yrs, 01273 473078
St Mary’s School Horam, Maynards Green TN21 0BT, 9-16yrs, 01435 812278
The Lindfield School, Eastbourne BN22 0BQ, 11-16yrs, 01323 502988
The Mount Camphill Community, Wadhurst, 16-25yrs, 01892 782025
The South Downs School: East Site, Langney, Eastbourne, 8-11yrs, 01323 761061; West Site, Beechy Ave, Eastbourne, 5-7yrs, 01323 730302
SYMBOL SUDOKU SYMBOL SUDOKU
Ante/Postnatal • Babies • Baby Groups
BABY & CHILD FIRST AID CLASSES
Award winning classes for parents, grandparents & carers
daisyfirstaid.com/eastbourne
Antenatal & Postnatal Support + Exercise
Crowborough Birthing Centre, NHS midwifery led unit, antenatal & birthing care, 01892 652284
Cube and Tribe, pregnancy yoga, birth preparation classes, postnatal yoga & women’s classes, cubandtribe.co.uk
Flourish Birth & Baby. Carole Youdan. Birth & Postnatal Doula, 07786 610328
Gemma Harvey, birth & post natal doula, thebirthgem.co.uk
Muma Nurture, we are here to support you on fertility, pregnancy, related loss, post-natal too, mumanurture.org
NCT Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, supporting parents from bump through the first 1,000days, 0300 3300700
NCT Parents in Mind, East Sussex - peer support for parents from pregnancy to 2yrs, 07731 994579
NCT Tunbridge Wells & District, general enquiries, tunbridgewells@ nct.org.uk
Penny’s Yoga, pregnancy yoga, baby massage, baby yoga courses, Seaford & surrounding area, 07944 416572
Post Natal Yoga, Thai Massage, Cranial Sacral therapy & Reiki, Lynne Matthews, Eastbourne, 07739 390930
First Aid Training
Daisy First Aid Eastbourne, baby & child first aid classes - local venues or at your home, 07973 655490 (see advert)
Breastfeeding
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers helpline, 0300 3305453
Breastfeeding Support Group, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, Thurs 1-2.30am, 01323 463244
Latch On Eastbourne, breastfeeding advice & support for everybody, weekly breastfeeding café, 07484 838756
National Breastfeeding Helpline, Open 9.30am until 9.30pm, 0300 100 0212
NCT Breastfeeding Helpline, 0300 3300700
Please
Baby Groups
Baby & Me, Lewes Family Hub, drop in all year round, Wed 1-2pm, 0-12mths, free, 01273 336930
Baby Bubbles, Hailsham East Family Hub BN27 2JZ, Fri 1011.30am, all year round, U12mths, 01323 463244
Baby Gems, Christchurch, Ropemaker Centre, Hailsham, Tue 1-2.30pm, bumpU18mths, 01323 844428
Baby Sensory Room, Hailsham Family Hub, Mon-Fri, 9, 10.30am, 12 & 1.30pm, free but book, 01323 463 244
Baby Time Group, Peacehaven Family Hub, drop in all year round, Mon 11.15am-12.30pm, 0-12mths, 01273 336930
Baby Tranquil, mindfulness & relaxation course, Tots Play Centre, Eastbourne, Fri 11am, 0-4mths, 07973 168585 (see advert)
Bizzy Baby, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, Fri 11am-12pm, U12mths, 01323 463244
Bump To Toddle, NCT Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, Kiddi City, Eastbourne, Thu 10.30am-12pm, 0300 3300700
Bumps 2 Babies, mums-to-be & non-walkers, Crowborough Com. Centre TN6 1FE, Wed 1011am, 01273 336930
Bumps 2 Babies, mums-to-be & non-walkers, The Cartlodge Manor Farm, Horam TN21 0JB, Mon 1-2pm, 01273 336930
Bumps2Babies, mums-to-be nonwalkers, Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, Tue 1-2pm,a 01273 336930
Bumps2Babies, WAVES Seaford, Life Church, Steyne Rd, pregnant mum’s & babies up to 15mths, Thu am, 01323 873797
Denton Bumps & Babies, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, Tue 10.15-11.30am, 0-12mths, dentonbumpsandbabies@gmail.com
Depot Cinema, Kitchen & Bar, Lewes, parent & baby screenings Tuesdays at 12noon, 01273 525354
Discovery Tots, Eastbourne, MonThu, 11-11.40am, 8 weeks-active crawling, 07973 168585 (see advert)
East Sussex Little Glow, sensory sessions, Eastbourne & Polegate, birth to pre-walking, 07889 757494
Hartbeeps, Sensory Music Classes, Eastbourne: Mon, Tue, Fri; Hailsham: Wed, Thu, 07786 446119 (see advert)
Hillbrow Health & Welbeing Centre, Denton Rd, Eastbourne, swimming lessons, 0-24mths, 01323 407400
Jumping Juniors Stay & Play: messy play, baby play or free play, Crowborough TN6 2QN, 0-5yrs, 01892 240397
Latch On Eastbourne, breastfeeding café, Langney Community Centre, Eastbourne, Wed 12.30pm, 0-2yrs, 07484 838756
Little Fish Baby Group, Welcome Baptist Church, Heathfield, Tue 1011.30am (no charge), 01435 864646
Little Pickles Baby Massage, baby massage, beyond classes & messy play, Polegate, Fri & Sat, littlepickles.co.uk
Mostly Mums & Babies Group, St Mary The Virgin Church Ringmer, ever Fridays 2-3.30pm, 07796 145464
Muma Nurture, Walk & Talk, 4 Beverley Business Park, Eastbourne BN22 8QG, every Thu, 9.30-11.30am, mumanurture.org
Parents & Baby Group, Fuego Lounge, Lewes, Tue, 9.30-11.30, Free, Facebook @Fuego Lounge
Sing & Sign, Old Town, Eastbourne, Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 0-30 months, 01323 722104 (see advert)
Sing and Sign, Lewes, Uckfield & Ringmer, 07958 539903
Sling Library meets - coffee and slings. Eastbourne, Heathfield, Bexhill, Mon am, 01435 205105
The Baby & Toddler Experience, multi-sensory activities, Kings Church Seaford, Tue & Wed, 0-3yrs, 07834 231971
The Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre, Eastbourne BN22 9NG, swimming lesson, open swim, 0yrs+, 01323 325556
Tots Play, baby development course, Eastbourne, Mon-Thu, 0-6mths, 07973 168585 (see advert)
Community Toddler Groups -
►Crowborough
Monday
Little Fishes, United Church, Croft Rd, Crowborough, 8am-12pm, 01892 665493
Little Stars, baby & toddler group, St Mary’s Church, Hartfield TN7 4AG, 9.15-10.45am, 07779 586460
Rotherfield Baby and Toddler Group, Rotherfield Village Hall, Mon 9.30-11am, FB:@rotherfieldbtg
Tiny Tumblers & Soft Play, Crowborough Leisure Centre, 9.30-11.30am, 01892 665488
Toy Library, All Saints Centre, borrow or stay & play, 9.3011.30am, 01273 486391
Tuesday
Little Seeds, parents’ & carers’ toddler group, St Richard’s Church Hall, 10am-noon, 07950 971743
Messy Monster, Crowborough Leisure Centre, messy play, 10-10.45am, 01892 665488
Wednesday
Mini Movers, Crowborough Leisure Centre, 2-5yrs, 1-1.45pm, 01892 665488
Rhymetime, Crowborough Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080196
Thursday
Crowborough Music Group, Com. Centre TN6 1FE, 0-5yrs, 1-2pm, 01273 336930
First Steps Parent & Toddler Group, Forest Fold Baptist Chapel, 10-11.30am, 07734 535729
Friday
Little Fishes, United Church, Croft Rd, Crowborough, 8am-12pm, 01892 665493
Noah’s Ark, All Saints, Crowborough TN6 1ED, 9.30-11am, crowboroughnoahsark@gmail.com
Storytime, Crowborough Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080196
Tiny Tumblers & Soft Play, Crowborough Leisure Centre, 9.30 -11.30am, 01892 665488
Saturday
Messy Church, United Church, Croft Rd, U5s, selected Sat (check FB), 01892 665493
► Eastbourne Monday
Growing Together, Stay & Play, Polgate Com. Centre BN 26 6QF, 9-11am, Find on Facebook
KiddiCity, Mingle Mondays. 11am & 12.30pm, 07947 080902 Little Daffodils toddler group, Devonshire Family Hub, Eastbourne BN22 7NB, 1-2pm, 0-5yrs, 01323 463244
Little Superstars toddler group, Shinewater Family Hub BN23 8ED, 10-11.30am, all year round, 0-5 yrs, 01323 463244
Little Wrens, Emmanuel Church, Old Town, BN21 1LQ, 10-11.30am (book), 07762 621266
Noah’s Ark ‘Old Town’ Stay and Play session, St. Mary’smBN21
1HS, 0-4yrs,9.30-11.30am, FB:@eastbourneparish
Panda, All Saints Centre, Grange Rd, 10-11.30am, 01323 419400
Rhymetime, Hampden Park Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196
Sovey Tumblers Soft Play, Sovereign Centre, giant bouncy castle, soft play, 9am-12pm, (also during hol.), 01323 738822
Willingdon Trees Toddlers
Allotment, gardening sessions, 10am-12pm, 01323 504438
Tuesday
Focus Baby & Toddler Group, Kings Church Eastbourne, 10am12pm (call to book), 01323 521125
HT Mouse Club Toddler Group, Holy Trinity Church, 10-11.30am, 0-5yrs, 01323 736627
Little Luke’s, Parish Centre, Stone Cross, 9.30 - 11.30am, 01323 767020
Little Stones, Community Wise Centre, Ocklynge Road, 9.45am11.45am, 07542 856511
Little Trees Baby & Toddler Group, Willingdon Trees Com. Centre, 10am-12noon, 01323 504438
Panda, All Saints Centre, see Mon Rhymetimes, Eastbourne Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 608 0196
Toddler Group, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, softplay, 1-2pm, FB: @more than cake Toy Library, Langley Com. Centre, Eastbourne BN23 7DX, 1-3pm, find on FB:@ LangneyCommunityCentre
Wriggle Room, Towner Art Gallery, free drop in workshop, every 2 weeks, U5s 10am-12pm.
