Eastbourne, Wealden & Lewes Family Grapevine - SPRING 2024

Welcome to our SPRING 2024 ISSUE!

We are very excited to be offering you a printed magazine again, after being online only for the past 4 years.

This issue is packed with outdoors ideas as the weather is getting warmer: where to find bluebells in Sussex (p.13), back-to-nature campsites (p.14), as well an egg hunt with a difference on the beach for The Shark Trust (see back page). Also new in this issue, is a 'Greener Choice' section (below) to inspire you to live more sustainably!

This spring, we are offering 5 competitions with the chance to win some fantastic prizes, a family day ticket to INTO THE TREES festival in Ashdown Forest, a family day out at the SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOW and a family ticket to see AWFUL AUNTIE, LIVE ON STAGE! One lucky winner will win a photoshoot with ROBOTIC CLOUDS PHOTOGRAPHY (front cover picture).

Last but not least, one family of 4 will win an annual pass to KNOCKHATCH, hours of fun guaranteed for them this year!

Thank you to our fabulous advertisers. Please continue to support these hardworking, passionate local businesses, do tell them that you have heard about them through the FAMILY GRAPEVINE!

Our Summer/Autumn 2024 issue will be out early July, so keep your eyes peeled and follow us on social media for the latest updates!

Bettina Horne-Muller

Bettina x

- acting editor bettina@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk | 01444 443068

Eastbourne, Wealden & Lewes ewlfamilygrapevine www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes

Community Fridge + Pantry

GREENER CHOICE

Refill Store

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, whole food with a lot of refill, plastic-free products, 01273 359200

Wonderfill, refill store, Saint Leonards-on-sea TN37 6DY, open Wed-Sun, 01424 532104

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

Langney Community Fridge, Eastbourne BN23 7DX, Tue 1-3pm, Facebook: @ 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

The Front Cover image is from Kylie at Robotic Clouds Photography. Kylie has been photographing Sussex families since 2017. Specialising in on location photography, her fun loving personality helps evoke relaxed and candid photographs that tell each families unique story. She aims to capture natural moments of love and laughter, and those all important family bonds. Her people skills and creative eye means that she is able to work with families to create, capture and deliver moments that become cherished keepsakes that encapsulate the real you. www.robotic-clouds.com (see competition p.4)

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, The Source, 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

Repair Café

Crowborough Repair Café, Ashdown Junior School TN6 2NT, monthly 1st Sat, 10am-12.30pm, find on Facebook

Heathfield & Horam Repair Café, Horam Village Hall TN21 0JE, monthly 2nd Sat, 9.30am-noon, find on Facebook

Lewes Repair Café, Landport Community Hub BN7 7SU, monthly 1st Sat, 2-5pm, find on Facebook

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 Babies

Plastic Free Baby, eco-friendly shop, biodegradable & recyclable products, web: plasticfree.baby

SuperLooper, baby clothing rental library, save money & reduce waste! 0-24mths, superlooperlife.com

The Washable Nappy Company, free demonstrations & trial kits, check website

Wealden Council’s FREE REAL

Reusable Nappy Trial Kit, test a range of nappies before buying, apply online Beach Clean

Seaford Beach Clean, monthly 1st Sun, meeting Martello Tour side or the Buckle end of the beach, check Facebook: @PlasticFreeSeaford

Eastbourne Beach Clean, monthly 2nd Sun, Wish Tower, The Beach Deck or Hollywell, check Facebook: @PlasticFreeEastbourne Apps

Too Good to Go App, connecting customers to restaurants/stores that have surplus unsold food, toogoodtogo.com

Freegle App, online dating app for free stuff, ilovefreegle.org/mobile

Tune in for a SPECIAL PLASTIC-FREE JULY in our Summer/Autumn 2024 issue

Volunteering Host Families + Teachers

Support for Parents + Children • Special Needs

Support of Parents + Children

Beat, Eating Disorders Association helpline, 0808 801 0711

Breast Cancer Support Group, Eastbourne, peer2peer support, safe/friendly environment, meet monthly, 07982 682746

Bourne this Way, LGBTQ+ parent support group, bournethiswaylgbtparents.co.uk

Childline, 0800 1111

Eastbourne area Family Hubs run adult courses e.g. back to work, toddler tantrums, parenting etc, 01323 464340

WAVES Seaford, parenting Workshops; 1:1 family & social, practical support, 01323 873797

Holding Space, family support group drop-in sessions, Eastbourne, Thurs 10am-1pm or 3-5pm, free,contact@ holdingspace.org.uk

Mediation+, Time 2 Talk, help with family, inter-generational & neighbour disputes, 01323 442781

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

The Starfish Project, Hailsham, workshops training for people who stammer, 12yrs+, 01825 767268

Children with Disabilities

Amaze Cuppa, Cake & Chat, 1st Thu of the month, JPK’s Café, Eastbourne BN21 1HP, Kathy@ amazesussex.org.uk

Amaze supports families with children & young people with SEN & disabilities, 01273 772289

Contact, advice for families with a disabled child, 0808 8083555

East Sussex Wheelchair Services, assessment, fitting, supply and repair all ages, 0333 003 5619

Waving not Drowning, for job seeking parents of children with disabilities, 0300 012 0312

Additional Needs

Amaze Information, Advice and Support helpline for parents of 0-25s with SEND, 01273 772289

Aspens, Support, Family Centre & Youth Services, 0345 450 0060

Autistic Spectrum Disorder Monitoring & Support Group, 01273 336887 Demelza, delivers extraordinary care to extraordinary children facing serious or life-limiting conditions, throughout Kent, South East London & East Sussex, demelza.org.uk (see advert)

Samantha Eve Photography, family and SEN studio, samanthaevephotography.co.uk

Seaford Downs Syndrome & Special Needs Support Group welcomes parents with children of all ages, 07802 832835

SEN Day by Day, education & lifestyle support for families in Eastbourne & Newhaven, 07723 805444, Heathfield 07840 281563

Sensory Music, Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, older siblings welcome, Wed 5pm termtime, 0-5yrs, 07802 832835

Something Special SEN Group, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, Wed 1-2.30am, 01323 463244

Swim sessions, Seahaven & Seaford Head pools, call for dates & times, 0-teens, 07802 832835

Thrive Explorers, SEND club, go-to respite haven every first Saturday of the month, 5-16yrs, thriveexplorers.co.uk

Carers Support

Care for the Carers, East Sussex, 01323 738390

Crossroads Care, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, supporting carers, 01273 234021

> Full listing available online scan the QR code

Parties! Venues • Entertainment

Party Venues

Barney’s Playbarn, Bell Lane, Uckfield, soft play, best for under 10’s, barneysplay.co.uk

Buzz Active, Watersports: Eastbourne & Cuckmere, adventure day: Bushy Wood, 6-14yrs, 01323 463300

Downs Leisure Centre Seaford, football, Mouse Trap - inflatable course, 2-11yrs, 01323 490011

Film Parties @ The Picture House Uckfield. Packages from £3.95 plus film ticket, 01825 764909

FireWorks, Lewes, paint your own pottery, decopatch, fun with clay, all ages, 01273 783007

Fun Abounds, Uckfield, indoor trampolining & gymnastics parties with experienced coach, fun & games, 01825 768479

Hailsham Leisure Centre, Hailsham bowling, softplay, pool & splashdance parties, 01323 846755

Knockhatch Adventure Park, on A22 at Hailsham, farm, birds of prey, waterslides, adventure play, 01323 442051(see competition p.9)

Lewes Leisure Centre, pool, sports, roller disco, 01273 486000

Monkey Bizness, soft play, Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes, 2-12yrs, 08458 739645

My Skate World, Maple Rd, Eastbourne, private parties, 20+ children, 5yrs-adult, 07807 087962 (see advert p.12)

Ninja Arena Eastbourne BN21 3NW, supervised activity & obstacle course, 01273 054949

Peacehaven Leisure Centre, Magic Castle (U10s only) & Big Bounce party, 01273 588858

Planet Golf Eastbourne, Sovereign Harbour BN23 5UZ,glow in the dark crazy min golf course parties, planetgolf.uk

