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
Langney Community Fridge, Eastbourne BN23 7DX, Tue 1-3pm, Facebook: @LangneyCommunityCentre
Caricatures by Lesley Harvey, drawn from your favourite photo, personalised name, 07722 23674 (see advert)
“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]
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, 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
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, 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
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 Babies
Cheeky Pickles, Cloth Nappy sale, hire & support, 1:1 & workshops, cheekypickles.co.uk
Plastic Free Baby, eco-friendly shop, biodegradable & recyclable products, web: plasticfree.baby
The Washable Nappy Company, free demonstrations & trial kits, 07833 927210
Wealden Council’s FREE REAL Reusable Nappy Trial Kit, test a range of nappies before buying, apply online
GREENER GIFTS
GREEN CHRISTMAS
Plastic-free or DIY Christmas crackers, gift a refilled jar. Buy what is needed, get an experience or a voucher!
Beach Clean
Seaford Beach Clean, monthly 1st Sun, check FB:@PlasticFreeSeaford Eastbourne Beach Clean, monthly 2nd Sun, check Facebook: @PlasticFreeEastbourne Apps
Freegle App, online dating app for free stuff, ilovefreegle.org/mobile Olio Mobile App, giveaways, l ending, borrowing to reduce food, household waste, olioapp.com/en/ Too Good to Go App, connecting customers to restaurants/stores that have surplus unsold food, toogoodtogo.com
Instagram Influencers
The Joy of Enough (local to East Sussex!): @not.needing.new Greener living 'guru' and author: @nancy.birtwhistle
Great ideas to use your leftovers!: @ellypear - Rollover Leftovers
It’s Our Planet Too, award winning eco activity & subscription boxes for children, itsourplanettoo.co.uk
Playpress Toys, a East-Sussex based company offering ecofriendly buildable connectable playsets, lots of gift options and sock fillers! playpresstoys.com (see competition above)
W.E. Clark & Son, Sussex family jewellers since 1819, Lewes BN7 2AF, 01273 487816 & Uckfield TN22 1AJ, 01825 708777, www.weclarkandson.co.uk/
UPCYCLED + HOME-MADE GIFTS
Upcycle tins with paper of all sorts (scraps, newspapers, magazines, past calendars...), stick it using a mix of white glue & water, you can then put a layer of varnish
Next step, visit your local refill store and fill it with all kind of goodies (spices, tea, herbs, chocolate,
For years, my kids have done useful re-usable gifts for their grandparents, aunty, uncle and older cousins. They have painted little teapots, place mats, towels, laundry bags, and all of these are still used today!
Welcome to our WINTER 2024/25 issue, which is filled with ideas to take you through to Christmas and into the new year. We have added some useful information to help you navigate this busy period, such a list of Primary School Open days (p.12), if your little one is starting school in 2025, as well as a few tips for having a greener Christmas (p.2).
In this issue we are featuring 5 competitions to win some amazing prizes: a family ticket to the magical ROYAL PAVILION ICE RINK, a family day out to KNOCKHATCH, and to SPRING LIVE! happening in April at the South of England Showground, plus a family weekend ticket to ELDERFLOWER FIELDS FESTIVAL taking place end of May. Last but not least, you will get the chance to win an eco-friendly PLAYPRESS play set.
THANK YOU to our wonderful advertisers. Please continue to support these hardworking local businesses, and don’t forget to mention that you have heard about them through the FAMILY GRAPEVINE!
Bettina x
Bettina Horne-Muller - acting editor bettina@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk | 01444 443068
Eastbourne, Wealden & Lewes ewlfamilygrapevine www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes
School Holidays 2024/25
East Sussex
Christmas 21st December - 5th January
Half Term 15th February - 23rd February
Easter 5th - 21th April
Half Term 24th May - 1st June
For INSET days & Bank Holiday dates, please contact your school. Independent schools & other counties may vary.
Infant, Junior & Primary School Application closing date: 15th January 2025. National Offer Day: 16th April 2025
In This Issue
| website | social media
Published 3 times a year in March, July & November. Don't wait to get your Free Listing with us - submit it online. Advertise with us and let your local community know about your services & products. email: bettina@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk
Our SPRING 2025 MAGAZINE will come out in early March, so keep your eyes peeled and follow us on social media!
Local Businesses
Homes + Gardens
Pfeiffer Design, interior architecture & design, Chapel Barn, Lewes Rd, Piddinghoe BN9 9AL, 01273 499200, www.pfeifferdesign.co.uk/ 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/
Other Businesses
Care Remedies, home caring service, covering East Dean to Pevensey Bay & surroundings, 01323 301152
Coffin Club Hastings, hear talks, ask questions and plan your perfect send off, 07985 295373 driveJohnson’s Eastbourne, established driving school, 0330 1244877
Organisation, looking for host families & English teachers, around Eastbourne, 01323 744020
Lightning Fibre, local broadband company building a new full fibre network in E-Sussex, 01323 380260
Maya & Friends Dog
Walking Service based in Eastbourne, DBS & Fully Insured., 07763 091912
Michael Bell One, creative website design agency based in Lewes, michaelbellone.co.uk
Wilderness Wood, reserve your own Christmas tree 2/3 Nov (mbers), 9/10 Nov (non-mbers) & cut it or a pick one up between the 23rd Nov-21st Dec, 01825 830509 (see advert p.3)
Voluntary Work
Mediation Plus, accredited community mediation training & volunteer opportunities, 01424 446808 (see advert p.5)
Drawn cartoons are by Lesley Harvey
Front cover is from iStock, credit: Mkovalevskaya
Jurgen Matthes Student
Family Support + Special Needs
Family Support
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
Breast Cancer Support Group, Eastbourne, peer2peer support, safe/friendly environment, meet monthly, 07982 682746
Care Remedies, complete home caring service, covering East Dean to Pevensey Bay and surroundings, 01323 301152 Childline, 0800 1111
Children’s integrated therapy service, speech & language, occupational & physiotherapy, 0300 1232650
Children with Cancer Fund, supporting families across E. Sussex, Brighton & Hove, 01323 488561
Eastbourne area Family Hubs run adult courses e.g. back to work, toddler tantrums, parenting etc, 01323 464340
Family Mediation
East Sussex Smartphone Free WhatsApp Community, supporting parents delaying in giving smartphone to, their children, linktr ee/smartphonefreech
Family Learning Courses, SCDA, Newhaven including story, snacks etc, 01273 517250
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
Mediation Plus, supporting separating couples, young people & neighbours in dispute, 01424 446808 (see advert)
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
Lewes Family Hub, Lewes & Havens areas, free adult education courses, 01273 336930
The Caring Instinct, parenting support, solutions for families rooted in developmental science, www.thecaringinstinct.com
WAVES Seaford, parenting Workshops, 1:1 family support, social & practical, 01323 873797
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
Aspens, Support, Family Centre & Youth Services, 0345 450 0060
Autism friendly cinema, Hailsham Pavilion, Sunday mornings - please check programme, 01323 841414
Demelza, delivers care to children facing serious or life-limiting condition, demelza.org.uk
We provide mediation between adults going through separation or divorce to resolve disputes and support joint decision-making. Mediation is often faster and more cost effective than going to court. The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides £500 towards the costs of making child arrangements.