Wednesday
Acorns, St Anthony’s Centre, Eastbourne BN23 6NH, 10-11.30am, 01323 439700
Baby & Toddler Group, Langley Com. Centre BN23 7DX, 10.30am-12pm & 1-2pm, FB:@LangneyCommunityCentre
Chalk Hill Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church, Willingdon, 9.45-11.45am, 01323 504659
Family Fun Gathers Toddler Group, Langney CCentre BN23 7DX, 10.30am-12pm & 1-2pm, FB:@Family Fun Gatherers
Focus Baby & Toddler, see Tue Giggles, Gateway Christian Centre, Lottbridge Drove, BN22 9PB, book online, 10-11.30am, 01323 351786
KiddiCity, Baby & Toddler group, 11am-12pm, 07947 080902
Little Gems toddler group, Devonshire Family Hub, Eastbourne BN22 7NB, 10-11.30am, 0-5yrs, 01323 463244
Little Lambs, St Mary’s Church Hall, Decoy Drive, Hampden Park, 9.30-11.30am, 01323 351248
Messy Play, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, 10-11am, 2yrs+, FB:@more than cake
Rhymes & Stories, Eastbourne Library, 10.30am-11am, 0345 6080196
Rhymetime, Willingdon Community Hub Library, Eastbourne BN20 9PN, 10.30-11am, 01323 489473
Something Special SEN Group, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, 1-2.30am, 01323 463244
Sovey Tumblers Soft Play, Sovereign Centre, giant bouncy castle, soft play, 9am-12pm, (also during hol.), 01323 738822
Sticky Fingers, art & messy play, Christ Church Hall BN22 7NN, 9.30-11am, advance booking, free, devonshirecollective.co.uk
Toy Library, 10.30-4.30pm, see Tue. Vicky Bees Playgroup, Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Rd, 10am11.30am, 01323 737974
Thursday
Acorns, Bridgemere Centre, Eastbourne BN22 8TY, 10-11.30am, 01323 439700
Bump To Toddle, NCT Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, Kiddi City, Eastbourne, 10.30am12pm, 0300 3300700
Focus Baby & Toddler, see Tue Fun, friendship and refreshments, Christ Church, Seaside, 10.30am12pm, 07845 070141
Giggles, see Wed.
Little Souls, All Souls Church Hall, Wellesley Rd, Eastbourne, 10-11.30am, 01323 731366
Little Whiskers toddlers, St Michael & All Angels Church, Eastbourne BN21 1TN, 10am-12pm, info@stmichaelandallangels.co.uk
Nature Makers, intergenerational session, where toddlers are joined by residents of Willingdon Park, Eastbourne BN22 0BY, 10.3011.20am, 1-6yrs (book), naturemakers.co.uk/east-sussex-coast (see advert)
Noah’s Ark at St Mary’s Westham BN24 5LL, babies to 4½yrs, 1-3pm, 07759 172992
Parents & Toddler Group, Pevensey Bay Baptist Church, monthly 1st & 3rd Thu, 10am12pm, 07511 297680
Soft Play & Scoot, My Skate World, Eastbourne, U5s, 9.30-11.30, 01323 337035
St John’s Meads Munchkins Parent & Toddler Group, Jubilee Hall, 10-11.30am, 01323 738671
Totz, St Elisabeth’s Church, 268 Victoria Drive, Eastbourne, 10-11.45am, 07548 954901
Friday
Bizzy Bees toddler group, Shinewater Family Hub, BN23 8ED, 9.30-10.30am, 0-5yrs, 01323 463244
Little Wrens, see Mon Messy Play, see Wed. Mini Wilfs, St Wilfred’s Church Hall, Willingdon BN20 9RA, 9.30-11.30am, 01323 487885
Soft Play & Scoot, see Thu. Sovey Tumblers Soft Play, 12-3pm, see Wed.
Vicky Bees Playgroup, see Wed ►Hailsham
Monday
Buddies toddler group, Hailsham East Family Hub BN27 2JZ, 10-11.30am, all year, 0-5 yrs, 01323 463244
Hailsham Methodist Church Parent & Toddler, 9.30-11.30am (not Aug or bank hols), find on FB Nature Makers, toddler nature art classes, Bushy Wood, Hailsham BN27 3LZ, 1-6yrs, 9.40-10.40am (book), nature-makers.co.uk/eastsussex-coast (see advert) The Hellihubs, parent, baby & toddler group, Hellingly Com. Hub 8.30-10am, 01323 449415
Tuesday
Little Gems, Christchurch, Hailsham, 10-11.30am, contact before 1st visit, 01323 844428
Wednesday
Herstmonceux Tiddlers & Toddlers, Village Hall, Wed 9.3011.30am, 0-5yrs, 07896 185120
Thursday
ABC Playgroup, Hailsham Parish Church, 0-5yrs, 9.30-11.30am, 01323 442410
Rhyme, Storytime & activities, Hellingly Com. Hub 10-11am (every other Thu), 01323 449415
Friday
Rhymetime, Hailsham Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080195
► Heathfield
Monday
Broad Oak Baby & Toddler Group, St George’s Parish Room, 1011.30am, 01435 862665
Litte Munchkins, baby & toddler group, Mayfield Scout Hut TN20 6NT, 9-11am, 01435 873888
Happyjacks
Play
Parties! Venues • Entertainment - find more
Animazing, parties, talks & displays with reptiles/amphibians/ invertebrates/owls/mammals. Reg: AW047, 07743 675253
Barney’s Playbarn, Bell Lane, Uckfield, soft play, best for U 10’s, barneysplay.co.uk
Bear World, Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne, make your own bear parties, 01323 728237
Amy’s Cookery School, Cooking Party, Blackboys Village nr Uckfield, preschool-15yrs, www.amyscookeryschool.com
Buzz Active, Watersports: Eastbourne & Cuckmere; adventure day: Bushy Wood, 6-14yrs, 01323 463300 (see advert p.13)
Cartoons & caricatures, arty parties for 6yrs+, 15 miles off Seaford, 07722 236741 (see advert p.8)
Crest Swim School, mermaid & shark parties & experiences, 8yrs+, 01825 790896
Diddi dance parties for pre-school children, 07788 246073
Downs Leisure Centre Seaford, football, Mouse Trap - inflatable course, 2-11yrs, 01323 490011
Happyjacks Mobile Soft Play for 0-5yrs, home or venue parties, events, toddler, playgroup etc., 07738 381384 (see advert)
Hartbeeps, sensory music parties for 1 year old up to pre-school, 07786 446119 (see advert p.5)
Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham, farm, birds of prey, adventure play, 01323 442051 (see advert p.14)
Little Kickers Parties, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chiddingly, Seaford, Hailsham, Bexhill, 18mths-8yrs, 07802 864719 (see advert p.8)
Monkey Bizness, soft play, Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes, 2-12yrs, 08458 739645
My Skate World, Maple Rd, Eastbourne, private parties, 20+ children, 5yrs+, 01323 337035
Nature Makers, nature arts & crafts parties, 3-10yrs, naturemakers.co.uk/east-sussex-coast (see advert p.6)
Once Upon A dreamZ sleepover parties, covering the Sussex area, 07786 466549
Peacehaven Leisure Centre, Magic Castle (U10s only) & Big Bounce party, 01273 588858
Shinewater Sports Centre, Eastbourne, bouncy castle, football, 01323 768614
Sky High Trampoline Park, Peacehaven, parties for tots & children 5yr+, 01273 580029
The Art House Café, pottery/ painting, cookery, art and soft play parties, 01323 728691
The Outdoors Project, outdoors games, nature themes, Nerf games, bushcraft, Harry Potter, Minecraft, Pokemon, 07498 284792 (see advert p.12)
Uckfield Leisure Centre, football, trampoline, bouncy castle, arts & crafts, roller disco, pool, 01825 761160
Uplands Sports Centre, Wadhurst, bouncy castle, football, bubble footbal, sports, fun & games, DIY, 01892 782136
Urban Jump, Trampoline parties, Ghyll Road Industrial Estate, Heathfield, 01435 863277
Community Toddler Groups (cont.) + Dads' Groups
Tuesday
Little Warblers, Warbleton Church Rooms, TN21 9BD, 9.1510.45am, 01435 830421
Rhymetime, Heathfield Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196
St Richard’s Toddlers, St Church Hall, 1.30-3.30pm, 01435 862744
Wednesday
Little Fish Baby & Toddler Group, Welcome Baptist Church, Heathfield, 10-11.30am, 01435 864646
Thursday
Burwash Common Babies & Toddlers Group, the Pavilion, 10am-12pm, see on FB
Little Punnetts Toddler Group, Village Hall, 9-11am, Find on FB
Friday
Fun Fridays, Skippers Hill, Mayfield, 10.30-11.45am, 18mths+, 01825 830234
Little Fish Baby & Toddler Group, Welcome Baptist Church, 10-11.30am, 01435 864646 ► Lewes
Monday
Ringmer Tiddlers & Toddlers Group, Ringmer Village Hall, 9.30-11.30am, ringmertiddlers@gmail.com
Tuesday
Lighthouse, baby & toddler group, the Trinity Centre, 9.30-10.30am (need to book), 01273 474377 Little Beacons, baby & toddler group, Firle CoE PS, 9-10am, 01273 858260
Wednesday
Lighthouse, baby & toddler group,Trinity St John sub Castro Church, 9.30-11.30am (need to book), 01273 474377
St Peter’s Possums Toddler Group, Chailey, 9-11am, 01825 722286
Thursday
Boogie Bunch, singing group, the Trinity Centre, 10-10.45am (need to book), 01273 474377
East Hoathly Baby & Toddler Group, Village Hall, 10.1511.30am, 01825 840575
Ringmer Tiddlers & Toddlers Group, see Mon.