Polegate Equestrian Centre, gymkhana games & ride, 01323 483975

Sharnfold Farm, trailer & tractor ride parties, farm parties, catering available, 01323 768490

Shinewater Sports Centre, Eastbourne, bouncy castle, football,01323 768614

Sky High Trampoline Park, Peacehaven, parties for tots & children 5yr+, 01273 580029

Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, pool inflatables & soft play parties, 01323 738822

Ten Pin, Eastbourne, 10 pin bowling & laser quest, 0871 222 3675

The Art House Café, creative parties, pottery/painting, dance, cookery, art, soft play, 01323 728691

Treasure Island, Eastbourne, soft play/adventure park, 01323 411077

Uckfield Leisure Centre, football, trampoline, bouncy castle, arts & crafts, roller disco, pool, 01825 761160

Urban Jump, Trampoline parties, Ghyll Road Industrial Estate, Heathfield, 01435 863277

Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, themed parties from Fairies to Castaways, 0-90 yrs, 07766 486548

Party Entertainment

Animazing, parties, talks & displays with reptiles/amphibians/ invertebrates/owls/mammals. Reg: AW047, 07743 675253

Cartoons & caricatures, personalised name, arty parties for 6yrs+, 15 miles off Seaford, 07722 236741 (see advert)

Crowborough Leisure Centre, football party, pool party, softplay/ inflatable party, 01892 665488

Diddi dance parties for pre-school children, 07788 246073

Excel Activity Group, Nerf gun, Bubble football, Archery tag & Dodgeball parties, 01344 305763

Face Packs, face painting, glitter tattoes, bling, hair feathers, balloon modelling and more, 07782 141221

Hartbeeps, sensory music parties for 1 year old up to pre-school, 07786 446119 (see advert p.5)

KiddiCity birthday parties include exclusive use of KiddiCity role play village, 07947 080902

Little Forest School, parties with woodland based activities, 07764 823438 (see advert p.6)

Little Indians Teepee, providing the ultimate themed sleepover experiences, in & around Eastbourne, 07702 519871

Little Kickers Parties, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chiddingly, Seaford, Bexhill, 18mths-8yrs, 07802 864719

Once Upon A dreamZ sleepover parties, covering the Sussex area, 07786 466549

SportsCool Brighton, multi-sports birthday parties, Brighton/Sussex, 5-11yr, Facebook@SSCBrightonLtd

Starlight Discos, children’s disco specialist, 07930 196966

The Outdoors Project, Nerf games, bushcraft, Harry Potter, Minecraft, nature themes, outdoors games, 07498 284792 (see advert p.11)

Time 2 Potter, Hailsham, pottery painting, 4yrs+, 01323 505000

Wishworks, puppet shows for children 3yrs+, 07712 612006

Party Supplies

Airplay Inflatables, bouncy castle hire for children’s birthday parties, fully insured & PIPA tested, 07840 900755

Happyjacks Mobile Soft Play for 0-5yrs, home or venue parties, events, toddler, playgroup etc., 07738 381384 (see advert)

Paperlane, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, balloon decorating, gifts, party supplies, venue decoration etc, 01323 502145

Photographers

Avant Photographic, location child & family portrait specialist, 01323 348410

Clare Anne Photography, newborn & child photographer, cake smashes, family, studio & location, 07917 676580

Divine Photography Eastbourne, wedding & portrait photographer, Eastbourne, 07732 056208

Jo Page Photography: specialising in newborn, maternity & family photography, 07565 572710

Robotic Clouds Photography, candid family photography specialist, onlocation across Sussex and Kent, www.robotic-clouds.com (see front cover & competition)

Rosie Wooldridge Photography, Lewes, fun family photography on location, 07830 149779

Samantha Eve Photography, family & SEN studio photography, Polgate, samanthaevephotography.co.uk

Sarah Marie Photography, family & motherhood , free drop in shoots, Eastbourne, sarah-marie.co.uk

Sarah Tate Photography, Heathfield, 01435 862793

Sarah Wenban Photography, children & family portraits on location & creative wedding photography, 07770 416007

The Underwater Studio, Eastbourne, underwater photography, 07894 221547

> Full 'Parties' listing available online scan the QR code

Ante/Postnatal • Babies • Baby Groups

Antenatal, Postnatal Groups + Support

Birth House, birth preparation & recovery therapies, 07783 959124

Crowborough Birthing Centre, NHS midwifery led unit, antenatal & birthing care, 01892 654080

Cube and Tribe, pregnancy yoga, birth preparation classes, postnatal yoga & women’s classes, cubandtribe.co.uk

Caroline Alexander, birth & postnatal doula, 07958 538095

Flourish Birth & Baby. Carole Youdan. Birth & Postnatal Doula, 07786 610328

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 Tunbridge Wells & District, general enquiries, tunbridgewells@nct.org.uk

Antenatal, Postnatal Exercise + Relaxation

Mothering Mojo, yoga, doula, breastfeeding classes in Uckfield on Tues and Sats, call for info, 07977 489092

Penny’s Yoga, pregnancy yoga, baby massage, baby yoga courses, Seaford & surrounding area, 07944 416572

Pregnancy & post Natal Yoga, Thai Massage, Cranial Sacral therapy & Reiki, Lynne Matthews, Eastbourne, 07739 390930

Pregnancy Yoga with Alice, Yoga Life Studio, Eastbourne, Thu eve, 07500 060119

Uckfield Yoga Studio, pregnancy yoga, Sat am; parent & baby yoga, Tue am, 01825 763591

First Aid Training

Daisy First Aid Eastbourne, baby & child first aid classes - local venues or at your home, 07973 655490

Breastfeeding

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 1000212

NCT Breastfeeding Helpline, 0300 3300700

Baby Groups

Angela Holistic Baby Massage

Classes in Ticehurst TN5, Tues 11am - ideal for pre-crawlers, 07703 738311

Baby & Me, Mailing Com.Centre, Fri am, 10-11.30am, drop in all year round, 0-30mths, free, 01273 336930

Baby Bubbles, Hailsham East Family Hub BN27 2JZ, Fri 1011.30am, U12mths, 01323 463244

Baby Gems, Christchurch, Hailsham, Tue 1-2.30pm, bump-U18mths, 01323 844428

Baby Time Group, Peacehaven Family Hub, Mon 11.15am-12.30pm, 0-12mths, free, 01273 336930

Bizzy Baby, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, Fri 11am-12pm, U12mths, 01323 463244

Buggy Walks, Peacehaven Family Hub, Wed 9.30-10.30am, free, 01273 336930

Bump To Toddle, NCT Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, Kiddi City, Eastbourne, Thu 10.30am-12pm, 0300 3300700

Bumps 2 Babies, mums-to-be & non-walkers, The Cartlodge Manor Farm, Horam TN21 0JB, Mon 1-2pm, 01273 336930

Bumps2Babies, mums-to-be & non-walkers, Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, Tue 1-2pm, 01273 336930

Bumps2Babies, WAVES Seaford, Life Church, Steyne Rd, pregnant mum’s & babies up to 15mths, Thu am, 01323 873797

Cai Baby Massage group & 1-1 classes. Eastbourne & surrounding areas, 07999 286778

Denton Bumps & Babies, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, Tue am,0-12mths, dentonbumpsandbabies@gmail.com

Depot Cinema, Kitchen & Bar, Lewes, parent & baby screenings Tues 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)

Jumping Juniors Stay & Play: messy play, baby play or free play, Crowborough TN6 2QN, 0-5yrs, 01892 240397

Latch On Eastbourne, breastfeeding café, Kiddicity, Eastbourne, Wed 12.30pm, 0-2yrs, 07484 838756

Little Fish Baby Group, Welcome Baptist Church, Heathfield, Tue 10-11.30am, freem 01435 864646

Mostly Mums & Babies Group, St Mary The Virgin Church Ringmer, ever Fri 2-3.30pm, 07796 145464

Muma Nurture, Walk & Talk, 4 Beverley Business Park, Eastbourne BN22 8QG, every Wed, 1-3pm, mumanurture.org

Sing & Sign, Old Town, Eastbourne, Mondays, Thu & Fri, 0-30mths, 01323 722104 (see advert)