01424 446 808
admin@mediation-plus.org.uk
Children’s Disability Short Break, offering carers restbite and overnight care, 01323 466438
Contact, advice for families with a disabled child, 0808 8083555
East Sussex Wheelchair Services, assessment, fitting, supply & repair all ages, 0333 003 5619
Communication, Learning and Autism Support Service (CLASS), parents & carers in E-Sussex, 01273 336887
NYAS, for young people with disabilities or in need, 0808 808 1001
Samantha Eve Photography, family & SEN studio photography, Polgate, 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 & Heathfield, 07723 805444/ 07840 281563 (Heathfield)
Sports & Leisure for Children with Disabilities + SEN Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, disability football sessions:, 01273 668590
Create Music, Orchestra 360, inclusive, creative music group for children & their family, 5-18yrs, createmusic.org.uk
i-go card, leisure card for 0-25yrs offering free or discounted entry eg swimming, fitness, cabs, igo.eastsussex.gov.uk
Riding for the Disabled, East Sussex Region, call for details of nearest groups, 07850 522 768
Something Special SEN Group, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, Wed 1-2.30am, 01323 463244
Swim sessions, Seahaven & Seaford Head pools, 0 - teens, call for dates & times, 07802 832835
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 - 19yrs, 01892 663018
Hazel Court School, Eastbourne BN23 8EJ, 11-19yrs, 01323 465720
Northease Manor School, Rodmell BN7 3EY, for pupils with specific learning difficulties, 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
Ante/Postnatal • Babies • Baby Groups
BABY & CHILD FIRST AID CLASSES
Award winning classes for parents, grandparents & carers
daisyfirstaid.com/eastbourne
Antenatal & Postnatal Support + Exercise
Cai Doula, Cheryl Titherly, postnatal doula, 07999 286778
Caroline Alexander, birth & postnatal doula, 07958 538095
Craniosacral Therapist specialising in Women’s and children’s wellbeing Lewes, 07880 811403
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, 07545 061535
Mothering Mojo, yoga, doula, breastfeeding classes, Uckfield Tues & Sats, 07977 489092
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 1,000 days, 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
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 (see advert)
Breastfeeding
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers helpline, 0300 3305453
Bonding Beautiful, help & support with breastfeeding, 24/7, 01323 501979
Breastfeeding support group, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, Thu 1-2.30pm, 01323 463244
Latch On Eastbourne, breastfeeding advice & support for everybody, weekly breastfeeding café, 07484 838756
National Breastfeeding Helpline, Open 9.30am-9.30pm, 0300 100 0212
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, bump-U18mths, 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)
Baby-Parent screenings, Hailsham Pavilion, lower volume/soft lightning, parents with U2s, see website
Bizzy Baby, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, Fri 11am-12pm, U12mths, 01323 463244
Bump To Toddle, NCT Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, Kiddi City, EBN, Thu 10.30am-12pm, 0300 3300700
Bumps 2 Babies, mums-to-be & non-walkers, Crowborough CCtre TN6 1FE, Wed 10-11am, 01273 336930
Bumps 2 Babies, mums-to-be & non-walkers, The Cartlodge Manor Farm, Horam TN21 0JB, Mon 1-2pm, 01273 336930
Bumps 2 Babies, mums-to-be & non-walkers, Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, Tue 1-2pm, 01273 336930
Bumps 2 Babies, 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 Tue, 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, Crowborough TN6 2QN, 0-5yrs, 01892 240397
Latch On Eastbourne, breastfeeding café, Langney CCtre, Eastbourne, Wed 12.30pm, 0-2yrs, 07484 838756
Little Fish Baby Group, Welcome Baptist Church, Heathfield, Tue 10-11.30am (no charge), 01435 864646
Mostly Mums & Babies Group, St
Mary The Virgin Church Ringmer, Fri 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, FB: @Fuego Lounge
Picture House Uckfield - baby friendly mid morning movies with a free coffee! Thu am, term time only, 01825 764909
Sing & Sign, Old Town, Eastbourne, Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 0-30 months, 01323 722104 (see advert)
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, stay and play or just pop in and borrow, 9.30-11.30am, 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 & 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 CCentre 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, Chapel Green, Crowborough, 9.30-10.30am (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
Saturday
Messy Church, United Church, Crowborough, U5s, selected Sat (check FB), 01892 665493
►Eastbourne
Monday
Growing Together, Stay & Play, Polgate CCentre BN 26 6QF, 9-11am, Find on Facebook KiddiCity, Mingle Mondays. 11am and 12.30pm, 07947 080902
Little Daffodils toddler group, Devonshire Family Hub 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, Upperton Rd, Old Town, BN21 1LQ, 10-11.30am (booking essential), 07762 621266
Noah’s Ark ‘Old Town’ Stay and Play session, St. Mary’s, Eastbourne BN21 1HS, 0-4yrs,9.30-11.30am, FB: @eastbourneparish
Please
Panda, All Saints Centre, Grange Rd, 10-11.30am, 01323 419400
Rhymetime, Hampden Park Library, 10.30-11am, free, 0345 6080196
Sovey Tumblers Soft Play, Sovereign Centre, giant bouncy castle, soft play + a swim, 9am-12pm, 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
Fun Time at Broadway United Church, Lindfield Rd, Hampden Park, 0-3yrs, 10-11.30am, term time, 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, 9.4511.45am, 07542 856511
Little Trees Baby & Toddler Group, Willingdon Trees CCtre BN22 0UT, 10am-12noon, 01323 504438
Panda, All Saints Centre, Grange Rd, 10-11.30am, 01323 419400
Rhymetimes, Eastbourne Library, 10.30-11am, free, 0345 608 0196
Soft Play & Scoot, My Skate World, Eastbourne, U5s, 9.3011.30, 01323 337035
Toddler Group, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, softplay, 1-2pm, FB: @more than cake
Toy Library, Langley CCtre, Eastbourne BN23 7DX, 1-3pm, FB:@LangneyCom
Wriggle Room, Towner Art Gallery, free drop in workshop for U5s, every 2 weeks/term time, 10am12pm, towner.eastbourne.org.uk
Wednesday
Acorns, St Anthony’s Centre, Eastbourne BN23 6NH, 1011.30am, 01323 439700
Baby & Toddler Group, Langley CCtre, Eastbourne BN23 7DX, 10.30am-12pm & 1-2pm, FB:@LangneyCom
Chalk Hill Toddler Group, St Mary’s Church, Church St, Willingdon, 9.45-11.45am, 01323 504659
Family Fun Gathers Toddler Group, Langney CCtre BN23 7DX, 10.30am-12pm & 1-2pm, FB: @Family Fun Gatherers
Focus Baby & Toddler, see Tuesday Giggles, Gateway Christian Centre, Lottbridge Drove, BN22 9PB, space limited 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, 1011.30am, 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, FREE, 0345 6080196
Rhymetime, Willingdon Com. 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 + a swim, 9am-12pm, 01323 738822
Sticky Fingers, art & messy play, Christ Church Hall BN22 7NN, 9.30-11am, advance pre-booking, free, devonshirecollective.co.uk Toy Library, 10.30-4.30pm, 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+, FB: @more than cake Dad’s Stay & Play, in partnership with Parent Minds, Devonshire Family Hub BN27 7NB, last Thu, 12.30-2pm, 07707 171709
Focus Baby & Toddler, see Tuesday Fun, friendship and refreshments, Christ Church, Seaside, 10.30am12pm, free, 07845 070141
Giggles, see Wednesday.