Friday
Christ Church Tots, Lewes BN7 1BL, 9.30-11.30am,nactivities@ christ-church-lewes.org
Malling Munchkins, Malling Com Centre, drop in all year round, 1011.30am, 0-5yrs, free, 01273 336930
PlayGroup, All Saints, Lewes, toys, activities, refreshments, 10-1.30am, allsaintsplaygrouplewes@gmail.com
Storytime, Lewes Library, 10.3011am, 0345 6080196
► Newhaven
Monday
First Steps Group, Peacehaven Family Hub, drop in, 1-3yrs, 9.3010.30am, free, 01273 336930
Jitterbugs, Denton Island Com. Centre, 0-12am, 01273 517250
Wednesday
Just Play Group, Peacehaven Family Hub, drop in all year round, 0-5yrs, 1-2.30pm, 01273 336930
Thursday
Little Fishes, Denton Parish Church Hall, Thu 10-11.30am, dentonparishchurch@gmail.com Rhymetime, Newhaven Library, 10.30-11am, FREE, 0345 6080196
Friday
Peacehaven Library, Rhymetime, 11-11.30am & Storytime, 1st Fri, 1-1.30pm, 0345 6080196
► Seaford
Wednesday
Tots Treats, St Luke’s Church Hall, Walmer Rd, Seaford, 9.30-11am, 07506 143476
Thursday
Tots Treats, St Leonards Church Hall, Seaford, 9.30-11.00am, 07506 143476
Friday
Scallywags, Seaford Baptist Church, 9.30-11am, 01323 896009 Storytime, Seaford Library, 10.3011am, 0345 6080196
► Uckfield
Tuesday
Mini Fun n’ Bound, Fun Abounds, Uckfield, 6mths-4yrs, 09.3011.00pm (book), 01825 768479
Toddler Praise, Maresfield Church, 9-10.15, 0-4yrs, 01825 769004
Trinity Toddlers, Holy Trinity Church, TN22 4AD, 9.15-10.45am, call 1st time, 01825 733833
Wednesday
Newton Baby & Toddler group, Cornerston Church, Uckfield TN22 5AE, 10-11.30, 07969 638280
Thursday
Jellybeans, Wadhurst Parish Church, bible stories & song with Christian theme, 9.30-11am, kat.wadhurstchurch@gmail.com
Nutley Nutkins, baby/toddlers, Maresfield village Hall, 9.1511am, 07761 829494
Friday
Storytime, Uckfield Library, 10.30-11am, free, 0345 608 0196
Blackboys Babies, baby & toddler group, Blackboys CoE PS TN22 5LL, monthly 2-3pm, blackboys.e-sussex.sch.uk
Discovery Tots Playgroup, Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, 10-11.30am, U5s, 01273 336930
Mini Fun n’ Bound, see Tue. The Ark at Kings Church, Civic Centre, Uckfield, 10-11.30am, 01825 765115
►Dads' Group
Dads & Tots, Maresfield/Nutley Village Hall, for dads/grandads & toddler, monthly 9.30-10.30am, vicar.maresfieldandnutley@ protonmail.com
Dad’s Stay & Play, Hailsham East Family Hub BN27 2JZ, last Tue 12.30-2pm, 01323 463244
Dad’s Stay & Play, Devonshire Family Hub, Eastbourne BN27 7NB, monthly last Thu 12.30-2pm, 07707 171709
Dads on Saturdays, Wadhurst Parish Church, 9.30-11.30am, 0-7yrs, 01892 782141
Please tell our fantastic advertisers that you saw them in the Family Grapevine!
Dance + Drama
Art of Dance, Lewes & Hove, 2yrs+, professionally qualified teachers, 07976 068989
babyballet classes, in Hailsham, Eastbourne & surrounding, 6mths6yrs, 07842 244210 (see advert) babyballet, Eastbourne, Bexhill & Hasting, 6mths-4yrs, 07891 952104
Boogie Beans, Peacehaven, toddler dance & music, Thurs, 10am, 07932 949468
Diddi dance, funky preschool dance, Eastbourne, Polegate, Willingdon & Uckfield, 07788 246073
Eastbourne Academy of Dancing, Bopping Babies & pre-school classes, 01323 417260
Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, modern Fri pm & ballet Thurs pm/Sat am, 3yrs+, 01323 509859
KiddiCity, circus classes for children U8s, 07947 080902
Lilley Lovett Theatre Group, learn performance skills, build confidence and make friends, Laughton, 4yrs+, lilley-lovett.org/
Magni Dance, preschool ballet, free trial class, Priory Rd, Eastbourne, 2yrs+, 07585 922887
Mini Motion, creative parent & toddler dance classes, Crowborough & Uckfield, 07734 863791
Pre-school dance at Shining Stars Dance Academy, Eastbourne, Tap & Boogie, ballet, 07980 986672
Rennie Dance Academy, 3yrs+, Newick, Uckfield, 01825 761596
Stage Stars, Eastbourne, dance, singing and drama classes for 2-4yrs, 07926 106393
Summerheath School of Dance, Hailsham, 2½ yrs+, 01323 840092
Turning Pointe School of Dance, ‘Tiny Turners’ parent & toddler class, 18mths; ballet 2½yrs+; tap & modern 4yrs+, 07947 803105 turningpointedanceschool.co.uk
Universal Dance, Uckfield, 2.5yrs4yrs, 07885 528356
Music + Movement
Hartbeeps, Sensory Music Classes, Eastbourne: Mon, Tue, Fri; Hailsham: Wed, Thu, 07786 446119 (see advert p.5)
Moo Music Eastbourne, moosical and sensory fun for your little ones, 0-5yrs, 07950 610083
Tinklers Music Time, fun, imaginative music session, puppets & bubbles, 0 - 5yrs, Lewes & Uckfield, 07799 886440
Tiny Tots Music for parents with little ones, Newick & Waldron/Heathfield, 4mths-4yrs, 07973 141101
Sport + Gym
Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, gymnastics, Thu pm, 2.54yrs, 01323 490011
Eternity Gymnastics, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, 22mths-5yrs, Thu am, 07925 052397
Pre-School Activities U5s
EzeeSport, sports & games programme, Crowborough, Mon/ Wed/Thu/Fri am, 2-4yrs & Sun pm, 3yrs+, 07720 525819
Frontier School of Karate & Kickboxing (FSK), Heathfield, Uckfield, Battle, Crowborough, 3yrs+, 07970 686054 (see advert p.11)
Fuego Gymnastics, Newick Village Hall: Wed 4-7pm and Haywards Heath: Sat 9am-12pm, 3yrs+, gymspiration.classforkids.io (see advert p.11)
Fun Abounds, Pres-School Gymnastics & Trampoline, Uckfield, Mon/Thu/Fri pm, 2.5-4yrs, 01825 768479
Happyjacks Pop Up Gym Play gymnastics based play events for walkers-5yrs, various venues, 07738 381384 (see advert p.7)
Little Circus, Acting Moon Bigtop School of Circus Arts, 4yrs+, Wed, 01323 325957
Little Kickers, fun football training, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chiddingly, Seaford, Hailsham, Bexhill, 18mths5yrs, 07802 864719 (see advert)
Mini Mornings, trampoline & softplay fun for under 5s, Urban Jump, Healthfield, Mon & Fri, 10am/ noon, 01435 863277
Rugbytots, weekly play sessions in Eastbourne & Lewes for boys & girls, 2-5yrs, 0345 3130421 (see advert)
ShanFitness, kids fitness classes, Polegate, Cubz 2-6yrs, shanfitness.co.uk
Sovereign Centre, pre-school gymnastics lessons, 4yrs+, 01323 738822
Tom’s Rhinos Rugby School, Sat am, Eastbourne, ages 2+, free trial class available, 07572 010771
Uckfield Gymnastic Club, from crawling to adults, office@uckfieldgymnastics.co.uk
Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email: 0345 313 0421 helen@rugbytots.co.uk
Vision Taekwondo, Crowborough, 3yrs+, 07746 533214
Zen Toddler Yoga, Horam Manor Farm, Heathfield, walking-5yrs, 07539 501402
Swimming
Crest Swim School, Chailey, 4 mths+, 01825 790896
Crowborough Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 6mths+, 01892 665488
Hailsham Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 2yrs+, separate toddler area, 01323 846755
Hillbrow Health & Welbeing Centre, Denton Rd, Eastbourne, swimming classes, 2-5yrs, 01323 407400
Lewes Leisure Centre, fun swimming & lessons available from birth, 01273 486000
Love Baby Swim School, birth upwards, Oaklands Park Pool Isfield, nr Uckfield, MonFri, 01825 840377