The Baby & Toddler Experience, multi sensory activities, Kings Church Seaford, Tue, 0-3yrs, 07834 231971

Tots Play, baby development course, Eastbourne, Mon-Thu, 0-6months, 07973 168585 (see advert)

Zen Baby Massage, Baby Yoga & Toddler Yoga, Horam Manor Farm, Heathfield, 0-crawling, 07539 501402

> More on Babies, online scan the QR code

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, Mondays 9.30-11am, Find on facebook: @rotherfieldbtg Tiny Tumblers & Soft Play, Crowborough Leisure Centre, 9.30-11.30am, 01892 665488

Tuesday

Little Seeds, carers’ toddler group, St Richard’s Church Hall, 10am-noon, 07950 971743

Messy Monster, Crowborough Leisure Centre, messy play & sensory, 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, Crowborough 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, 8am12pm, 01892 665493

Noah’s Ark, All Saints, Chapel Green, Crowborough, 9.3010.30am (call before coming for 1st time), 01892 652081

Storytime, Crowborough Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080196

Tiny Tumblers & Soft Play, Crowborough Leisure Centre, 9.30 -11.30am, 01892 665488

► Eastbourne Area

Monday

Growing Together, Stay & Play, Polgate Com. Centre BN 26 6QF, 9-11am, Find on Facebook

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, 0-5 yrs, 01323 463244

Little Wrens, Emmanuel Church, Upperton Rd, Old Town, BN21 1LQ, 10-11.30am (book), 07762 621266

Mingle Mondays. KiddiCity GBP5 1 adult+1child, 11/12.30pm, 07947 080902

Panda, All Saints Centre, Grange Rd, 10-11.30am, 01323 419400

Rhymetime, Hampden Park Library, 10.30-11am, free, 0345 6080196

Willingdon Trees Toddlers

Allotment, gardening sessions, 10am-12pm, 01323 504438

Tuesday

Focus Baby & Toddler Group, Kings Church Eastbourne, 10am12pm (call to book), 01323 521125

Fun Time at Broadway United Church, Lindfield Rd, Hampden Park, 0-3yrs, 10 - 11.30am, 01323 500686

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, 9.45am-11.45am, 07542 856511

Little Trees Baby and Toddler Group, Willingdon Trees Com. Centre, 10am-12noon, 01323 504438

Panda, see Monday

Rhymetimes, Eastbourne Library, 10.30-11am, free, 0345 608 0196

Toddler Group, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, softplay, 1-2pm, Facebook @more than cake Toy Library, Langley Com. Centre, Eastbourne BN23 7DX, 1-3pm, find on Facebook: @LangneyCom

Wriggle Room, Towner Art Gallery, free drop in workshop for U5s, every 2 weeks, 10am-12pm, check website: towner.eastbourne.org.uk

Wednesday

Acorns, St Anthony’s Centre, Eastbourne BN23 6NH, 10-11.30am, 01323 439700

Baby & Toddler group at KiddiCity, GBP5 1 adult+1child, 11am-12pm, 07947 080902

Baby & Toddler Group, Langley Com. Centre, Eastbourne BN23 7DX, 10.30am-12pm & 1-2pm, Facebook:@LangneyCom

Broadway Babes at Broadway United Church, Lindfield Rd, Hampden Park, 10-11.30am, 01323 500686

Chalk Hill Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church, Church St, Willingdon, 9.45-11.45am, 01323 504659

Family Fun Gathers Toddler Group, Langney Com. Centre BN23 7DX, 10.30am-12pm, 1-2pm, Facebook @Family Fun Gatherers

Focus Baby & Toddler Group, see Tuesday

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, 9.3011.30am, 01323 351248

Messy Play, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, 10-11am, 2yrs+, Facebook @more than cake Rhymes & Stories, Eastbourne Library, 10.30am-11am, free, 0345 6080196

Rhymetime, Willingdon Community Hub Library, Eastbourne BN20 9PN, 10.3011am, 01323 489473

Sticky Fingers, art & messy play, Christ Church Hall BN22 7NN, 9.30-11am, advance pre-booking, free, devonshirecollective.co.uk Toy Library, see Tuesday

Vicky Bees Playgroup, Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Rd, 10am11.30am, 01323 737974

Thursday

Acorns, Bridgemere Centre, Eastbourne BN22 8TY, 1011.30am, 01323 439700

Bump To Toddle, NCT Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, Kiddi City, Eastbourne, 10.30am12pm, 0300 3300700

Cookery, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, 10am onwards, 18mths+, Facebook: @more than cake

Focus Baby & Toddler Group, see Tuesday

Fun, friendship and refreshments, Christ Church, Seaside, 10.30am12pm, free, 07845 070141

Giggles, Gateway Christian Centre, Lottbridge Drove, BN22 9PB, space limited book online, 10-11.30am, 01323 351786

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

Noah’s Ark at St Mary’s Westham, babies to 4½yrs, 1-3pm, 07759 172992

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, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, 9.3010.30am, 0-5yrs, 01323 463244

Little Wrens, Emmanuel Church, Upperton Rd, Old Town, BN21 1LQ, 10-11.30am (bookl), 07762 621266

Messy Play, see Wednesday

Mini Wilfs, St Wilfred’s Church Hall, Broad Road, Willingdon, 9.30-11.30am, 01323 487885

Vicky Bees Playgroup, Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Rd,10am-11.30 am, 01323 737974

Saturday

Messy Church, St Mary’s Church Hall, Willingdon, monthly 1st Sat, 3-5.30pm (excl Aug & Jan), 01323 501763

► Hailsham Area

Monday

Buddies toddler group, Hailsham East Family Hub BN27 2JZ, 1011.30am, 0-5 yrs, 01323 463244

Hailsham Methodist Church Parent & Toddler, 9.30 - 11.30am (not Aug or bank hols), find on Facebook

The Hellihubs, parent, baby & toddler group, Hellingly Com. Hub BN27 4EP, 8.30-10am, 01323 449415

Tuesday

Little Gems, Christchurch, Ropemaker Centre, Hailsham, 10-11.30am, get in touch 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

Friday

Rhymetime, Hailsham Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080195

► Heathfield Area

Monday

Broad Oak Baby & Toddler Group, St George’s Parish Room, Broad Oak, all year round, 10-11.30am, 01435 862744

Community Toddler Groups (cont.) • Puzzle

Litte Munchkins, baby & toddler group, Mayfield Scout Hut TN20 6NT, 9-11am, 01435 873888

Tuesday

Baby Rhymetime, Heathfield Library, 10-10.30am, 0345 6080196

Little Warblers, Warbleton Church Rooms, Church Hill, TN21 9BD, 9.15-10.45am, 01435 830421

Pre-Schooler Rhymetime, Heathfield Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196

St Richard’s Toddlers, St Richards Church Hall, Park Rd, Heathfield, 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 Facebook Little Punnetts Toddler Group, Punnetts Town Village Hall, 9-11am, 01435 831515

Friday

Fun Fridays, Skippers Hill, Mayfield, run by Kindergarten teacher, 10.30-11.45am, 18mths+, 01825 830234

Little Fish Baby & Toddler Group, see Wednesday

► Lewes Area

Monday

Ringmer Tiddlers & Toddlers, 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 C of E Primary School BN8 6LF, 9-10am, 01273 858260

Rhymetime, Lewes Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196

Wednesday

Lighthouse, baby & toddler group, see Tuesday

St Peter’s Possoms Toddler Group, St Peter’s Church Chailey, free, 9-11am, 01825 722286

Toy Library, All Saints Centre, 9.30-11.30am, stay & play or just pop in and borrow, 01273 486391

Thursday

Boogie Bunch, singing group for parents & pre-schooler, the Trinity Centre, 10-10.45am (book), 01273 474377

East Hoathly Baby & Toddler Group, Village Hall BN8 6EQ, 10.15-11.30am, 01825 840575

Ringmer Tiddlers & Toddlers, see

Monday

The Lunch Bunch, The Trinity Centre, Lewes, Thu 12-1.45pm, 01273 483007

Friday

Christ Church Tots, Christ Church, Lewes BN7 1BL, 9.30-11.30am, activities@christ-church-lewes.org