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, 10am-12pm, 07511 297680
Soft Play & Scoot, My Skate World, Eastbourne, U5s, 9.3011.30, 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, 1011.45am, 07548 954901
Friday
Bizzy Bees toddler group, Shinewater Family Hub, BN23 8ED, 9.30-10.30am, 0-5yrs, 01323 463244
Little Wrens, see Monday.
Messy Play, More Than Cake, 0-2yrs, see Wed.
Mini Wilfs, St Wilfred’s Church Hall, Broad Road, Willingdon BN20 9RA, 9.30-11.30am, 01323 487885
Soft Play & Scoot, My Skate World, Eastbourne, U5s, 9.30-11.30, 01323 337035
Sovey Tumblers Soft Play, Sovereign Centre, giant bouncy castle, soft play + a swim, 12-3pm, 01323 738822
Vicky Bees Playgroup, Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Rd,10am-11.30 am, 01323 737974
Saturday
Messy Church, St Mary’s Church Hall, Willingdon, monthly Sat, 3-5.30pm (excl Aug & Jan), 01323 501763
►Hailsham
Monday
Buddies toddler group, Hailsham East Family Hub BN27 2JZ, 1011.30am, all year round, 0-5 yrs, 01323 463244
Nature Makers, toddler nature art classes, Bushy Wood, Hailsham BN27 3LZ, 1-6yrs, 9.40-10.40am, (book), naturemakers.co.uk/east-sussex-coast (see advert)
The Hellihubs, parent, baby & toddler group, Hellingly Com. Hub BN27 4EP, 8.30-10am, 01323 449415
Tuesday
Dad’s Stay & Play, Hailsham East Family Hub BN27 2JZ, last Tue 2.30-2pm, 01323 463244
Little Gems, Christchurch, Ropemaker Centre, Hailsham, 10-11.30am, call 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, 9.3011.30am, 01323 442410
Friday
Rhymetime, Hailsham Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080195
Parties! Venues • Entertainment -
Happyjacks Soft Play
Soft Play Hire
Home or chosen Venue
Play Dates Events
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
Cartoons & caricatures, arty parties for 6yrs+, 15 miles off Seaford, 07722 236741 (see advert p.2)
Knockhatch Ski & Snowboard Centre, ringo-ing, skiing parties, 01323 442051 ext 2
Lewes Leisure Centre, pool, sports, roller disco, 01273 486000
Monkey Bizness, soft play, Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes, 2-12yrs, 08458 739645
Sky High Trampoline Park, Peacehaven, parties for tots & children 5yr+, 01273 580029
Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, pool inflatables & soft play parties, 01323 738822
The Art House Café, pottery/ painting, cookery, art and soft play parties, 01323 728691
Fun gymnastics based POP UP play events
Gym Play Events Various Venues ideal for walkers-5yr olds
Animazing, parties, talks & displays with reptiles/amphibians/ invertebrates/owls/mammals.
Reg: AW047, 07743 675253
Crest Swim School, mermaid & shark parties & experiences, 8yrs+, 01825 790896
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
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 olds up to pre-school, 07786 446119 (see advert)
Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham, farm, birds of prey, adventure play, 01323 442051 (see competition p.9)
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.7)
Ninja Arena Eastbourne BN21 3NW, supervised activity & obstacle course, 01273 054949
Once Upon A dreamZ sleepover parties, covering the Sussex area, 07786 466549
Peacehaven Leisure Centre, Magic Castle (U10s only) & Big Bounce party, 01273 588858
Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, Newhaven, pool parties, Sat eve, 01273 512498
Shinewater Sports Centre, Eastbourne, bouncy castle, football, 01323 768614
The Outdoors Project, outdoors games, nature themes, Nerf games, bushcraft, Harry Potter, Minecraft, Pokemon, 07498 284792 (see advert p.13)
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
Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, themed parties from Fairies to Castaways, 0-90yrs+, 07766 486548 (see advert p.3)
Community Toddler Groups & Dads' Groups (cont.)
►Heathfield
Monday
Broad Oak Baby & Toddler Group, St George’s Parish, Broad Oak, all yr, 10-11.30am, 01435 862744
Litte Munchkins, baby & toddler group, Mayfield Scout Hut TN20 6NT, 9-11am, 01435 873888
Tuesday
Little Warblers, Warbleton Church Rooms, Church Hill, TN21 9BD, 9.15-10.45am, 01435 830421 Rhymetime, Heathfield Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196 St Richard’s Toddlers, Church Hall, 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, Town Village Hall, 9-11am, 01435 831515
Friday
Fun Fridays, Skippers Hill, Mayfield, 10.30-11.45am, 18mths+, 01825 830234 Little Fish, see Wednesday.
►Lewes
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 CE Primary School BN8 6LF, 9-10am, 01273 858260
Wednesday
Lighthouse, Trinity St John sub Castro Church, see Tue. St Peter’s Possoms Toddler Group, Chailey, 9-11am, 01825 722286
Thursday
Boogie Bunch, 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, see Monday.
Friday
Christ Church Tots, Christ Church, Lewes BN7 1BL, 9.30-11.30am, activities@christ-church-lewes.org
Malling Munchkins, Malling CCtre, all year, 10-11.30am, 0-5yrs, free, 01273 336930
PlayGroup, All Saints, 10-.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 CCtre, Newhaven, 10-12am, 01273 517250
Wednesday
Just Play Group, Peacehaven Family Hub, all yr, 0-5yrs, 1-2.30pm, 01273 336930
Thursday
Little Fishes, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, Thu 10.15-11.30am.