Motcombe Pool, Eastbourne, swimming lessons from 3mths+, 01323 410748
Ottertots, 6wks 4yrs, Eastbourne, Tue 10am-12pm & Thu 11.30-1.30pm, term time, 07936 592840
Puddle Ducks baby & pre-school swimming lessons in North Chailey, Crowborough & Hailsham, 01892 617246
Seaford Head Pool, pre-school lessons, 5mths+, 01323 897632
Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, Newhaven, pre-school lessons, 5mths+, 01273 512498
Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, lessons from 6mths+, 01323 738822
The Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre, Eastbourne BN22 9NG, swimming lesson, open swim, 2yrs+, 01323 325556
Uckfield Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 6mths+; Little Splasher sessions for U5s Mon, Wed-Fri, 01825 761160
Water Babies, Eastbourne, Crowborough, Bexhill, Ticehurst, Tunbridge Wells, birth-4yrs, 01424 892568
Outdoors
Cherry Wood Adventures Bluebell Club, Arlington, Fri; Folkington, Tue, 2-4yrs, 07887 556336
Forest Friends, woodland crafts, music & exploration, East Chiltington BN7, Fri 10-11.30, 1-5yrs, 07980 006680
Little Forest School, woodland based activities for children & adults, 2yrs+, home Ed, 07764 823438
Other Groups
Action Tots, Eastbourne, Mon & Thu am, 2.5-4yrs, 07973 168585 (see advert p.5)
Amy’s Cookery School, Stay & Cook sessions, Blackboys Village nr Uckfield, U5s, www.amyscookeryschool.com
Jumping Juniors Stay & Play: messy play, baby play or free play, Crowborough TN6 2QN, 0-5yrs, 01892 240397
KiddiCity, Messy play and sensory classes, U5s, 07947 080902
Social Tots, Eastbourne, Mon-Thu am, crawler-2.5yrs, 07973 168585
(see advert p.5)
Daycare + Pre-School Nurseries -
Daycare Nurseries
Attwood Farm Nursery School, Bodle Street Green, Nr Hailsham, birth-5yrs, 01323 831781
Bede’s Nursery & Pre-Prep, Eastbourne, 3mths-4yrs, 01323 356987
Bluebell Barn Nursery, Stone Cross, Eastbourne, 3mths-5yrs, 01323 487081
Bluebell Hill, Seaville Drive, Eastbourne, 3mths-5yrs, 01323 724017
Bluebell Wood, Goward Hall, Cade St, Heathfield, 3mths5yrs, 01435 868949
Bunny Run Childcare Centre, Hellingly, 0-5yrs, 01323 848490
Busy Bees Nursery, St James Street, Lewes, 0-5yrs, 01273 480736
Copperfield’s Day Nursery, Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, 4mths-5yrs, 01323 644661
Denton Island Nursery, Newhaven, 3mths-5yrs, 01273 515125
High Cliff Academy Nursery, Southdown Rd, Newhaven, funding accepted, 9am-3pm, 3yrs+, 01273 041471
Hopscotch Children’s Nursery, 0-5yrs, 01323 492123 (Seaford), 01273 3854250 (Peacehaven)
Ladybirds Pre-school, Ticehurst, large outdoor area, sensory room, 0-5yrs, 01580 201617
Leaps & Bounds Day Nursery, Eastbourne Town Centre, 3mths5yrs, 01323 410585
Little Acorns Day Nursery, Elim Family Centre, Eastbourne, 0-5yrs, 01323 731843
Little Tinkers Nursery School, Five Ashes, 3mths-5yrs, 01825 830772
Maggie’s Day Nursery, Eastbourne, 3mths-5yrs, 01323 652468
Maggie’s Day Nursery, Polgate, 3mths-5yrs, 01424 214 557
Manor Twiglets Nursery, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, 2-5yrs, 01825 765487
Oakwood Academy Nursery, Magnolia Walk, Eastbourne, 6mths5yrs, 01323 501251 ext 5
Old School House Montessori Nursery, De Monfort Rd, Lewes, 0-5yrs, 01273 480492
Parsonage Farm Day Nursery, Ticehurst, 3 mths-5yrs, open all year round, 01580 201263
Pebbles Day Care, Fort Road, Newhaven, 3mths-5yrs, 01273 516099
Pooh’s Nursery School, St Philip’s Church Hall, Eastbourne, 1-5yrs, 01323 430045
St Thomas a Becket Catholic Nursery School, Eastbourne, 2-5yrs, 01323 725977
Stepping Stones Lewes Community Nursery, Morris Road, 0-5yrs, 01273 477777
The Blue Door Nursery, Seaford, 0-5yrs, 01323 491821
The Meadows Nursery School, Hailsham, 2-5yrs, 01323 440144
The Meadows Nursery School, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, 1-5yrs, 01323 500061
The Mohair Centre Nursery, Laughton BN8 6JG, 1-4yrs, Forest School, 01825 872457
Tiddlers Nursery, Green Lane, Crowborough TN6 2DY, 0-5yrs, 01892 611887
Toddlers Inn Nursery School at St Peter’s Primary School, North Chailey, forest school, 0-5yrs, 01825 721800 or 07517 103371
(see advert)
Tom Thumb Nursery, The Avenue, Eastbourne, 6mths5yrs, 01323 647630
Tots & Time Out, Eshton Rd, Eastbourne, 0mths11yrs, 01323 726132
Warren Day Nursery & Pre-School, Crowborough, 0-5yrs, 01892 653167
Wild Monkeys Nursery, Peachaven, 2-5yrs, 07818 505469
Wren House Nursery School, 4/6
Pre-Schools + Playgroups
Annan School, Eason’s Green, Uckfield, 2-5yrs, 01825 841410
Attwood Farm Nursery, Bodle Street Green, nr Hailsham, birth-5yrs, 01323 831781
Barcombe Playgroup, Village Hall, 2-5yrs, 07845 937254
Bonners Nursery, Bonners CofE PS, School Hill, Maresfield TN22 2EG, 2-4yrs, 01825 762381
Butterfly Nursery, Greenwich House, Peacehaven, 6mths-5 yrs, 01273 580819
Cottage Pre-School, St Mary’s Social Centre, Lewes, 2-5yrs, 03007 727749
East Sussex Montessori School,The Old Chapel Centre, Alfriston BN26 5TL, 2-6yrs, 01323 430981
Framfield Pre-School, rural setting, Mon-Fri term time, 7.45am-4pm, 2-4yrs, 01825 890943 (see advert) Harbour Nursery, Church Hill, Newhaven BN9 9LX, 3-5yrs, 01273 514532
Harlands Nursery, Ridgewood, Uckfield, 2.5-5yrs, 01825 764244
Salehurst Road, Eastbourne BN21 1QS, 1-5yrs, 01323 731530
Burfield Academy Nursery, Oaklands Way, Hailsham, 3ys+, 01323 819309
Herstmonceux Pre-school, 2-5yrs, 07925 514252
Horam Community Pre-school, Horam Village Hall TN21 0JE, 2-5yrs, 01435 812192
Jenny Wren Nursery School, Emmanuel Church, Old Town, Eastbourne BN21 1LQ, 3yrs+, 01323 730118
Lower Willingdon Preschool Nursery, Eastbourne BN20 9RJ, 2-5yrs, 01323 489264
Polegate School Nursery, Oakleaf Drive, BN26 6PT, 2-4yrs, alll weather outdoor areas, 01323 482404
Ringmer Nursery School, Harrisons Lane, Ringmer BN8 5LL, 5-11yrs, 01273 812463
Sacred Heart Nursery School, Wadhurst TN5 6DQ, 2-4yrs, 01892 783414
Sheepsetting Pre-school, Cross in Hand School, Heathfield TN21 0XG, 2-5yrs, 01435 866268
Southover Nursery, Church Hall, Lewes, 2-5yrs, 01273 486435
St Mary’s Nursery School, Queens Rd, Crowborough, 2½ - 4yrs, 01892 611721
Stone Cross Independent Pre-school, Pevensey, 2-5yrs, 01323 740149
Whitehill Nursery School, Luxford Rd, Crowborough, 2-4yrs, 01892 610816
Young Haymakers Nursery & Montessori School, nr Waldron, 9mths-5yrs, 01435 812555
Home Ed
Independent Schools • Tutoring • Out of School Clubs
Amy’s Cookery School, Home Ed session, Blackboys Village nr Uckfield, preschool-15yrs, www.amyscookeryschool.com
Beach School East Sussex, holiday club 1./2 term & summer, home Ed, 5-11yrs, beachschooleastsussex.co.uk/
Little Forest School, forest school Home Ed session, Wilderness Wood, mthly 3rd Wed, 10am2pm, 07764 823438
Mini Farmers Home Ed, South Brockwells Farm, Little Horsted TN22 5QS, Tue am 7-11yrs, Thu am 11yrs+, education@ southbrockwellsfarm.com
Poncho Spanish, online Spanish classes, from beginners classes to GCSE exam support, Home Ed, after school classes, 7yrs+, ponchospanish.com