PlayGroup, All Saints, Lewes, 10-11.30am, howephil@gmail.com

Storytime, Lewes Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196

► Newhaven Area

Monday

First Steps, Peacehaven Family Hub, 1-3yrs, 9.30-10.45am, 01273 336930

Jitterbugs, Denton Island Com. Centre, Newhaven, 10-12am, 01273 517250

Tuesday

Denton Bumps & Babies, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, 10.15-1130am, 0-12mths, dentonbumpsandbabies@gmail.com

Wednesday

Just Play Group, Peacehaven Family Hub, 0-5yrs, 1-2.15pm, 01273 336930

Thursday

Little Fishes, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, Thu 10.15-11.30am, dentonparishchurch@gmail.com

Rhymetime, Newhaven Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196

Friday

Rhymetime, Peacehaven Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080196

Storytime, Peacehaven Library, monthly 1st Fri, 2-2.30pm, 0345 6080196

► Seaford

Wednesday

Rhymetime, Seaford Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196

Tots Treats, St Luke’s Church Hall, Seaford, 9.30-11.00am, 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, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196

► Uckfield Area

Monday

Maresfield Baby & Toddler Group, Village Hall, 9.30-11am, 07745 479407

Tuesday

Rhymetimes, Uckfield Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 608 0196

Mini Fun n’ Bound, Fun Abounds, Uckfield, 6mths-4yrs, 09.30-11.00pm (book), 01825 768479

Trinity Toddlers, Holy Trinity Church, TN22 4AD, 9.15-10.45am, call before 1st visit, 01825 733833

Wednesday

Nutley Nutkins, baby/toddlers, Maresfield village Hall, TN22 2EN, 9.15-11am, 07761 829494

Toddler Praise, Maresfield Church, Wed 10am, 01825 732577

Thursday

French Baby Story & Rhyme Times, Uckfield Library, monthly 1st Thu, 2-2.30pm, 0345 608 0196

Jellybeans, Wadhurst Parish Church, bible stories & some song with Christian theme, 9.30-11am, kat.wadhurstchurch@gmail.com

Toddler Groups (cont.) • Pre-School Activities • Daycare Nurseries

► Uckfield Area (cont.)

Friday

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, 1011.30am, 01825 765115

Uckfield Music Group, rhymes/ stories/music instruments, Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, 0-5yrs, 1-2pm, 01273 336930

Saturday

Dads on Saturdays, Wadhurst Parish Church, 9.30-11.30am, 0-7yrs, 01892 782141

Arts + Crafts

Little Learners Messy Play and Mask-making, Uckfield, 07747 104974

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 & Hasting, 6mths-4yrs, 07891 952104

Boogie Beans, Peacehaven, toddler dance & music, Thur, 10am,07932 949468

Diddi dance, funky pre-school 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 4-6pm & ballet Thur 4-6pm/Sat 9-11am, 3yrs+, 01323 509859

Magni Dance, preschool ballet, free trial class, Priory Rd, Eastbourne, 2yrs+, 07585 922887

Mini Motion, creative parent & toddler dance classes, Crowborough & Uckfield, 07734 863791

Old Town Dance, Eastbourne, 2½yrs+, 07809 296375

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 2-4 yrs, 07926 106393

Stomp & Stamp, fun dance & movement classes with music, stories & songs, Eastbourne, 2½yrs+, 07957 408694

Summerheath School of Dance, Hailsham, 2½ yrs+, 01323 840092

Universal Dance, Uckfield, 2.5yrs4yrs, 07885 528356

Pre-School Music + Movement

Hartbeeps, Sensory Music Classes, Eastbourne: Mon, Tue, Fri; Hailsham: Wed, Thu, 07786 446119 (see advert p.5)

Jazzy Jo’s Song Time, LangneyThu, Eastbourne, pay as you go, 07896 762604

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

Pres-School Gymnastics & Trampoline, Fun Abounds, Uckfield, Mon/Thu/Fri pm, 2.5-4yrs, 01825 768479

Cai Baby Yoga, 1-2-1 & group classes, 12wks to mobile, 07999 286778

Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, gymnastics, Thur 2-2.45pm, 2.54yrs, 01323 490011

Eternity Gymnastics, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, 22mths-5yrs, Thu am, 07925 052397

Frontier School of Karate & Kickboxing (FSK), Heathfield, Uckfield, Battle, Crowborough, 3yrs+, 07970 686054 (see advert p.12)

Glide Balance Bike, activity led bike classes to teach the skills to ride a pedal bicycle, 2-6yrs, 07930 676035

Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, Little Tekkers Football, Tue 5-5.45pm, 4- 6yrs, 01323 509859

Happyjacks Pop Up Gym Play gymnastics based play events for walkers-5yrs, various venues, 07738 381384 (see advert p.4)

Little Kickers, fun football training, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chiddingly, Seaford, Bexhill, 18mths-5yrs, 07802 864719

Mini Mornings, trampoline & softplay fun for under 5s, Urban Jump, Healthfield, Mon & Fri, 10am/ noon, 01435 863277

Ninja Arena Eastbourne BN21 3NW, activity & obstacle course, U5s (conf. walker), Tue/Thur, 10am12pm, 01273 054949

TRY RUGBYTOTS

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 The

Rugbytots, weekly play sessions in Eastbourne & Lewes for boys & girls, 2-5yrs, 0345 3130421 (see advert)

Sovereign Centre, preschool gymnastics lessons, 4yrs+, 01323 738822

Tom’s Rhinos Rugby School, Saturday mornings, Eastbourne, ages 2+, free trial class available, 07572 010771

Tumble Tots Lewes, Kings Church, Tue, 6mths-5 years, 07774 123814

Uckfield Gymnastic Club, led by British Gymnastics qualified coaches, crawling to adults, office@uckfieldgymnastics.co.uk

Vision Taekwondo, Crowborough, 3yrs+, 07746 533214

Zen Toddler Yoga, Horam Manor Farm, Heathfield, walking-5yrs, 07539 501402

Swimming

Crest Swim School, Chailey, 4mths+, 01825 790896

Crowborough Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 6mths+, 01892 665488

Hailsham Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 2yrs+, separate toddler area, 01323 846755

Hydro School, Eastbourne, 3yrs+, 07840 146248

Lewes Leisure Centre, fun swimming & lessons available from birth, 01273 486000

Love Baby Swim School, Oaklands Park Pool Isfield, nr Uckfield, MonFri, birth upwards, 01825 840377

Motcombe Pool, Eastbourne, swimming lessons from 3mths+, 01323 410748

Ottertots, Eastbourne, term time, Tue 10am-12pm,Thur 11.30am-1.30pm, 6wks-4yrs, 07936 592840

Puddle Ducks baby & preschool 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

Small Splashes, Wilmington, babies -9yrs, 07951 129354

Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, swimming lessons from 3mths+, 01323 738822

Swim Skills School, York House Hotel, Eastbourne, babies+, 07817 640748

Uckfield Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 6mths+; Little Splasher sessions for U5s Mon, Wed-Fri, 01825 761160

Water Babies, Chailey Heritage School, weekends, birth-4yrs, 01273 552454

Water Babies, Eastbourne, Crowborough, Bexhill, Ticehurst, Tunbridge Wells, birth-4yrs, 01424 892568

Water Nippers, Isfield nr Uckfield & Seaford, 0 - 8yrs,, 01273 621333

Other Groups

Action Tots, Eastbourne, Mon & Thu am, 2.5-4yrs, 07973 168585 (see advert p.5)

Cherry Wood Adventures Bluebell Club, outdoor activities, Arlington, Fri; Folkington, Tue, 2-4yrs, 07887 556336

Jumping Juniors Stay & Play: messy play, baby play or free play, Crowborough TN6 2QN, 0-5yrs, 01892 240397

Little Forest School, woodland based activities for children & adults, 2yrs+, home ed, 07764 823438 (see advert p.6)

Messy play and sensory classes at KiddiCity, U5s, 07947 080902

Role play sessions with toys, props and dressing up, U7s, 07947 080902

Social Tots, Eastbourne, Mon-Thu am, crawler-2.5yrs, 07973 168585 (see advert p.5)

WAVES Family Drop In, Seaford, coffee, breastfeeding, info, play, TueThu 9.30am-12.30pm, 01323 873797

Woodland Playgroup/Forest School Lewes, craft, campfire, storytelling & more, Fri 10-11.30am, 2yrs+, wildinthewoods.weebly.com

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

Daycare Nurseries (cont.)