Rhymetime, Newhaven Library, 10.30-11am, free, 0345 6080196
Friday
Rhymetime, Peacehaven Library, 11-11.30am; Storytime, 1st Fri, 2-2.30pm, free, 0345 6080196
►Seaford
Wednesday
Tots Treats, St Luke’s Church Hall, Seaford, 9.30-11.00am, 07506 143476
Thursday
Tots Treats, see Wed.
Friday
Scallywags, Seaford Baptist Church, 9.30-11am, 01323 896009
Storytime, Seaford Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196
►Uckfield
Tuesday
Mini Fun n’ Bound, Fun Abounds, Uckfield, 6mths4yrs, 09.30-11.00pm (booking essential), 01825 768479
Toddler Praise, Maresfield Church, 9-10.15, 0-4yrs, 01825 769004
Trinity Toddlers, Holy Trinity Church, TN22 4AD, 9.1510.45am, call before 1st visit, 01825 733833
Wednesday
Newton Baby & Toddler group, Cornerston Church, Uckfield TN22 5AE, 10-11.30, 07969 638280
Thursday
French Baby Story & Rhyme Times, Uckfield Library, monthly 1st Thu, 2-2.30pm, free, 0345 608 0196
Jellybeans, Wadhurst Parish Church, bible stories & some song with Christian theme, 9.30-11am, kat.wadhurstchurch@gmail.com
Nutley Nutkins, baby/toddlers, Maresfield village Hall, TN22 2EN, term time, 9.15-11am, 07761 829494
Friday
Storytime, Uckfield Library, 10.3011am, free, 0345 608 0196
Blackboys Babies, baby & toddler group, Blackboys CE Primary School TN22 5LL, monthly 2-3pm, blackboys.e-sussex.sch.uk Discovery Tots Playgroup, Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, 10-11.30am, all ages U5s, 01273 336930
Mini Fun n’ Bound, see Tuesday The Ark at Kings Church, Civic Centre, Uckfield, 10-11.30am, 01825 765115
Uckfield Music Group, rhymes/ stories/music instruments, Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, 0-5yrs, 1-2pm, 01273 336930
►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, last Thu 12.30-2pm, 07707 171709
Dads on Saturdays, Wadhurst Parish Church, 9.30-11.30am, 0-7yrs, 01892 782141
Pre-School Activities U5s
Dance + Drama
Art of Dance, Lewes & Hove, 2yrs+, professionally qualified teachers, 07976 068989
babyballet classes, in Hailsham, Eastbourne & surrounding, 6mths6yrs, 07842 244210 (see advert)
Boogie Beans, Peacehaven, toddler dance & music, Thurs, 10am, 07932 949468
Diddi dance, funky preschool dance, Eastbourne, Polegate, Willingdon & Uckfield, 07788 246073
Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, modern Fri 4-6pm & ballet Thurs 4-6pm/Sat 9-11am, 3yrs+, 01323 509859
KiddiCity, circus classes for children U8s, 07947 080902
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
SLH Dance Academy, Lewes, 2yrs+, Tue am, 07539 215547
Stage Stars, Eastbourne, dance, singing and drama classes for 2-4 yrs, 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 (Uckfield) Music + Movement
Hartbeeps, Sensory Music Classes, Eastbourne: Mon, Tue, Fri; Hailsham: Wed, Thu, 07786 446119 (see advert p.6)
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
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
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.13)
Glide Balance Bike, activity led bike classes to teach the skills to ride a pedal bicycle, 2-6yrs, 07930 676035
Happyjacks Pop Up Gym Play gymnastics based play events for walkers-5yrs, various venues, 07738 381384 (see advert p.8)
Little Circus, Acting Moon Bigtop School of Circus Arts, 4yrs+, Wed, 01323 325957
Little Kickers, fun football training, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chiddingly, Seaford, 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, 10am-12pm, 01273 054949
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
Rugbytots, weekly play sessions in Eastbourne & Lewes for boys & girls, 2-5yrs, 0345 3130421 (see advert)
Sovereign Centre, pre-school gymnastics lessons, 4yrs+, 01323 738822
SportsCool+Seaford Town FC, football sessions, Seaford, Sat am, 2yrs/3-4yrs/5yrs, FB: @ SSCBrightonLtd Uckfield Gymnastic Club, from crawling to adults, led by British Gymnastics qualified coaches, office@uckfieldgymnastics.co.uk
Vision Taekwondo, Crowborough, 3yrs+, 07746 533214
Zen Toddler Yoga, Horam Manor Farm, Heathfield, walking-5yrs, 07539 501402
Swimming
Crowborough Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 6mths+, 01892 665488
Hailsham Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 2yrs+, 01323 846755
Hillbrow Health & Welbeing Centre, Denton Rd, Eastbourne, swimming classes, 2-5yrs, 01323 407400
Lewes Leisure Centre, fun swimming & lessons, birth+, 01273 486000
Love Baby Swim School, birth upwards, Oaklands Park Pool Isfield, Mon-Fri, 01825 840377
Motcombe Pool, Eastbourne, swimming lessons, 3mths+, 01323 410748
Ottertots, from 6 weeks 4 years, Eastbourne, Tue 10am-12pm & Thu 11.30-1.30pm, term time, 07936 592840
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
Other Groups
Action Tots, Eastbourne, Mon & Thu am, 2.5-4yrs, 07973 168585 (see advert p.6)
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.6)
Outdoors
Cherry Wood Adventures Bluebell Club, outdoor activities, Arlington, Fri; Folkington, Tue, 2-4yrs, 07887 556336
Little Forest School, woodland based activities for children & adults, 2yrs+, home ed, 07764 823438
Woodland Playgroup/Forest School Lewes, craft, campfire, storytelling & more, Fri 10-11.30am, 2yrs+, wildinthewoods.weebly.com
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 Wood, Goward Hall, Cade St, Heathfield, 3mths-5yrs, 01435 868949
Bunny Run Childcare Centre, Hellingly, 0-5yrs, 01323 848490
Busy Bees Nursery, St James Street, Lewes, 0-5yrs, 01273 480736
Camelot Kids, Lewes Rd, Eastbourne, 0-5yrs, 01323 725207
Denton Island Nursery, Newhaven, 3mths-5yrs, 01273 515125
Hopscotch Children’s Nursery, Seaford (01323 492123) & Peacehaven (01273 584250), 0-5yrs
Ladybirds Pre-school, Ticehurst, large outdoor area, sensory room,
Little Acorns Day Nursery, Elim Family Centre, Hartfield Rd, Eastbourne, 0-5yrs, 01323 731843