The Outdoors Project, Home Ed sessions, The Paddock, Lewes & School Workshops, 7-11yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert p.12)
Primary Schools
- find online
Independent Schools
Annan School, Eason’s Green, Uckfield, 2-11yrs, 01825 841410
Bede’s Preparatory School, Eastbourne, 5-13yrs, 01323 734222
Bede’s Senior School, Upper Dicker, 13-18yrs, 01323 843252
Burgess Hill School for Girls, 2½-18yrs, 01444 241050
Claremont Nursery, Preparatory & Senior School, St Leonards & Bodiam, 3mths-18yrs, 01424 751555
Cumnor House Sussex, Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep, 60 acre site, 01825 790347
Eastbourne College, mixed, 13-18yrs, 01323 452300
Lewes Old Grammar Junior School, 7 King Henry’s Rd, Lewes BN7 1BX, 4-11yrs, 01273 473246
Lewes Old Grammar Senior School, 140 High St, Lewes BN7 1XS, 11-16yrs, 01273 472634
Lewes Old Grammar Sixth Form School, Westgate St, Lewes BN7 1XS, 16-18yrs, 01273 472634
Mayfield School, Mayfield TN20 6PH, girls 11-18yrs, 01435 874600
Michael Hall Steiner Waldorf School, Forest Row, 0-18yrs, michaelhall.co.uk
Northease Manor School, Rodmell BN7 3EY, for pupils with specific learning difficulties, 8-17yrs, 01273 472915
Sacred Heart School, Wadhurst TN5 6DQ, mixed, 3-11yrs, 01892 783414
Skippers Hill Manor Prep School, Mayfield, mixed, 2-13yrs, 01825 830234
St Andrew’s Prep, Meads St, Eastbourne, co-ed, 9mths-13yrs, 01323 733203
Tutoring
Claire Barrass, English and Maths Tuition to boost confidence age 5-11yrs, based in Eastbourne, 0776 2584009 or 01323 732599
Jarvis Brand, one to one maths and science tuition from KS2 to A level, based in the Uckfield area, 07957 220 891
Kenneth Stafford, experienced maths tutor, home and online tuition offered, discounts available, 07763 838690
Kumon Eastbourne Study Centre, affordable maths and English tuition, Mon 4.30-6pm, Tue & Thu 4-6.30pm, Ratton school, 01323 332455 [One-Week Free Trial until the 15th March 2025] (see advert)
Poncho Spanish, online Spanish classes, from beginners classes to GCSE exam support, Home Ed, after school classes, 7yrs+, ponchospanish.com
Out of School Clubs
EzeeSport, sports & games, Crowborough, Tue/Wed/Thu/Sun pm, 5-7yrs, 07720 525819
Framfield Pre-School after school club & breakfast club, 2-4yrs 01825 890943 (see advert p.9)
Frogs Afterschool Club, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, Thu 6-7.30pm, YR4-6, dentonparishchurch@gmail.com
Homework & Activity Club, 5-11yrs: Eastbourne Library, Fri 3.30-5pm, Seaford Library, Fri 3.30-4.45pm, Uckfield Library, Thur 3.30-4.45pm, 0345 608 0196
Little Green Pig, weekly creative writing after school club, Eastbourne, 7-11yrs, free, littlegreenpig.org.uk
Lower Willingdon before/after school club, Eastbourne BN20 9RJ, 3-11yrs, 01323 489264
Nature Makers, After School Club, Bushy Wood, Hailsham BN27 3LZ, Thur 3.50-4.40am, 4-7yrs, naturemakers.co.uk/east-sussex-coast (see advert p.6)
OASTies & TOAsties, Wadhurst, before/after school & holiday club, 5-11yrs, 01892 786585
The Mohair Centre After School/Holiday Club, Laughton BN8 6JG, 5-13yrs, 01825 872457
The Outdoors Project, adventure clubs run on school premises, check website for venues, 5-12yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert p.12)
Tots & Time Out, After school pick-up and minding, Eshton Rd, Eastbourne, 0-11yrs, 01323 726132
Whitehill After School Club, Luxford Road, Crowborough, 2-12yrs, pick ups from local schools, 01892 610816
VILLAGE HALL
WEDNESDAYS
4PM TO 7PM
A - Z of Sports & Leisure 5yrs+
HAYWARDS HEATH
NEWICK
Arts and Crafts
Amalia - 07808820708 gymspirationfit@gmail.com Fuego Gymnastics @fuegogymnastics
Artytime scrapstore, Jarvis Brook Rec park, Crowboroug TN6 2EG, Mon/Thur pm, Tue/Wed/2+last Sun am, 07851 972377
Eastbourne Scrap Store, Arts & Crafts using scraps, regular craft sessions for children & grown-ups, find on Facebook
Bikes
Bewl Water Cycle Hire, cycleway open all year round, 03000 415200 Cycle Training, Bikeability, cycling proficiency training, 6-16yrs, 01273 482490
Evolution Cycles, sales & repairs, Eastbourne, BN20 7QY, 01323 737320
Hellingly Lions Cycle Speedway Club, in need of new riders 7 yrs+, Apr-Oct, 07774 092469 Circus
High Top Circus, Trapeze, Rope & Silks, All Saints Centre, Lewes, 7-17yrs, 01273 486391
Junior Circus, Acting Moon Bigtop School of Circus Arts, 7yrs+, MonThu, term time, 01323 325957
KiddiCity, circus classes for children U8s, 07947 080902
Sweet Circus, Circus skillsl. Aerial hoop, silks & trapeze, Eastbourne, 4yrs +, 07718 996853
Youth Circus, Acting Moon Bigtop School of Circus Arts, 12yrs+, TueThu, term time, 01323 325957
Cookery
Amy’s Cookery School, After School and Saturday Club, Blackboys Village, nr Uckfield, 5-15yrs, www.amyscookeryschool.com
Dance and Drama
Art of Dance, Lewes & Hove, 2yrs+, ballet, tap & street dance, 07976 068989
BalletBesque, childrens ballet for beginners to advance, classes in Crowborough, 07789 915230 Bond School of Dance, Seaford, ballet, tap & modern, contemporary, 3yrs+, 01323 492795
Deborah Lamb Theatre Arts (Debs Dancers), Uckfield, ballet, tap, jazz & musical theatre, 01825 762880 East Sussex Dance Studios, Five Ashes Village Hall, 2yrs+, 07803 254966
Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, modern Fri pm & ballet Thurs pm/Sat am, 3yrs+, 01323 509859
Helena’s Flamenco Dance, 6+yrs, beginners, Lewes: Sat, Eastbourne: Tue, 07963 959262
Wed 4-7pm HAYWARDS HEATH
SATURDAYS
9AM TO 12PM
Sat 9am-12pm
To book:
Amalia - 07808 820708 e: gymspirationfit@gmail.com fb: @Fuego Gymnastics inst: @fuegogymnastics
Lilley Lovett Theatre Group, learn performance skills, build confidence and make friends, Laughton, 4-18yrs, lilley-lovett.org/
Magni Dance, classes in all disciplines, free trial class, Eastbourne, suitable from 2yrs+ to adults, 07585 922887
Perform confidence-building drama, dance & signing classes for 4-12yrs every Tue, St John’s Parish Hall, BN20 7QT, Try a free class, visit: perform.org.uk/try (see advert)
Streetfunk, streetdance classes for ages 4-18 in Newhaven & Lewes, 01273 308525
Turning Pointe School of Dance, ballet tap/ modern/ contemporary & musical theatre, Lewes and Plumpton, 2½yrs+, turningpointedanceschool.co.uk
Universal Dance, street dance, cheerleading, ballet, contemporary, drama, 07885 528356 (Uckfield) or 07968 295862 (Lewes)
Football
AFC Uckfield Colts, Skills Club 2-9yrs; U11, U9, U8, U6 teams, 01825 890511
Brighton & Hove Albion Soccer Schools, fun after school football, 5-12yrs, 01273 878265
Eastbourne Borough FC, 8-14yrs, Boys & Girl, 01323 766265
Eastbourne Town Youth FC, Eastbourne, U6-U18 teams, boys & girls, 07795 294443
Hailsham United Junior FC, U6U16 (mixed), 01323 844005
Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, Football Fun, Mon & Fri pm, 7-12yrs, 01323 509859
Horam and Heathfield Junior Football Club, U6 - U18 mixed to U15; girls U14/U16, 01435865163