Bluebell Wood, Goward Hall, Cade St, Heathfield, 3mths- 5yrs, 01435 868949

Bunny Run Childcare Centre, Hellingly, 0-5yrs, 01323 848490

Busy Bees Nursery, St James St, Lewes, 0-5yrs, 01273 480736

Camelot Kids, Lewes Rd, Eastbourne, 0-5yrs, baby room availability, 01323 725207

Copperfield’s Day Nursery, Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, 4mths5yrs, 01323 644661

Cumnor House Sussex, Private Nursery, flexible hours, funded places, 2yrs+, 01825 790347

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, Seaford & Peacehaven, 0-5yrs, 01273 385577

Ladybirds Pre-school, Ticehurst, large outdoor area, sensory room, 0-5yrs, Mon-Fri, 01580 201617

Leaps & Bounds Day Nursery, Eastbourne Town Centre, 3mths-5yrs, 01323 410585

Little Tinkers Nursery School, Five Ashes, 3mths-5yrs, 01825 830772

Maggie’s Day Nursery, high quality childcare 3mths-5yrs, free funded only spaces, 01323 652468

Manor Twiglets Nursery, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, 2-5yrs, 01825 765487

Oakwood Academy Nursery, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, 6mths-5yrs, 01323 501251 ext 5

Old School House Montessori Nursery, De Monfort Rd, Lewes, 0-5yrs, 01273 480492

Owlets Nursery School, Priory Learning Centre, Eastbourne, 2-5yrs, 07745 347352

Parsonage Farm Day Nursery, Ticehurst, open all year round, 3 mths-5yrs, 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

Step by Step Nursery, St Elisabeth’s Church, Old Town, Eastbourne or Hailsham Road, Polegate, 07791 856109

The Blue Door Nursery, Seaford, 0-5yrs, 01323 491821

The Meadows Nursery School, Eastbourne, 1-5yrs: Hampden Park, 01323 50006; Langney, 01323 741811

The Mohair Centre Nursery, Laughton BN8 6JG, 1-4yrs, Forest School, 01825 872457

Daycare + Pre-School Nurseries

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)

Tots & Time Out, Eshton Rd, Eastbourne, 0mths+, 01323 726132

Warren Day Nursery & Pre-School, Crowborough, 0-5yrs, 01892 653167

Wild Monkeys Nursery, 29 Glynn Rd, Peachaven, Mon-Fri, 2-5yrs, 07818 505469

Pre-School Nurseries + Playgroups

Alfriston Pre-School, Private Forest Site, lots of fun activities, own allotment, 0-5yrs, 07812 335981

Annan School, Eason’s Green, Uckfield, 2-5yrs, 01825 841410

Attwood Farm Nursery, Bodle St Green, nr Hailsham, 0-5yrs, 01323 831781

Barcombe Playgroup, Village Hall, 2-5yrs, 07845 937254

Bonners Nursery, School Hill, Maresfield, 2-4 yrs, 01825 762381x3

Butterfly Nursery, Greenwich House, Peacehaven, 6mths-5yrs, 01273 580819

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-6pm, 2-4yrs, 01825 890943 (see advert)

Harbour Nursery, Church Hill, Newhaven BN9 9LX, 3-5yrs, 01273 514532

Horam Community Pre-school, Horam Village Hall TN21 0JE, 2-5yrs, 01435 812192

Kingston Pre-School, Kingston Village Hall, The Street, 2-5yrs, 01273 486060

Little Deers Nutley Pre-School, Memorial Hall, Nutley, 2-5yrs, 07535 655013 (see advert)

Little Horsted Nursery School, nr Uckfield TN22 5TS, 2.5-4yrs, 01825 750380

Micklefield Nursery School, Seaford, giant sand area, 2-5yrs, 01323 892457

Polegate School Nursery, Oakleaf Drive, BN26 6PT, 2-4yrs, 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

Wild Monkeys Beach Nursery, Parish Hall, Telscoombe Cliffs, Mon-Fri, 2-5yrs, 07866 201996

> Full listing available online scan the QR code

Independent Schools

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, 2½18yrs, 01444 241050

Claremont Nursery, Preparatory & Senior School, St Leonards & Bodiam, 3mths18yrs, 01424 751555

Cumnor House Sussex, Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep, 60 acre site,0 1825 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 (see advert)

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

Northease Manor School, Rodmell, 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

Tutoring • Languages • Out of School

St Andrew’s Prep, Meads St, Eastbourne, co-ed, 9mths-13yrs, 01323 733203

Home Ed

Little Forest School, woodland based activities for children & adults, 2yrs+, home ed, 07764 823438 (see advert p.6)

The Outdoors Project, Home Ed sessions, The Paddock, Lewes & School Workshops, 7-11yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert p.11)

Tutoring

Aim High Tuition, individual & group tuition in many subjects from qualified and experienced tutors, 07862 006302

Charlotte Windham, Maths tutor for KS3, GCSE, iGCSE & A Level, 07712 534283

Claire Barrass, English and Maths Tuition to boost confidence age 5-11yrs, Eastbourne, 01323 732599

Confident reading for all ages, Ocklynge area, Eastbourne, 01323 645416

Eastbourne Tuition Centre, Upperton Rd, 5-16yrs, Maths, English, IT for families,01323 720072

Heike, German Tuition, all abilities & ages to university, 01323 841703

Jarvis Brand, one to one maths and science tuition from KS2 to A level, Uckfield area, 07957 220 891

Johnson Tuition, Meads Eastbourne, Maths & English to 11+, KS2&3 English & KS2 Maths support, 07730 556590

Kenneth Stafford, experienced maths tutor, home and online tuition offered, discounts available, 07763 838690

Kumon Eastbourne Study Centre, affordable maths and English tuition, Mon 4-6pm on zoom, Tue & Thu 4-6.30pm, Ratton school, 01323 332455 [One-Week Free Trial until the 15th March 2024] (see advert)

Private Tutoring: Maths Y5 & 6, Biology GCSE/A level, Chemistry GCSE, Heathfield, 01435 865462

Qualified science teacher, Eastbourne, Sat 10am-2pm, 11-16yrs, 07749 791385

Sue Farrant, 1-1 tuition for primary English & maths, experienced teacher, Robertsbridge area, 01580 881677

Language Classes

>more online

Elisabeth Reichert-Eckersley, German, English Foreign Language, 07752 630319 (see advert)

Poncho Spanish, online Spanish classes, from beginners classes to GCSE exam support, Home Ed, group sessions or 1:1, 7yrs+, ponchospanish.com

Out of School Clubs

After School Art Club, The Art House Café, Eastbourne, pre-booked, 5yrs+, 01323 728691

Copperfield’s After School Club, Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, 5-8yrs from certain schools, 01323 644661

Frogs Afterschool Club, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, Thu 6-7.30pm, YR46, dentonparishchurch@gmail.com

Homework & Activity Club, Uckfield Library, Thur 3.30-4.45pm & Seaford Library, Fri 3.30-4.45pm, 5-11yrs, free, 0345 6080196

OASTies & TOAsties, Wadhurst, before/after school & holiday club, 5-11yrs, 01892 786585

Sussex Wildlife Trust Wild, Wild Life Ranger, Rye Harbour, 12-16yrs (check website for dates), 01273 497561

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.11)

Whitehill After School Club, Luxford Rd, Crowborough, 2-12yrs, pick ups from local schools, 01892 610816

Zylo Performance, drama clubs for primary schools, 07796 305205

Holiday Activities for 5-16yrs

Holiday Schemes

+ Activities

Art & Craft Classes, The Art House Café, Eastbourne, 01323 728691

Beach School East Sussex, holiday club, Holywell Eastbourne, 1/2 terms, summer holidays, 5-11yrs, beachschooleastsussex. co.uk/holiday-clubs