Little Tinkers Nursery School, Five Ashes, 3mths-5yrs, 01825 830772
Manor Twiglets Nursery, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, 2-5yrs, 01825 765487
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
Pooh’s Nursery School, St Philip’s Church Hall, Eastbourne, 1-5yrs, 01323 430045
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
Tiddlers Nursery, Green Lane, Crowborough TN6 2DY, 05yrs, 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-11yrs, 01323 726132
Warren Day Nursery & Pre-School,
Pre-School Nurseries
Annan School, Eason’s Green, Uckfield, 2-5yrs, 01825 841410
Attwood Farm Nursery, Bodle Street Green, nr Hailsham, birth5yrs, 01323 831781
Barcombe Playgroup, Village Hall, 2-5yrs, 07845 937254
Butterfly Nursery, Greenwich House, Meridian Centre, Peacehaven, 6mths-5 yrs,
Cottage Pre-School, St Mary’s Social Centre, Lewes, 2-5yrs, 0300 7727749
Early Birds Pre-school, Seaford Baptist Church, 2-5yrs 01323 896009 East Sussex Montessori School, 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) Harlands Nursery, Ridgewood, Uckfield, 2.5-5yrs, 01825 760445
Heron Park Nursery, Hampden Park, Eastbourne BN22 9EE, 2-4yrs, 01323 502525
Herstmonceux Pre-school, 2 -
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TEEN TITANS GO! and all related characters
Independent Schools • Tutoring • Primary 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, 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
Home Ed
Little Forest School, woodland based activities for children & adults, 2yrs+, home ed, 07764 823438
The Outdoors Project, Home Ed sessions, The Paddock, Lewes & School Workshops, 7-11yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert p.13)
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, based in Eastbourne, 0776 2584009 or 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 standards & ages to university, 01323 841703
Jarvis Brand, one to one maths and science tuition from KS2 to A level, based in the 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 & Thu4-6.30pm, Ratton school, 01323 332455 (see advert)
Private Tutoring: Maths Y5 & 6, Biology GCSE/A level, Chemistry GCSE, Heathfield, 01435 865462
Qualified science teacher, Eastbourne, Sat 10am-2pm,1116yrs, 07749 791385
Spanish tuition, to suit your needs, all levels & ages. Eastbourne area, 07969 807830
Primary Schools
Alfriston School, Alfriston, Polegate BN26 5XB, 5-11yrs, 01323 870203
All Saints & St Richards CE
Primary, School Hill, Heathfield TN21 9AE, 5-11yrs, 01435 863466
Annecy Catholic Primary School, Sutton Avenue, Seaford BN25 4LF, 5-11yrs, 01323 894892
Ashdown Primary School, Crowborough TN6 2NT, 5-11yrs, 01892 655846
Barcombe CE Primary School BN8 5DN, 5-11yrs, 01273 400287
Blackboys CE Primary School TN22 5LL, 5-11yrs, 01825 890423
Bonners CE Primary School, School Hill, Maresfield, TN22 2EG, 01825 762381
Bourne Primary School, Melbourne Rd, Eastbourne BN22 8BE, 5-11yrs, breakfast & ASC, 01323 724729
Burfield Primary Academy, Oaklands Way, Hailsham BN27 2NW, 01323 819309
Burwash CE Primary School TN19 7DZ, 5-11yrs, 01435 882440
Buxted CE Primary School TN22 4BB, 5-11yrs, 01825 733185
Cavendish Preschool at Cavendish School, Eldon Rd, Eastbourne BN21 1UE, 2-4yrs, 01323 731340
Cavendish School, Eldon Rd, Eastbourne BN21 1UE, 5-11yrs, 01323 731340
Chailey & St Peter’s C of E Primary School, North Chailey BN8 4DB, 5-11yrs, 01825 722939
Chiddingly Primary School, Muddles Green BN8 6HN, 5-11yrs, 01825 872307
Chyngton School, Seaford BN25 3ST, 5-11yrs, 01323 893281
Cradle Hill Community Primary School, Seaford BN25 3BA, 4-11yrs, 01323 892773
Cross in Hand CE Primary School TN21 0XG, 5-11yrs, 01435 862941
Dallington CE Primary School TN21 9NH, 5-11yrs, 01435 830335
Denton Community Primary School, Acacia Road, Newhaven BN9 0QJ, 5-11yrs, 01273 513377
East Hoathly CE Primary School, East Hoathly BN8 6EQ, 5-11yrs, 01825 840247
Etchingham CE Primary School TN19 7BY, 5-11yrs, 01580 819218
Firle CE Primary School BN8 6LF, 5-11yrs, 01273 858260
Five Ashes CE Primary School TN20 6HY, 5-11yrs, 01825 830395
Fletching CE Primary School TN22 3SP, 5-11yrs, 01825 722356
Framfield C of E Primary School TN22 5NR, 5-11yrs, breakfast & after school club available, 01825 890258 (see advert p.12)
Frant CEP School, Church Lane, Frant TN3 9DX, 4-11yrs, 01892 750243
Gildredge House Free School, Compton Place Rd, Eastbourne BN20 8AB, 4-19yrs, 01323 400650
Grovelands Community School, Hailsham BN27 3UW, 4-11yrs, 01323 840062
Hamsey Community Primary School, Cooksbridge, Nr Lewes BN8 4SJ, 5-11yrs, 01273 400370
Hankham Primary School, Pevensey BN24 5AY, 5-11yrs, 01323 763265
Harbour Primary School, Church Hill, Newhaven BN9 9LX, 5-11yrs, 01273 514532
Harlands Primary School, Mallard Drive, Uckfield TN22 5PW, 5-11yrs, 01825 764244
Hawkes Farm Academy, Hailsham BN27 1ND, 5-11yrs, 01323 841466
Hellingly Community Primary School BN27 4DS, 5-11yrs, 01323 844346
Heron Park Primary Academy, Eastbourne BN22 9EE, 5-11yrs, 01323 502525
Herstmonceux CE Primary School, Gardner St BN27 4LG, 5-11yrs, 01323 833148
High Cliff Academy, EY, KS1 & 2, Southdown Rd, Newhaven BN9 9FD, 01273 041471
High Cliff Academy, Southdown Road, Newhaven, 3-11yrs, 01273 041471
High Hurstwood CE Primary School TN22 4AD, 4-11yrs, 01825 733231
Hurst Green CE Primary School & Nursey, TN19 7PN, 2-11yrs, 01580 860375
Iford & Kingston CE Primary School, Lewes BN7 3NR, 5-11yrs, 01273 474973
Jarvis Brook School, Crowborough TN6 3RG, 5-11yrs, 01892 653033
Langney Primary Academy, Eastbourne, BN23 7EA, 5-11yrs, 01323 762177
Laughton Community Primary School BN8 6AH, 5-11yrs, 01323 811306
Little Horsted CE Primary School, Nr Uckfield TN22 5TS, 5-11yrs, 01825 750380
Manor Primary School, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield TN22 1UB, 5-11yrs, 01825 763041
Primary Schools
Primary Schools (cont.)