Jarvis Brook JFC, teams & t raining 4-18 yrs, recruiting new players for all ages, boys & girls, 07875 878835
Little Kickers, fun football training, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chiddingly, Seaford, Bexhill, 5-8yrs, 07802 864719 (see advert p.8)
Ringmer Rovers, U7 - U16, boys & girls plus academy for 5-7yrs, 07747 616051
Gymnastics
C.A.C.L Gymnastics Club, weekly in term-time, Eastbourne & Hailsham, 4-11yrs, 01323 730467
Fuego Gymnastics, Newick Village Hall: Wed 4-7pm and Haywards Heath: Sat 9am-12pm, 3-16yrs, gymspiration.classforkids.io (see advert)
Peacehaven Leisure Centre, gymnastics, Thu pm, 5-15yrs, 01273 588858
Sovereign Centre, gymnastics lessons, 4-11yrs, 01323 738822
Martial Arts
Eastbourne Shorin Ryu Karate, 4yrs+, 07853 304405
Frontier School of Karate & Kickboxing (FSK), Heathfield, Uckfield, Battle, Crowborough, 5yrs+, 07970 686054 (see advert)
Karate Jitsu Kai, Hailsham & Eastbourne, 6yrs+, 01424 854178
Seaford Karate Club, Downs Leisure Centre, 5 yrs+, Mon & Wed, 07812 381877
Taekwondo Lewes, free trial lesson, female instructor, Southover School BN7 1JP, Thur, 5-11yrs, 07834 486789
SEND Leisure + Sport
Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, disability football sessions, 01273 668590
Buzz Active, Watersports: Eastbourne & Cuckmere, adventure day: Bushy Wood, 1:1 experiences, 6-14yrs, 01323 463300 (see advert p.13)
Create Music, Orchestra 360, inclusive, creative music group for children & their family, 5-18yrs, createmusic.org.uk
Riding for the Disabled, East Sussex, call for details of nearest groups, 07850 522 768
Tennis Socks, Southdown Sports Club, Lewes, accessible tennis, SEND, Sat 9-10am, free, 07981 663907
Swimming + Scuba Diving
Crowborough Leisure Centre, lessons, life saving club, splashmania, swim club, 01892 665488
Hailsham Leisure Centre, swim lessons, float & fun, toddler splash, family swimming, 01323 846755
Hillbrow Health & Welbeing Centre, Denton Rd, Eastbourne, swimming lessons, 5yrs+, 01323 407400
Lewes Leisure Centre, fun swimming & lessons for all ages; open family swim, 01273 486000
Love Baby Swim School, birth upwards, Oaklands Park Pool Isfield, U5 Mon-Fri/5yrs+ Mon & Sun, 01825 840377
Newhaven Scuba Centre, Marina Fort Rd BN9 9DL, 01273 612012
Puddle Ducks baby & preschool swimming lessons in North Chailey, Crowborough & Hailsham, 01892 617246
Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, Newhaven, lessons & lane swimming, 01273 512498
Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne fun & training pools; lessons from 6mths+, 01323 738822
The Blue Lagoon Warm Water Centre, Eastbourne BN22 9NG, swimming lesson, open swim, 5-8yrs, 01323 325556
Uckfield Leisure Centre, fun, lessons from 6mths, Seahorses for tots, parties, 01825 761160
Watersports
Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, Lamberhurst, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, 8yrs+, 03000 415200
Buzz Active, Eastbourne & Cuckmere, windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, power boat, body boarding, SUP, giant SUP & katakanu, 6yrs+, 01323 463300 (see advert p.13)
Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club, 01323 8890077
Pevensey Bay Sailing Club, 01323 761002 (weekends only)
Holiday FUN + Activities for 5-16YRS
Lambing March - April
Coombes Farm Lambing Tours nr Lancing BN15 0RS. Ewes lambing, cows calving [15 March – 21 April], tractor rides to the top of the Downs (£4 per person), stunning views and late evening lambing (16yrs+ only). Book online, £6 adult, £4 children, +£1 at the gate, subject to availability.
Middle Farm West Firle, Lewes, BN8 6LJ. Family farm with a small flock of sheep, lambing from the 1st April, playground, play hay barn, animal handling sessions, farm shop, tea room, 01323 811411
Sanctuary Farm, Pick Hill, Heathfield, TN21 0JP. Newly born lambs to hold & Easter treats: 7-8 April and SEND ‘Keep it simple’ sessions: 9-11 April.
Tablehurst Farm, Forest Row RH18 5DP. Spring Celebration 3 & 10 May.
South Brockwells Farm Little Horsted TN22 5QS. Shop selling home grown & locally sourced produce, cafe, open Wed-Sat, Lambing March-April, homegrown asparagus (end AprilJune); 01825 750466
BLUEBELLS
Mid April-Mid May
East & North-East:
Stanmer Park, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RE - Accessible by bus/ train/car [parking fee apply].
Ditchling Common, Ditchling BN6 8SG, woodland, grassland Sheffield Park Garden NT, nr Uckfield TN22 3QX [entry fee] Heaven Farm, TN22 3RG, ancient bluebell woodland trail, Latchetts’ ice cream! [entry fee].
Wilderness Wood Main Rd, Hadlow Down TN22 4HJ.
Selwyns Wood nr Heathfield TN21 0QN.
The Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail BN26 6SH [entry fee], 4 April-8 May.
Brede High Woods, north of Hastings, High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [free car park].
Marline Valley nr Hastings TN38 9NY.
West, North & North West:
Butchers Wood Hassocks BN6 9PH, ancient oak woodland, start from the train station, path off Keymer Rd.
Nymans NT, Handcross RH17 6EB [entry fee].
Woods Mill Nature Reserve nr Henfield BN5 9SD.
BACK-TO-NATURE Campsites
Boathouse Farm Camping, Uckfield TN22 5TY, grass pitch camping on a traditional working organic farm, situated next to the river Ouse, contact via email or Facebook
Bramley Park Camping, Polegate BN26 5PH, camping & glamping site located in an AONB, the South Downs NP, 07763 832525
Chalky Downs Campsite, Bevendean Farm BN2 6AF, stunning views over the South Downs, May-Sep, 01273 673004
Cuckoo Camp, Church Farm, Climping/Littlehampton BN17 5RR. Family run small campsite on the south coast alongside the river Arun, close to Climping beach (30 min walk), dog friendly, 07759 172021
Foxwood Camping, Patching BN13 3UL nr Worthing, woodland camping with your own fire pit, nestled within the South Downs NP, holidays & weekend, end April–Sep, 07983 151780
Hale Farm, Hale Green, Chiddingly BN8 6HQ, camping, glamping, spacious pitch with a fire pit, beautiful views, adjacent footpath linking to the Weald Way, farm visit 9-11am (no additional charge), 07711 695189
Hook Farm Campsite, West Hoathly RH19 4PT. Beautiful views of the Sussex Weald, weekends & bank holiday only, May-Sep, 01342 811113
Lewes Wild Willows Camping, Lower Stoneham Farm, Lewes BN8 5RJ, lovely family friendly campsite based on the river Ouse, 07534 253846
New Wharf, Steyning BN44 3AL, family run campsite and farm with private and easy access to the river Adur. Pitches and shepherd huts, 5m bell tents available for rent, 07830 659903
The Mac’s Farm Campsite, Ditchling BN6 8GT, camping & glamping, nestled in the South Downs NP, peaceful, family campsite on a working organic egg farm, weekends & mid-week, 01273 845189
Wild Combe Camping, Elsted, Midhurst GU29 0JY, campsite surrounded by beautiful unspoiled countryside and access to reservoir for swimming, kayaking & SUP, 07775 568415
LOTS MORE ONLINE - scan the QR code!