Bede’s Holiday Club, Bede’s Prep,Eastbourne BN20 7XL, Easter: 29 March to 12 April; Summer: 1 July -9 August, 5-13yrs (ext. hours available), www.bedesholidayclub.org (see advert)

Buzz Active, Watersports: Eastbourne & Cuckmere, adventure week: Bushy Wood, 6-14yrs, 01323 463300

Cherry Wood Adventures, outdoor activities, Arlington nr Eastbourne, 4-11yrs, 07887 556336

Dance Boot Camps with Universal Dance, themed days, Uckfield, call for info, 07968 295862

Dernwood Children’s Woodland club - Horam, Sun am (summer only), Family Holiday GroupLewes, wildinthewoods.weebly.com

Each Peach Forest School, Newhaven, selected dates in summer holidays, 9am-5pm, sibling discount, 01273 515971

Eastbourne Borough FC, holiday courses, 4-13yrs, Boys & Girls, call for dates, 01323 766265

Elevate Tennis Coaching, school holiday tennis camps, Cross in Hand & Horam, 07790 037030

Funabounds, Uckfield, coached trampoline courses & fun sessions on the trampolines etc, 5yrs+, 01825 768479

HAF Holiday Club, Denton Island Com. Centre, Newhaven, MonThu, Easter/Summer/Xmas, 10am2pm, 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

Horam Tennis Club, Holiday Fun with Good4Tennis, half-term, Easter, Summer, 5-7/8-10/1116yrs, 07484 140811

Little Forest School, woodland based activities for children & adults during the holidays, 07764 823438 (see advert p.6)

Mini Farmers Holiday Club, South Brockwells Farm TN22 5QS, Easter/summer/Xmas, 10am-2pm, 7-14yrs, Book via Eventbrite

My Skate World, Maple Rd, Eastbourne, holiday for open skate, Tue-Fri pm, Sat/ Sun 11.30am-2.30/3-6pm, 07807 087962 (see advert p.12)

Pied Piper, multi activity camps, St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne BN20 7RP, SUMMER: 9-16 Aug, 4-12yrs, 01273 504485 (see advert)

Railway Land Holiday Club, school holidays, Lewes BN7 1BE, summer holidays, Mon-Wed, 6-13yrs, 01273 477101

Rascals Playscheme, Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, multi-sports, crafts, games, 4-12yrs, 01323 509859

Seaford Holiday Club, Seaford Baptist Church, forest school sessions, arts & crafts, 2-U5s, 5-11yrs, seaford-holiday-club.co.uk

Set2Win, Tennis Camps, The Old Town Hub, Eastbourne, 4yrs+, Facebook: @Set2WinTennis SportsCool Brighton, multi-sports camp, Lewes, Seaford & Eastbourne, 8.30am-3.30pm, 4-12yrs, Facebook: @SSCBrightonLtd

Stagecoach Lewes, Summer Camp, Kings Academy, Ringmer, 6yrs+, 01273 504380

Tennis Eastbourne, camps at the Sports Park, all school hols, 4-12yrs, 07850 327695

The Outdoors Project, fun, games, adventure, The Paddock, Lewes, 5-12yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert)

Uckfield Leisure Centre, holiday kids club, full, half day & drop in, 4-11yrs, 01825 761160

Zylo Performance Film School, Heathfield (April/Aug), Ringmer (Aug) & Uckfield (April/Aug), 6-14yrs, 07796 305205

St Andrew’s Prep Holiday Camp (Eastbourne)

Pied Piper Activities holiday camps at St Andrew’s Prep

Embark on an exciting journey with Pied Piper multi-activity camps, the ultimate experience for children aged 4 to 12 during their Easter and Summer holidays!

Providing fantastic OFSTED registered childcare with over 60 different activities for children to take part in.

Our camps are safe, friendly, and secure, ensuring your child’s adventure unfolds in a nurturing environment. Our staff are carefully selected for their fun-loving, caring, enthusiastic and committed nature and their ability to deliver the Pied Piper difference throughout your child’s week at camp.

Join us at Pied Piper at St Andrew’s Prep, where joy knows no bounds, and every moment is a chance to create wonderful childhood memories that last a lifetime!

E: teamyellow@piedpiperactivities.co.uk

W: piedpiperactivities.co.uk

A - Z of Sports & Leisure for 5 years old to teens

A - Z of Sport & Leisure

Arts + Crafts

Masterpiece, Whitesmith, paint pottery, clay building activities, foam clay, fabric painting, 01825 872225

Silver Jewellery Workshops, 01825 722428

Start Art & Smart Art, 5 - 16yrs, Hillcrest Centre, Newhaven, Thu, 01273 595505

The Seamstress Lewes, Nina Murden, 121 sewing classes for adults & children, 8yrs+, alterations, 07717 855 314

Time 2 Potter, Hailsham, pottery painting, 4yrs+, w/ ends, Wed & school hols, call to book, 01323 505000

Badminton

> more online

Crowborough Leisure Centre, casual bookings + hire, 01892 665488

Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, open sessions, all ages, 01323 509859

Lewes Leisure Centre, casual bookings, 01273 486000

Shinewater Sports & Community Centre, casual bookings & coaching for 7-16yrs on Thu eve, 01323 768614

Uckfield Leisure Centre, casual bookings & junior coached sessions, Tue pm, 8yrs+,01825 761160

Cookery

Lerato Cookery School, Eastbourne, family classes, kids cookery clubs, birthday parties, 07763 474979

Dance + Drama

> more online

Art of Dance, Lewes & Hove, 2yrs-adult, ballet, tap & street dance, 07976 068989

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

Diamond Dance, Horam, freestyle, 5yrs-adult, 01323 840937

Diana Freedman’s School of Dance & Performing Arts, Pevensey Bay, 2½yrs-adult, 01424 212986

East Sussex Dance Studios, Five Ashes Village Hall, 2yrs+, 07803 254966

Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, modern Fri 4-6pm & ballet Thurs 4-6pm, Sat 9-11am, 3yrs+, 01323 509859

Helena’s Flamenco Dance, 6yrsadult, beginners, Lewes: Sat, Eastbourne: Tue, 07963 959262

Kaleidoscope Theatre Company, Lewes & Barcombe, 5-16yrs, performing arts, 07963 478 393

Perform, musical theatre, St John’s Parish Hall, Eastbourne BN20 7QT, Tue pm, 4yrs+, free trial, www.perform.org.uk/try (see advert)

RAPA Dance, Eastbourne, contemporary, jazz, ISTD, ballet, modern, tap, hip-hop, 2yrs+, 07712 194456

Rennie Dance Academy, ballet, tap, modern, streetdance, musical theatre, 3yrs+, Newick, Uckfield, 01825 761596

Seaford Youth Drama Group, 5-18yrs, Mon 5-8pm, term time only, 01323 892023

SLH Dance Academy, Lewes, ISTD Ballet, Tap, Modern, 07539 215547

So Dance Academy, Crowborough, 3yrs+, ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip-hop, 07944 588696

Stage Stars, Eastbourne, dance, singing and drama classes for 5-13 yrs, 07926 106393

Streetfunk, streetdance classes for ages 4-18 in Newhaven & Lewes, 01273 308525

Gymnastics + Trampoline > more online

Acting Moon Bigtop School of Circus Arts, learn Aerial Trapeze, Silks, Hoop and Gymnastics, 01323 325957

Downs Leisure Centre Seaford, Up ‘n’ Downs Trampoline Club, Fri pm, 4-18yrs, upndownstc@gmail.com

Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, gymnastics,Thur 4-5/5-6pm, 5yrs+, 01323 490011

Eternity Gymnastics, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, home school gymnastics, 5yrs+ Thu am, 07925 052397

Fun Abounds, gymnastic & indoor trampoline centre, Uckfield, 01825 768479

Jump Trampoline Club, Hailsham, 4yrs to adult, 01323 508604

Peacehaven Leisure Centre, gymnastics, Thu pm, 5-15yrs, 01273 588858

Sovereign Centre, gymnastics lessons, 4-11yrs, 01323 738822

Uckfield Gymnastic Club, from crawling to adults, led by British Gymnastics qualified coaches, office@uckfieldgymnastics.co.uk