Mark Cross Church of England School, Crowborough TN6 3PJ, 5-11yrs, 01892 852866
Mayfield CE Primary School, Mayfield TN20 6TA, 5-11yrs, 01435 873185
Maynards Green Community Primary School TN21 0DD, 5-11yrs, 01435 812622
Meridian Primary School, Roderick Avenue North, Peacehaven BN10 8BZ, 5-11yrs, 01273 584212
Motcombe Community School, Macmillan Drive, Eastbourne BN21 1SN, 5-7yrs, 01323 728901
Newick C of E Primary School BN8 4NB, 5-11yrs, 01825 723377
Nutley C of E Primary School TN22 3NW, 5-11yrs, 01825 712575
Oakwood Primary Academy, Magnolia Walk, Eastbourne BN22 0SS, 5-11yrs, 01323 501251
Ocklynge Junior School, Victoria Drive, Eastbourne BN20 8XN, 7-11yrs, 01323 725839
Park Mead Primary School, Upper Dicker BN27 3QP, 5-11yrs, 01323 844247
Parkland Infant School, Hampden Park, Eastbourne BN22 9QJ, 5-7yrs, 01323 502620
Parkland Junior School, Hampden Park, Eastbourne BN22 9QJ, 7-11yrs, 01323 502620
Parkside Community Primary School, Heathfield TN21 8QQ, 5-11yrs, 01435 864577
Pashley Down Infant School, Beechy Ave, Eastbourne BN20 8NX, 5-7yrs, 01323 730719
Peacehaven Heights Primary School, Roderick Ave BN10 8UZ, 5-11yrs, 01273 575989
Pevensey & Westham CE Primary School BN24 5LP, 5-11yrs, 01323 762269
Phoenix Academy, Hailsham BN27 2PH, 5-11yrs, 01323 841420
Plumpton Primary School, Plumpton Green BN7 3EB, 4-11yrs, 01273 890338, 01273890338
Polegate School, Oakleaf Drive, BN26 6PT, 5-11yrs, 01323 482404
Punnetts Town Community Primary School TN21 9DE, 5-11yrs, 01435 830361
Ringmer Primary School, Harrisons Lane, Ringmer BN8 5LL, 5-11yrs, 01273 812463
Rocks Park Primary School, Lashbrooks Rd, Uckfield TN22 2AY, 5-11yrs, 01825 762827
Roselands Infant School, Woodgate Road, Eastbourne BN22 8PD, 5-7yrs, 01323 726764
Seaford Primary School, Wilkinson Way BN25 2JF, 5-11yrs, 01323 893450
Shinewater Primary School, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, 5-11yrs, 01323 762129
Sir Henry Fermor C of E Primary, Crowborough TN6 2SD, 5-11yrs, 01892 652405
South Malling C of E Primary School & Nursery, Lewes BN7 2HS, 3-11yrs with ASC, 01273 473016
St Andrews C of E Infant School, Winchelsea Road, Eastbourne BN22 7PP, 5-7yrs, 01323 724749
St John’s CE Primary School, School Lane, Crowborough TN6 1SD, 5-11yrs, 01892 661189
St John’s Meads C of E Primary School, Rowsley Rd, Eastbourne BN20 7XS, 5-11yrs, 01323 730255
St Mark’s C of E Primary School, Hadlow Down TN22 4HY, 5-11yrs, 01825 830375
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Chapel Green, Crowborough TN6 2LB, 5-11yrs, 01892 655291
St Philip’s Catholic Primary School, New Town, Uckfield TN22 5DJ, 4-11yrs, 01825 762032
St Thomas a Becket Catholic Primary, Tutts Barn Lane, Eastbourne BN22 8XT, 5-11yrs, 01323 737221
Stafford Junior School, Ringwood Road, Eastbourne BN22 8UA, 7-11yrs, 01323 733434
Stone Cross School, Adur Drive, Stone Cross, Pevensey BN24 5EF, 5-11yrs, 01323 461002
Stonegate CE Primary School TN5 7EN, 5-11yrs, 01580 200415
The Haven VA CE Methodist Primary School, Atlantic Drive, Eastbourne BN23 5SW, 5-11yrs, 01323 471781
Ticehurst & Flimwell CE Primary School TN5 7DH, 5-11yrs, 01580 200344
Tollgate Community Junior School, Winston Crescent, Eastbourne BN23 6NL, 7-11yrs, 01323 723298
Wadhurst CE Primary School, 5-11yrs, 01892 783155
Wallands Community Primary School, Gundreda Rd, Lewes BN7 1PU, 5-11yrs, 01273 472776
West Rise Community Infant School, Chaffinch Road, Eastbourne BN23 7SL, 5-7yrs, 01323 764062
West Rise Junior School, Chaffinch Road, Eastbourne BN23 7SL, 7-11yrs, 01323 764037
Western Road Community Primary School, Southover High St, Lewes BN7 1JB, 5-11yrs, 01273 473013
White House Academy, Hailsham BN27 2FB, 5-11yrs, 01323 841615
Willingdon Primary School, Rapsons Road, Eastbourne BN20 9RJ, 5-11yrs, 01323 482619
Primary School OPEN DAYS
For parents & carers of children starting school in Sep 2025 [please double check the school's respective websites for days and times]
Lewes BN7/8 area
Chiddingly 12-13 Nov | 18 Nov | 21 Nov. Register online.
East Hoathly CE 7 Nov | 18 Nov. Register online.
Firle CE 11 Nov | 10 Jan
Iford & Kingston CE18 Nov | 13 Jan.
South Malling CE 21 Nov | 23 Nov | 12 Jan. Please book.
Newhaven BN9 area
Breakwater Academy5 Nov
Denton Community19 Nov
Harbour Primary 14 Nov. Register online.
High Cliff Academy6 Nov. Register online.
Meridian 7 Nov. Please book.
Peacehaven Heights 12 Nov | 14 Nov. Please book.
Telscombe Cliffs 6 Nov. Please book
Seaford BN25 area
Cradle Hill CommunityPlease call to book a personal tour.
Chyngton 9 Nov.
Seaford 13 Nov | 19 Nov | 28 Nov. Please book.
Eastbourne BN22 area
Gildredge House7-8 Nov. Register online
Hankham 5-7 Nov | 9 Nov. Please book.
Langney 11 Nov | 19 Nov | 26 Nov | 28 Nov | 9 Dec. Please book.
Oakwood 7 Nov. Please book.
Pashley Down 11-12 Nov (full) | 20 Nov | 22 Nov (full).
Parkland Infant 4 Nov | 7 Nov | 8 Nov. Register online.
St Andrew's CE 6-8 Nov | 12-13 Nov. Please book.
St Thomas a Becket6 Nov. Please book.