Holiday Schemes + Activities
Amy’s Cookery School, Holiday Themed sessions, Blackboys Village nr Uckfield, preschool-15yrs, www.amyscookeryschool.com
Art & Craft Classes, The Art House Café, Eastbourne, 01323 728691
Beach School East Sussex, holiday club, Holywell Eastbourne, 1/2 terms, summer 5-11yrs, beachschooleastsussex.co.uk/ holiday-clubs
Bede’s Holiday Club, Bede’s Prep, Eastbourne BN20 7XL, Easter: 31 March-17 April; May half-term: 27-30 May; Summer: 30 June-22 Aug, 5-12yrs (ext. hours avail.), www.bedesholidayclub.org (see advert p.13)
Brighton & Hove Albion Soccer Schools, boys & girls, Eastbourne, Uckfield, 5-12yrs, 01273 878265
Buzz Active, Watersports: Eastbourne & Cuckmere; adventure week: Bushy Wood, 6-14yrs, 01323 463300 (see advert p.13)
C.A.C.L Camp, Eastbourne BN20 7SR, 4-11yrs, 01323 730467: - Football : Easter: 7-10 April, Summer: 21-24 July, - Gymnastics: Easter: 7-10 April, Summer: 21-24 July.
Cherry Wood Adventures, outdoor activities, Arlington, 4-11yrs, 07887 556336
Dernwood Children’s Woodland club - Horam, summer only, Family Holiday Group Lewes, wildinthewoods.weebly.com
Early Birds Holiday Club, Seaford Baptist Church, forest school sessions, arts & crafts, 2-8yrs, FB: @Early Birds SBC
Elevate Tennis Coaching, holiday tennis camp, Cross in Hand, 7-17April, 25 May, 5-16yrs, 07790 037030
HAF Holiday Club, Denton Island com. centre, Newhaven, Mon-Thu, Easter/Summer/ Xmas, 10am-2pm, 7-11yrs, 01273 517250
Hailsham Leisure Centre, varied daily activity programme, 6-12yrs, full/half day, 01323 846755
Holiday Club, Crowborough Leisure Centre, arts, craft, team sports & more, am/pm/full day, 5-11yrs, 01892 665488
Holiday Club, Hailsham Parish Church, Easter and Summer Holiday clubs, phone for details, Rec-Y6, 01323 442410
Lewes Startrack Athletics, Lewes BN7 2XG, Y3-6, lewesac.co.uk
Little Forest School, woodland based activities for children & adults during the holidays, 07764 823438
Mini Farmers Holiday Club, South Brockwells Farm TN22 5QS, Easter/summer/Xmas, 10am-2pm, 7-14yrs, Book via Eventbrite Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, workshops & science activities throughout School Holidays, 01323 832731
Rascals Playscheme, Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, multi-sports, crafts, games, 4-12yrs, 01323 509859
Set2Win, Tennis Camps, The Old Town Hub, Eastbourne, 4yrs+, Facebook:@Set2WinTennis
SportsCool Brighton, multisports camp, Lewes, Seaford & Eastbourne, 8.30am-3.30pm, 4-12yrs, FB:@SSCBrightonLtd
Stagecoach Eastbourne, performing arts summer workshop, 18-22 Aug , 4-16yrs, 01323 306944
Stagecoach Lewes, Summer Camp, Kings Academy, Ringmer, 6yrs+, 01273 504380
Summer Pony Morning, Glebe Field Riding School, Chiddingly nr Lewes, Tue & Thur, July & Aug, 4yrs+, 01825 872198
Tennis Camp, Southdown Sports Club, Lewes, 4-6yrs/5yrs+/6yrs+, 01273 480630
Tennis Eastbourne, camps at the Sports Park, all school hols, 412yrs, 07850 327695
The Outdoors Project, fun, games, adventure, The Paddock, Lewes, all school holiays, Easter: 7-17 April, Summer: 14 July-28 Aug, 07498 284792 (see advert)
Turning Pointe School of Dance, summer holiday workshops, 4-18yrs, 18-22nd August at Plumpton Village Hall, 07947 8031, office@ turningpointedanceschool.co.uk, Uckfield Leisure Centre, holiday kids club, full, half day & drop in, 4-11yrs, 01825 761160
Zylo Performance Film School, Heathfield: 4-7 Aug, Ringmer: 28-31 July, Uckfield: 11-14 /18-21 Aug, 6-14yrs, 07796 305205
Holiday Activities for 5-16yrs
Bede’s Holiday Club in Eastbourne offers a multi-activity based programme for children aged 5-12. All children are welcome, whether they attend Bede’s or any other school Lunch and 4-6 engaging activities are provided each day Sessions available from 8:00 - 17:00
Contact Information: Email: holidayclub@bedes org Phone: 01323 356983
e d e s h o l i d a y c l u b . o r g
Places to Visit - find many more online
Fun Outdoors
Abbots Wood Arlington, Polegate BN26 6SL. Ancient woodland with walks, medieval lake, BBQ hire, picnic tables and play area, bluebells event.
Ashdown Forest Centre Wych Cross, RH18 5JP. Once a Norman deer hunting forest, now a large free public access space, great walks and the ‘home’ of Winnie the Pooh, Pooh Sticks Bridge and Pooh Corner Shop
Bedgebury Pinetum Goudhurst TN17 2SJ, 2,000-acre forest, walks, cycling/mountain bike trails, dirt jump area, cycle hire, adventure trail (Gruffalo Party trail), café
Crowborough Pump Track, Goldsmiths Recreation Ground, TN6 2TN. 65 meters pump track.
Cuckmere Haven, Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley, open chalk grassland for walks, bird watching, rock pooling, cycling to the beach & canoeing.
Dungeness (RSPB reserve), TN29 9PN. Shingle, freshwater pits, wet grassland, wildflower meadows, great place to see migratory birds.
Friston Forest Exceat, west of Eastbourne off the A259, walks, cycling, mountain biking, picnic tables, BBQs, children’s play area.
Hampden Park Eastbourne BN22 9QN. Sports and recreation facilities inc. football, rugby, cricket, tennis, playground & BMX skate facility, café, free admission. Newhaven Skatepark & Pumptrack, located off Fort Road, BN9 9DL, in the south of the town, near Newhaven Fort.
Railway Land Nature Reserve Lewes BN7 2FG. Over 20 acres of meadowland & woodland reclaimed from the old rail yards, nature reserve open all year round, accessible by wheelchair.
Shinewater Park Eastbourne BN23 8AT. Includes footpaths, cycle paths, playground, lakes, all-weather sports court, BMX & skate area, fishing with a permit.
Wilderness Wood Hadlow Down, near Uckfield TN22 4HJ. 62 acres of woodland and nature trails, lots of children’s activities, wild camping, café and shop. Generally open Tue-Sun, 9am4pm, check website.
Family Farms, Animals, & Sealife
Butterfly Gardens Middleton Common Farm, Ditchling, free flying butterflies from all over the world inside a 3000 square foot polytunnel. Onsite farm shop. Drusillas Park Alfriston Road just off the A27, BN26 5QS. Zoo, adventure playgrounds, themed rides; restaurants, cafes, seasonal events.
Hastings Aquarium Rock-A-Nore Rd, Hastings TN34 3DW. Close encounters with shundreds of aquatic creatures, reptiles, frogs, underwater walk-through tunnel. Knockhatch Adventure Park on A22 at Hailsham BN27 3GD. Animals, falconry, year-round indoor soft play at ‘Froggies’, children’s farm, go karts, outdoor playgrounds, ski slope and more, seasonal events. (see advert) Middle Farm West Firle, Lewes, BN8 6LJ. Family farm, indoors/ outdoors play hay barn.
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer BN8 5AJ. Charity giving animals a better life through rehoming, rehabilitation & sanctuary. Café, shop, children trail & activities - open daily 10am4pm, free entry but booking is essential. Family Learning Days during the school holidays (except Christmas).
Places of Historic Interest, Gardens Museums & Galleries
Bateman’s National Trust House, Burwash TN19 7DS. Former home of Rudyard Kipling with gardens, walks, watermill tea room, seasonal events. Open daily. Bodiam Castle National Trust near Robertsbridge TN32 5UA. Story book castle; the exterior is virtually complete & the walls rise dramatically above the moat. Explore the battlements climb the spiral staircases. Seasonal events. 0pen daily.
Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux BN27 1RN Interactive science, workshops and events, with a huge telescope in the astronomical observatory, stargazing evening. Open end Jan to early Dec.
Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum, Lewes BN7 1YE. Climb to the top of this 1,000 year old Norman Castle for stunning views across Sussex. In the Barbican House you’ll find the Museum of Archaeology.