Uplands Sports Centre, Wadhurst, gymnastics, 5yrs+, 01892 782136

Martial Arts

> more online

Classes for kids 4yrs+ and separate adult classes, beginners welcome, Eastbourne Shorin Ryu Karate, 07853 304405

Frontier School of Karate & Kickboxing (FSK), Heathfield, Uckfield, Battle, Crowborough, 5yrs+, 07970 686054 (see advert)

Red Oak Karate Club, Lewes, 12yrs+, 01273 890687

Sama Karate & Kickboxing, Eastbourne & Hailsham, 3½yrs- adults, 01273 580577

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

Tiger Kickboxing, Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, Mon/Tue/Sun, 5yrs+, 01323 873753

Uplands Sports Centre, Wadhurst, Judo, 4yrs+, 01892 782136

Skating + Skateboards

> more online

Eastbourne Edge Inline Hockey Club, MySkateWorld, 6-18yrs+, new players wanted, 07776 001021

Eastbourne Junior Roller Derby, Causeway School, Sun 3-4pm, 8-17 yrs, 07947 641522

My Skate World, Eastbourne, indoor skate rink, Tue-Fri pm & Sat/Sun 11.30am-2.30, 3-6pm (closed Tue term time) + family friendly roller discos, Fri 6-9pm, 07807 087962 (see advert)

Roller Disco, Lewes Leisure Centre, every other week, Sat, 3.30-5pm, 6yrs+, 01273 486000

Roller Disco, Peacehaven Leisure Centre, every other week, Fri, 5-6.30pm, 6yrs+, 01273 588858

Yoga

> more online

Alice Yoga at Yoga Life Studio, Eastbourne, 07500 060119

Sprite Yoga, Lewes New School, yoga for teenagers, Mon evenings, 07774 397269

Great Outdoors

Abbots Wood Arlington, Polegate BN26 6SL. Ancient woodland with walks, medieval lake, BBQ hire, picnic tables and play area.

Arlington Reservoir, Polegate BN26 6UX. Covering some 245 acres, the reservoir is a nature reserve, open 9am until dusk.

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.

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.

Lake Wood Uckfield TN22 2DE. Once part of the Rocks Estate, the mix of natural and manmade features, rocky sandstone outcrops with high cliffs that overhang a lake & the cave-like boathouse carved out of rock.

Motcombe Gardens, Eastbourne Old Town BN21 1PU. Originally forming part of a farmyard, the 9th Duke of Devonshire gave the garden to the town of Eastbourne in 1909. The duck pond is the source of the Bourne stream from which ‘East Bourne’ got its name, free entry.

Places to Visit

RAYSTEDE FAMILY LEARNING DAYS

Complete the trail as a family whilst you explore your local animal rescue centre

Join us for animal talks, film shows and crafts to learn more about how we help injured and unwanted animals in need

Please visit our website for details of upcoming events during the Easter and May half term holidays.

Free entry, booking is essential: www raystede org

Princes Park Eastbourne BN22 7AE. Playgrounds, splash pad, boating lake & café, free entry.

Railway Land Nature Reserve Lewes BN7 2FG. Over 20 acres of meadowland & woodland reclaimed from the old rail yards, incl. Linklater Pavilion, nature reserve open all year round, accessible by wheelchair.

Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve BN25 4JQ. Cliffs, shingle beach, downland, grassland, home to rare species of plant, bird, insect, stunning views of the Seven Sisters & Cuckmere Valley.

Shinewater Park Eastbourne BN23 8AT. Includes footpaths, cycle paths, playground, lakes, all-weather sports court, BMX & skate area, fishing with a permit.

Places in Sussex where you can find Bluebells from mid-April to mid-May

To the east & north east:

Stanmer Park, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RE - beautiful woodland walks and extensive open lands. Accessible by bus/train/car [parking fee apply].

Ditchling Common, Ditchling BN6 8SG, woodland, grassland [free parking].

Newhaven Skatepark & Pumptrack, located off Fort Road, BN9 9DL, in the south of the town, near Newhaven Fort. Peacehaven Big Park skate park, playgrounds, natural play spaces, climbing wall, café, paths & links to the South Downs.

Wakehurst Botanical Gardens NT, Ardingly RH17 6TN [parking fee apply].

Sheffield Park Garden NT, nr Uckfield TN22 3QX. Standen House & Garden NT, nr East Grinstead RH19 4NE. Heaven Farm, nr Uckfield TN22 3RG, ancient bluebell woodland nature trail, feed the carp and treat yourself to a Latchetts’ ice cream! [entry fee]. Wilderness Wood Main Road, Hadlow Down, TN22 4HJ (n/r Uckfield). Selwyns Wood nr Heathfield TN21 0QN. Flatropers Wood nr Peasmarsh TN31 6TH. The Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail, Arlington BN26 6SH, [entry fee].

Brede High Woods, north of Hastings, High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [free car park]. Marline Valley nr Hastings TN38 9NY.

To the west, north & north west:

Butchers Wood BN6 9PH, ancient oak woodland, start from the Hassocks train station, path off Keymer Rd (SE of the railway line). Nymans NT, Handcross RH17 6EB. Woods Mill Nature Reserve nr Henfield BN5 9SD [no dog allowed]. The Mens nr Billingshurst RH14 0HR Ebernoe Common nr Petworth GU28 9LD. Slindon Estate NT Arundel BN18 0RG. Butler’s Copse, between Angmering & Arundel BN18 9PX, free parking at the end of Dover Lane.

Source: Woodland Trust, National Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust Note: National Trust (NT) woodlands are free for NT members, entry fee apply.

Please tell our fantastic advertisers that you saw them in the

Family Farms, Animals, & Sealife

Blackberry Farm near Lewes BN8 6JD. Set in Sussex countryside, animals, wildfowl; most can be petted or fed by hand. Large outdoor play area, ‘Clucky’s’ indoor playbarn, sensory zone, tractor/pony rides.

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, interactive displays, extensive adventure playgrounds, rainforest-themed carousel ride, Safari Express Train and Hello Kitty Secret Garden which incl. children’s rides; restaurants, cafes, seasonal events.

Hastings Aquarium Rock-ANore Rd, Hastings TN34 3DW. Close encounters with seahorses, sharks, rays and hundreds of other aquatic creatures, plus reptiles and frogs, underwater walk-through tunnel. Open daily.

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 competition p.9)

Middle Farm West Firle, Lewes, BN8 6LJ. Family farm with a small flock of sheep, lambing in spring, playground and play hay barn, animal handling sessions, farm shop, tea room, gift shop.

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. (see advert)

Sharnfold Farm and Farm Shop Stone Cross BN24 5BU. Farm trail, animals, play area, PYO, coffee shop, farm shop, seasonal events.

South Brockwells Farm Shop, Little Horsted TN22 5QS. Home grown & locally sourced produce, open Wed-Sat & daily during home-grown asparagus season 23rd April-21st June, Lambing March-April.

Places to Visit

Places of Historic Interest, Gardens

Museums & Galleries

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, Battle TN33 0AD

English Heritage insight into the Battle of Hastings and 1066.

Explore the abbey ruins, awardwinning audio exhibition which brings to life the dramatic story of the Norman Conquest.

Bateman’s National Trust House, Burwash TN19 7DS.

Former home of Rudyard Kipling with gardens, walks, watermill tea room, seasonal events. Open daily.

Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum BN21 4BY. Admission free, open all year round, see website for opening times.

Hastings Fisherman’s Museum

Rock-a-Nore Road TN34 3DW. Original lugger, photos, models, stories, paintings and nets. Open daily, FREE, donations requested.

Herstmonceux Castle Gardens and Grounds BN27 1RN

Magnificent moated castle, set in 500 acres of parkland & Elizabethan gardens. The Castle is closed to the public though guided tours available. Home to the Observatory Science Centre

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 stretching back over 16 centuries, it chronicles more graphically than any other fortress the story of Britain’s south coast defences. 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, with a great square keep and a powerful gatehouse, 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.

- find many more great suggestions on our website

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.