West Rise Infant 11-13 Nov | 19 Nov | 21 Nov. Please book.
Willingdon 19 Nov | 21 Nov.
Polegate BN26 & Hailsham BN27 area
Polegate 7 Nov |12 Nov |14 Nov.
Grovelands Contact the school.
Hellingly Community6 Nov | 13-14 Nov | 18 Nov
Park Mead 7 Nov | 12 Nov | 26 Nov. Register online
Phoenix AcademyContact the school
Uckfield TN22 area
Blackboys CE 28 Nov | 8 Jan. Please register.
Harlands 25 Nov | 26 Nov.
Framfield CE (see advert) 19 Nov, 9.30am & 6pm. Please book.
Wealden area
Burwash CE - TN1913 Nov.
Etchingham - TN19 Please call to book a personal tour.
Five Ashes - TN207 Nov | 11 Nov.
Frant CE - TN3 15 Nov | 9 Jan. Please book
Mark Cross CE -TN611 Nov | 19 Nov. Please book.
Mayfield CE - TN2012 Nov | 18 Nov. Please book.
Maynards Green - TN215 Nov | 12 Nov. Please book.
Parkside Com. - TN2112 Nov | 14 Nov.
Punnetts
Arts + Crafts
Artytime scrapstore, Jarvis Brook Rec park, Crowborough 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 & grownups, find on Facebook
Athletics
Lewes Athletics Club, Lewes BN7 2XG, U11, U13, U15 & Junior, lewesac.co.uk
Badminton
At your local leisure centre: - Crowborough, casual bookings. - Hampden Park, casual bookings. - Lewes, casual bookings. - Shinewater, casual bookings & coaching for 7-16yrs on Thu eve.
- Uckfield, casual bookings & junior coached sessions, Tue pm, 8yrs+ Shuttles Badminton Club, Uplands, Wadhurst, Mon eve, 14yrs+, 01892 782136
Cards + Board Games
Drop-in Games session, Heathfield Library, monthly 1st Sat, 10-12.45am, 0345 6080196
Dance + Drama
Aerodance, fun dance for children 4-15yrs, Uplands Sports Centre, Wadhurst, 01892 782136
Art of Dance, Lewes & Hove, Bond School of Dance, Seaford, ballet, tap & modern, contemporary, 3yrs+, 01323 492795
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, Lewes: Sat, Eastbourne: Tue, 6yrs+, 07963 959262
Kaleidoscope Theatre Company, Lewes & Barcombe, 5-16yrs, performing arts, 07963 478 393 Lewes Theatre Youth Group, at Lewes Little Theatre, 01273 474826
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)
RAPA Dance, Eastbourne, contemporary, jazz, ISTD, ballet, modern, tap, parquor, hip-hop for 2yrs+, 07712 194456
Seaford Youth Drama Group, 518yrs, Mon after school 5-8pm term time only, 01323 892023
Seahaven Dance in Seaford & Lewes, 2.5yrs+, Cecchetti ballet, tap, modern, jazz, 07738 831616
Shining Stars Dance Academy, Shinewater, 18mths-adult, ballet, modern, tap, jazz, musical theatre, 07980 986672
So Dance Academy, Crowborough, 3yrs+, ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip hop, 07944 588696
Streetfunk, streetdance classes for ages 4-18 in Newhaven & Lewes, 01273 308525
Summerheath School of Dance, ballet, tap, modern, acro, Hailsham for 2½ yrs+, 01323 840092
A - Z of Sports & Leisure 5yrs+
The Dance Academy, Lewes, ballet, tap, modern, ballroom, street & freestyle, 07852 390748
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)
Willingdon School of Dancing, Eastbourne, Polegate, all styles, free tasters, 2.5yrs+, 07735 386465
Zylo Performance, drama clubs & music lessons for primary schools, 07796 305205
Fitness + Exercise
Functional Fit, Lewes Leisure Centre, 13-15yrs, 01273 486000
Junior Gym, Crowborough Leisure Centre, gym daily, noon-6pm, 14yrs+, 01892 665488
Mission FIIT is offering Mums QuickFIIT Fitness Classes, Mission.fiit@hotmail.com
Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, junior workout sessions 11-15yrs, 01323 738822
Hockey
Eastbourne Hockey Club, Saffrons Sports Club, Girls, Boys, Sun, 6yrs+, 01323 736212
Lewes Hockey Club, Southdown Sports Club, Lewes, 6yrs+, 01273 480630
Horseriding
Glebe Field Riding School, Chiddingly, pony days, parties, lessons & hacks for all abilities, 4yrs+, 01825 872198
Hamsey Riding School, Lewes, hacking & lessons, 5yrs+, 07735 006169
Horam Manor Stables, hacking, lessons, pony days, birthday parties, 4yrs+, 01435 812955
Meadows Equestrian Centre, Downash, nr Hailsham, 4yrs+, 01323 848777
Polegate Equestrian Centre, Polegate, lessons & hacking, pony parties, own a pony days, 4yrs+, 01323 483975
Priory Court Farm, Polegate, pony days & riding lessons, call for dates and details, priorycourtfarm.co.uk
Martial Arts
Classes for kids 4yrs+ and separate adult classes, beginners welcome, Eastbourne Shorin Ryu Karate, , 07853 304405
CMA Karate, Hailsham, Uckfield, Wadhurst & T-Wells, 5yrs+, 01323 848677
Eastbourne Kyokushinkai Karate Club, St Catherines College, 7yrs+, Mon eve, 07977 094347
Frontier School of Karate & Kickboxing (FSK), Heathfield, Uckfield, Battle, Crowborough, 5yrs+, 07970 686054 (see advert)
Karate Academy, Cornfield Lane, Eastbourne, 7yrs+, 07952 670349
Karate Jitsu Kai, Hailsham & Eastbourne, 6yrs+, 01424 854178
Kicks Eastbourne, Cornfield Lane, junior (8yrs+) & adult classes, 01323 370479
MSK Martial Arts, family karate, junior judo, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, , 4yrs+, 07870 611949
Red Oak Karate Club, Lewes, 12yrs+, 01273 890687
Sama Karate & Kickboxing, Eastbourne & Hailsham, 3½yrs+, 01273 580577
Seaford Karate Club, Downs Leisure Centre, 5 yrs+, Mon & Wed, 07812 381877
Taekwondo Lewes, free trial lesson, female instructor, Southover BN7 1JP, Thur, 5-11yrs, 07834 486789
TAGB Tigers, Ratton School Eastbourne, Tues 6-7pm; Lewes Y.M.C.A , Thu 6-7pm, 3-11yrs, 07711 084513
The Martial Arts Centre, Eastbourne, traditional Korean martial arts, 4yrs+, 07540 179194
Tiger Kickboxing, Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, Mon/Tue/Sun, 5yrs+, 01323 873753
Vision Taekwondo, Uckfield, Crowborough 3yrsadults, 07746 533214
White Crane, Lewes, Mon & Wed Kids Kung Fu 6pm, 07976 260710
Outdoors
So Sussex, outdoor activities incl. bike hire, plus ‘schools without walls’ learning programme, 07739 050816
The Outdoors Project, adventure clubs run on school premises, check website for venues, 5-12yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert)
Rugby
Crowborough Rugby Club, 2yrs-U18 +, 01892 654832
Hellingly RFC, U7-U17, 07484 874523
Lewes Rugby Club, U6-U19, girls, boys, 01273 473732
Seaford RFC, U7 - U16 boys and girls, Salts Recreation Ground, 07535 154463
Tom’s Rhinos Rugby School, Sat am, Eastbourne, 2yrs+, free trial class available, 07572 010771
Snow Sports
Dry Ski Slope at Bowles, Eridge Green, private lessons only, skiing 6yrs+; boarding 10yrs+, 01892 665665
Knockhatch Ski and Snowboard Centre, Hailsham, 01323 442051x2
Table Tennis
Crowborough Leisure Centre, casual bookings, 01892 665488
Five Ashes Table Tennis Club, 12yrs+, Mondays, 8.15pm, September - March, 01825 830520
Hailsham Table Tennis Club, 10yrs+, 01323 841203
Shinewater Sports Centre, casual bookings, 01323 768614
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.