Michelham Priory Upper Dicker, BN27 3QS. Foundations of the 13th century priory, tranquil moated gardens, watermill, play area. Family events.
Pevensey Castle, Pevensey BN24 5LE. With a history of over 16 centuries. Beginning in the 4th century as one of the last and strongest of the Roman ‘Saxon... ...Shore’ forts, 2/3 of its towered walls still stand. It was the landing place of William the Conqueror’s army in 1066 and during the century following the Conquest, a full-scale Norman castle was built within one corner of the fort. In the 1250s the towered bailey wall was constructed, and soon put to the test during the great siege of 1264. Open daily from April.
Priory of St Pancras in Priory Park, Lewes BN7 1HP (satnav use BN7 2XA). During the 11th century, monks came here from Cluny in France to establish the first Cluniac priory in England. The Priory survived for 450 years until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537, walk in the footsteps of medieval monks and imagine how the buildings once looked. A recreated herb garden grows plants that monks would have used for medicinal, culinary and ceremonial purposes, free. Rye Heritage Centre Strand Quay TN31 7AY, incl. the story of Rye, Rye Town Model sound and light show and a working collection of Old Pier amusement machines. Historic and ghost audio walking tours are available for hire. Open Wed-Sun. Seaford Museum Martello Tower BN25 1JH. Local history museum with children’s events in school holidays. Displays from a general store, dressmaker’s parlour, the contents of an ironmonger’s, chemists, toy and photographer’s shop, as well as a Victorian schoolroom, Victorian kitchen, wartime kitchen. Domestic appliances from the first half of the 20th century include early typewriters, copiers, computers, radios and television sets. Sheffield Park and Garden NT TN22 3QX. Informal landscape garden laid out in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ Brown, further developed in the early 20th century by its owner, Arthur G. Soames. Walks, family activities, woodland play trail, seasonal events. Shipwreck Museum Hastings TN34 3DW. Stories of shipwrecks off the Hastings coast; explore shipwrecks, find out how to find your own dinosaur remains on the beach and discover what global warming means for the coastline. Towner Eastbourne BN21 4JJ, Contemporary art museum with lots of family activities and events. Open Tue–Sun (+ hol.Mon), free. Wakehurst Gardens and Millennium Seed Bank, Ardingly, RH17 6TN. ‘Kew in the Country’, botanic gardens run by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Walks, natural play spaces, Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, events.
Please tell our fantastic advertisers that you saw them in the Family Grapevine!
Family Fun, Adventure Parks & Soft Play
Baby Glow Play Centre Hastings TN34 1JN. Immersive sensory experience for 0-5yrs.
Barney’s Play Uckfield TN22 1QL For U12yrs, height restriction 142cm (4ft 8ins), check times on website. Drusillas Park (see p.14).
Doves Play Barn, Latchetts Farm TN22 3RG. 0-8yrs with cafe, ice cream parlour.
Eastbourne Pier one of the finest examples of a Victorian pier. Children's PLay at ESK Eastbourne, ESK warehouse BN22 8TR. Messy Play sessions (1yr+), Sensory Room (6mths+), Role Play Room, SEND sessions, bday parties.
Fun Abounds, Uckfield TN22 1QL. Trampoline centre with café.
Hailsham Leisure Centre BN27 1BA. Two soft play frames, for 0–10yrs (U148cm/4ft 10ins), separate play area for U3s. Open daily.
KiddiCity Role Play Centre, Eastbourne. Play sessions with 11 play zones, ride-ons.
Knockhatch Adventure Park & ‘Froggies’ Indoor Soft Play, see p.14. (see advert p.14)
Magic Castle Soft Play, Peacehaven Leisure Centre, U10s. My Skateworld, Eastbourne BN23 6NY. Indoor roller-skating rink, toddler scooter slots, softplay, café area. Check website for times.
Monkey Bizness Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes BN8 6JL. Maze of play frames 5-12yrs, toddler area.
Mouse Trap, Downs Leisure Centre Seaford, inflatable course (2-11yrs), Fri-Mon, 1h session.
Paradise Park Newhaven BN9 0DH. Planet Earth museum, Dinosaur Safari, Local Maritime Museum & more, seasonal.
Sky High Trampoline Park
Peacehaven BN10 8JQ. Wall to wall interconnected trampolines. Toddler bounce, open sessions for 5yrs+.
The Ordinary Climbers, Polgate BN26 6QH. Bouldering, autobelays, family experience, 8yrs+, 01323 483799
Treasure Island, Eastbourne BN22 7AE. Indoors: soft play area on two levels, babies-12yrs, outdoors: Adventure park & golf. Urban Jump, trampolining & activity centre, Ghyll Rd Industrial Estate, Heathfield, daily.
What's On This SPRING & SUMMER
MARCH
Until 15th March
One Week FREE TRIAL at Kumon Eastbourne Study Centre (see advert p.10)
Until the 31st August
Percy Jackson - The Musical: The Lightening Thief | 8yrs+, The Other Place, Victoria, London SW1E 5JA (see competition p.10)
7 March
Drop-in workshops: Ethical Taxidermy & Scenery Collage, Towner Eastbourne, 4-7pm, free.
8 March
Lewes Fossil Fest, Linklater Pavilion, Lewes, 10am-12.30pm.
18 March
Wriggle Room | U5s - free, dropin, Willingdon Trees Community Centre, Eastbourne, 10am-12pm.
22 March
Happyjacks Softplay Pop Up Gym Play | walker - 5yrs, Hellingly Com. Hub BN27 4EP, 9.30am & 11am (see advert p.7)
23 March
Lewes Carboot Fair | Free for buyers, Phoenix Centre Car Park, Lewes, weekly Sun if weather parmits, 8am-12pm.
29 - 30 March
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne. Celebrate the special mum in our life, kids afternoon tea available (see back cover)
30 March
Mother's Day Lunch at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne. Celebrate the special mum in our life with a traditional lunch (see back cover)
April
3 April
Happyjacks Softplay Pop Up Gym Play | walker - 5yrs, St Anthony's Centre, Eastbourne BN23 6NH, 9.30am & 11am (see advert p.7)
4 - 22 April
The Twit Easter Trail at Wakehurst, Ardingly, family Easter trail inspired by Roald Dahl's story.
5 April
Brazilian Family Fiesta! | Free Entry, Hillcrest Community Centre, Newhaven, 1-5pm.
Crowborough Repair Café, 1st Sat, Ashdown Junior, 10am-12.30pm. 5 - 27 April
Easter Adventures, Standen House & Garden - NT, nr East Grinstead, inspired by Philip Webb's sketches, the architect who designed the house at Standen.
7 - 21 April
Easter Egg Hunt TrailBateman's NT, Burwash, incl. fun animal inspired games and activities.
7 - 21 April
Easter Eggs Hunt - Bodiam Castle NT, Robertsbridge, trail inspired by the cheeky castle ducks.
Easter Egg Hunt Trail, Shefield Park & Garden - NT, TN22 3QX.
8 April
Long Nose Puppets presents Shoe Baby | 2-6yrs, Saltdean Lido, magical puppet show.
8 - 13 April
Robin Hood, Devonshire Theatre Eastbourne, panto-style Easter fun.
14 - 21 April
Easter Afternoon Tea at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne. Egg-stra special treat for the whole family (see back cover)
20 April
Easter Sunday Lunch at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne. Delicious traditional lunch (see back cover)
22 April
Wriggle Room | U5s - free, dropin, Towner Eastbourne, 10am-12pm.
26 - 27 April
Spring Live! South of England Showground, Ardingly.
May
6 May
Wriggle Room | U5s - free, dropin, Towner Eastbourne, 10am-12pm. 11 May
Eastbourne Beach Clean, with Plastic Free Eastbourne, 2nd Sun pm.
23 - 26 May
Elderflowers Fields Festival, Ashdown Forest, family festival
24 May
Uckfield Repair Café, 4th Saturday of the month, 9.30am-noon. Eastbourne Carnival, 'Celebrations of the World', 2pm. 24 - 25 May
Rother Valley Railway SAMREX Model Railway Exhibition 2025, Robertsbridge Village Hall. 29 May
Centenary Bioblitz, Bedgebury National Pinetum, Goudhurst TN17 2SJ, help take a snapshot of Bedgebury Pinetum's biodiversity, as it turns 100!
June and Later...
1 June
Seaford Beach Clean, with Plastic Free Seaford, monthly 1st Sun am.
6 June
The Grand Hotel’s Community Beach Clean, Eastbourne, meet at The Princes Lawn 11am (see back cover)
6 - 8 June
South of England Show, Ardingly (see advert above & competition p.5)
1 - 3 August
Good Vibrations Society Festival, Ashdown Forest (see competition p.9)
More than a hotel...
Indulge in afternoon tea at Eastbourne’s finest - the elegant Grand Hotel. Savour delicious treats in the sumptuous Great Hall, accompanied by the gentle melodies of string music. Experience a truly refined tradition in a stunning setting.
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