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 (plus bank 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, restaurant, café, plant/gift shop, seasonal events and family trails.

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), reduced rate toddler mornings Mon & Thur until 1pm term time.

Drusillas Park (see p.20).

Doves Play Barn, Latchetts Farm TN22 3RG. Made from sustainable wood with ride-ons & ball pond, 0-8yrs with cafe, ice cream parlour.

Eastbourne Pier one of the finest examples of a Victorian pier, Eastbourne’s stunning seafront landmark.

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, seasonal events.

Knockhatch Adventure Park & ‘Froggies’ Indoor Soft Play, see p.13. (see competition p.9)

Little Lewes, Play Cafe, Lewes BN7 1YE. Play Cafe for 0-5yrs, Montessori-inspired setting, coffee & cakes, open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm.

Magic Castle Soft Play, Peacehaven Leisure Centre, open daily, U10s.

My Skateworld, Eastbourne BN23 6NY. Indoor roller-skating rink with daily discos, games, pool table, air hockey, café area. Check website for opening times. (see advert p.12)

Monkey Bizness Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes BN8 6JL. Maze of play frames, toddler area for 2-5yrs, main frame suitable for 5-12yrs, open daily.

Mouse Trap, Downs Leisure Centre Seaford, inflatable course (2-11yrs), Fri-Mon, 1h session.

Ninja Arena, Eastbourne BN21 3NW. Supervised activity and fitness. Climb, balance, jump and swing across different obstacles.

Paradise Park Newhaven BN9 0DH. Planet Earth museum, Dinosaur Safari, Paradise Gardens incl. mini Sussex models, Local Maritime Museum, Play Zone & crazy golf, open daily, seasonal events.

Sky High Trampoline Park

Peacehaven BN10 8JQ. Wall to wall interconnected trampolines. Toddler bounce, open sessions for 5yrs+, weekends & school holidays only.

Treasure Island, Eastbourne BN22 7AE. Indoors: soft play area on two levels, babies-12yrs, SEN sessions Outdoor Adventure Park & Pirate's Adventure Golf.

Urban Jump, trampolining & activity centre, Ghyll Rd Industrial Estate, Heathfield, daily.

BACK-TO-NATURE CAMPING

Boathouse Farm Camping, Uckfield TN22 5TY, grass pitch camping on a traditional working organic farm, situated next to the river Ouse.

Bramley Park Camping, Polegate BN26 5PH, camping & glamping site located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the South Downs National Park.

Cuckoo Camp, Church Farm, Climping/Littlehampton BN17 5RR. Family run small campsite on the south coast alongside the river Arun, close to Climping beach (30min walk), dog friendly'.

Foxwood Camping, Patching BN13 3UL nr Worthing, woodland camping with your own fire pit, nestled within the South Downs NP, holidays & weekend.

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 fee).

Heaven Farm, Uckfield TN22 3RG, camp in the beautiful Sussex countryside.

Hook Farm Campsite, West Hoathly RH19 4PT. Beautiful views of the Sussex Weald, weekends & bank holiday only.

*Most of these campsites are open April/ May to September. A full list of campsite can be found online.

Lewes Wild Willows Camping, Lower Stoneham Farm, Lewes BN8 5RJ, lovely family friendly campsite based on the river Ouse.

New Wharf, Steyning BN44 3AL, family run campsite and farm with private and easy access to the river Adur. Pitches, shepherd huts, 5m bell tents.

The Earth Camp Chailey, small, family run, back to nature campsite nr. Lewes, therapy tent with massages, Reiki sessions, outdoor yoga class

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.

Wild Combe Camping, Elsted, Midhurst GU29 0JY, campsite surrounded by beautiful unspoiled countryside and access to reservoir for swimming, kayaking & SUP. Wowo, Sheffield Park, Uckfield TN22 3QT, camping, shepherd’s huts & Mongolian yurts.

What's On This Spring - find more online!

March

Until the 15th March

One Week FREE TRIAL at Kumon Eastbourne Study Centre. (see advert p.10)

Until the 14 th April

Elmer's Art Parade Eastbourne, find all 12 Elmers based on David McKee’s character around the town centre? More info: elmerineastbourne.co.uk/

2 , 9 & 16 March

SCIP 2024 Book Show – arts & craft + storytime | Free, by SCIP, The Crypt Gallery, Seaford, check website: wearescip.co.uk

7 March

Happyjacks Softplay Pop Up Gym Play | walker - 5yrs, St Anthony's Centre, Eastbourne BN23 6NH, 9.30am & 11am. (see advert p.4)

14 March - 7 December

Awful Auntie, Live On Stage!, over 25 venues nationwide, awfulauntielive.com (see competition)

23 March

Happyjacks Softplay Pop

Up Gym Play | walker - 5yrs, Hellingly Com. Hub BN27 4EP, 9.30am & 11am. (see advert p.4)

River People Tour | Free, Malling Community Centre, Lewes, community event to celebrate, learn & act for the Rive Ouse, talks, stalls & kids activities, 11am-4pm.

Spring Equinox with Rooted | Free, Gorringe Road Allotments, Eastbourne BN22 8XL, seeds exchange, story, workshops, campfire food demo, 10am-2pm.

23 March - 1 April

Children's Easter Egg Hunt, Seaford Museum, Martello Tower #74.

23 March - 7 April

Easter Adventures, Scotney Castle - NT, Lamberhurst, giant eggs and family-friendly games.

23 March - 14 April

Easter Adventures, Bateman's - NT, Burwash, Easter trail with Jungle Book twist.

Easter Egg Hunt Trail, Shefield Park & Garden - NT, TN22 3QX.

Easter Egg Hunt - Family Trail, Standen House & Garden - NT, nr East Grinstead.

24 March - 14 April

Lamb Easter Trail, Lamb HouseNT, Burwash, Rye.

27 March - 14 April

Bluey at Wakehurst, Ardingly, family Easter trail.

29 March - 14 April

Easter Eggs Hunt, Bodiam Castle - NT, Robertsbridge.

April

3 & 5 April

Family Day: Presence with Amy Leung | Free, Towner Eastbourne, Artist Amy Leung invites you to takeover the gallery, 11am-4pm.

3 - 7 April

Rapunzel - a Tangled Hairy tale!, pantomime, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne.

6 April

Crowborough Repair Café, 1st Saturday of the month, Ashdown Junior School, 10am-12.30pm.

7 April

Seaford Beach Clean, with Plastic Free Seaford, 1st Sunday of the month, Meeting alternates between the Martello Tour side and the Buckle end of the beach.

10 April - 14 May

Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail, Bates Green Farm [for more place where to find Bluebells, see p.13]

20 - 21 April

Spring Live!, South of England Showground, Ardingly.

27 April

Uckfield Repair Café, 4th Saturday of the month, 9.30am-noon.

27 April - 27 October

Bloomin' Brilliant: The Life & Work of Raymond Briggs, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft.

May and later...

4 - 5 May

Magnificent Motors | Free, Western Lawns, Eastbourne, 600 vintage and classic cars and more.

5 May

Boundary Walk, Crowborough, starting from Goldsmith's Rec. Ground, ancient custom of “Beating the Bounds” taking place on Rogation Sunday, 9am.

10 - 19 May

Eastbourne Spring Water Festival, Western Lawns, EcoFair, promoting plastic free and alternative items + free activities.

11 - 12 May

Battle of Lewes, Convent Field, Lewes, reenactment, medieval traders, historical displays and demonstrations, 10am-5pm.

24 - 27 May

Elderflowers Fields Festival, Ashdown Forest, family festival.

7 - 9 June

South of England Show, South of England Showground, Ardingly. (see advert above & competition p.3)

16 June

Sussex Day, Chapel Green, Crowborough, 1-4pm.

21, 22, 23 June

Camper Marmalade, Bramley Farm, Polgate BN26 6QN, weekend of family camping & fun.

29 June

Seaford Repair Café, last Sat of the month,1-3.30pm, lunch at noon.

13 -16 June

Madagascar - The Musical, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.

6 - 8 September

Into The Trees, Ashdown Forest, weekend of family adventure (see competition p.5)