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. Christmas event.
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 Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-4pm, check website for full details. Christmas Trees & fun, Nov-Dec. (see advert p.3)
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, interactive displays, adventure playgrounds, themed rides; restaurants, cafes, seasonal/ Christmas 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/Christmas events. (see competition p.9)
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). (see advert)
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/Christmas 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/ Christmas 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
stretching back 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, 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.
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. (see advert p.3)
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, restaurant, café, plant/gift shop, seasonal events and family trails Glow Wild lantern trail Nov/Dec.
Please tell our fantastic advertisers that you saw them in the Family Grapevine!
What's On This WINTER & in 2025
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.
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.14. (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, toddler scooter slots, softplay, café area. Check website for times.
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, Local Maritime Museum & more, seasonal/Christmas 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, outdoors: Adventure park & golf.
Urban Jump, trampolining & activity centre, Ghyll Rd Industrial Estate, Heathfield, daily.
November
Until 15th November
One Week FREE TRIAL at Kumon Eastbourne Study Centre. (see advert p.11)
Until the 22nd December
Bloomin' Brilliant: The Life & Work of Raymond Briggs, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft.
Until the 5th January
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, stunning setting, ice-powered by green energy, child-friendly, penguin skate aid for children U1.2m (see competition p.3)
Until the 16th March
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
7 November
Happyjacks Softplay Pop Up Gym Play | walker - 5yrs, St Anthony's Centre, Eastbourne BN23 6NH, 9.30am & 11am. (see advert p.8)
8 - 10 November
Christmas Fair, Towner Eastbourne, Fri 4-8pm, Sat 10am4.30pm & Sun 11am-4.30pm.
9 November
Biscuits Decorating with the Incredible Cake Company - dropin, Towner Eastbourne, 10am-12pm.
12 November
Wriggle Room | U5s - free, dropin, Towner Eastbourne, 10am-12pm.
15 November - 1 January
Christmas at Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst TN17 2SJ (selected dates).
16 November - 5 January
Jungle Book Christmas, Bateman's - NT, Burwash, trail with Jungle Book twist.
A Christmas Surprise Family Trail, Standen House & GardenNT, nr East Grinstead, festive trail & meet Santa.
19 November
Framfield CoE Primary School
- Open Day, 9.30-10.30am & 6-7pm. (see advert p.12)
19 - 24 November
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Congress Theatre Eastbourne.
23 November
Happyjacks Softplay Pop Up Gym Play | walker - 5yrs, Hellingly Com. Hub BN27 4EP, 9.30am & 11am. (see advert p.8)
26 November
Wriggle Room | U5s - free, dropin, Towner Eastbourne, 10am-12pm.
28 November - 1 January
Glow Wild, Wakehurst, Ardingly, magical winter lantern trail.
30 November
Seaford Christmas Magic, whole day celebration, children's lantern parade, free craft & grotto.
30 November - 21 December
Wildnerness Wood Trees & Festive Fun, Hadlow Down TN22 5HJ, various events check website, 30 Nov/1 Dec & 7/8 Dec Christmas Fayre. (see advert p.3)
30 November - 22 December
Santa’s Grotto, Grove Theatre, Eastbourne.
30 November - 5 January
A Merry Medieval Christmas, Bodiam Castle NT, Robertsbridge, family trail (closed 24/25 Dec)
30 November - 12 January
The SnowmanTM, Sheffield Park & Garden NT, festive walk (see advert p.3)
DECEMber
4 December
Sing Noel, New Sussex Singers w/ South Malling CE children, Lewes.
6 - 8 December
Sleepy Beauty & Friends - Panto, Community House, Peacehaven.
6 - 31 December
Eastbourne Lightning Fibre Ice Rink, Enterprise Shopping Centre.
6 December - 12 January
Sleeping Beauty - Pantomime, Devonshire Theatre Eastbourne (see advert p.3)
7 December
Crowborough Repair Café, 1st Sat, Ashdown Junior, 10am-12.30pm.
7 - 23 December
Meet Father Christmas | U12s + The Christmas Carol Experience (12a), Knockhatch. (see competition p.9)
12 December
Herstmonceux Village Christmas Market, 9.30am-12.30pm.
13 December - 3 January
Aladin - Pantomime, Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne.
14 December
Lewes Craft Market, Market Tower, Lewes, monthly 2nd Sat,10am-4pm.
A Christmas Carol | 4yrs+, Cliffe Hall, Lewes, 11am & 2pm.
15 December
A Christmas Carol | 4yrs+, Hillcrest Com. Centre, Newhaven. 23 December
Jingle The Elf’s Christmas Magic Show, Grove Theatre Eastbourne. 27 - 29 December
A Christmas Carols, Briar House Barns, Rotherfield TN6 3RU.
5 January
Seaford Beach Clean, with Plastic Free Seaford, monthly 1st Sun am.
25 January
Uckfield Repair Café, 4th Saturday of the month, 9.30am-noon.
9 February
Eastbourne Beach Clean, with Plastic Free Eastbourne, 2nd Sun pm.
26 - 27 April
Spring Live! South of England Showground, Ardingly. (see competition p.6)
23 - 26 May
Elderflowers Fields Festival, Ashdown Forest, family festival (see competition)
Stylish and elegant or relaxed and informal, you’ll find two of the finest restaurants in Eastbourne under one roof at the Grand Hotel, with the Garden and Mirabelle serving delightful dishes for every
