Family day out

Family days out

Hayward Heath is a great destination for a family trip offering entertainment for kids of all ages. We’ve picked some of the most popular family-friendly things to do and sorted them into a handy list.

Borde Hill Garden Botanical heritage and stunning landscapes make Borde Hill the perfect day out for horticultural enthusiasts, country lovers and families alike. Created by Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke from seeds gathered by the Great Plant Hunters of the early 1900s, the Edwardian Garden is renowned for its rare shrubs and champion trees. Our Adventure Playground offers fun for children of all ages with zip wire, balance bars, climbing frames and more. Families can enjoy a picnic beside the lakes or attend one of numerous kids events hosted throughout the year. Borde Hill Ln, Haywards Heath RH16 1XP. 01444 450326 www.bordehill.co.uk/

Victoria Park Victoria Park in the centre of Haywards Heath offers long views south towards the South Downs. Our Features and facilities include, Children’s playground, Skate park, Tennis courts, Football pitches, Outdoor gym, Outdoor table tennis, Pavilion, Tory’s Café, Public toilets, Hebe border. The plantation – a raised plateau with woodland planting aside for relaxation 120 South Rd, Haywards Heath RH16 4HZ. 01444 477379 www.midsussex.gov.uk/leisure-sport/parks/victoriapark/

Beech Hurst Park Miniature Railway The Sussex Miniature Locomotive Society (SMLS) was formed in 1951 and opened its 3 1/2- & 5-inch dual gauge raised level track three years later on 10th May 1954. Originally the track only ran around the bowling greens, but in 1974 it was doubled in length to its present size of almost half a mile. Further improvements over the years means that the railway now boasts two tunnels, steaming bays, covered accommodation for rolling stock, fully automatic colour light signalling, club house and extensive workshops. Beech Hurst Gardens, Haywards Heath RH16 4BB. www.beechhurst-railway.org.uk/

Bedelands Nature Reserve There are 7 meadows set in ancient woodlands, with a great profusion of wildlife, including the protected Hazel Dormouse. Wildflowers are abundant, so much so that the Millennium Seedbank and High Weald Landscape Trust both harvest seeds here. Wildflower meadows like these are becoming increasingly rare in the U K, with only about 3% of their original number surviving today. The River Adur and a large Mill Pond run along the northern boundary, with the London – Brighton railway along the eastern side. There are a few smaller ponds, as well as a fenced Dipping Pond, complete with platform, which is frequently booked by children’s groups and schools. This beautiful site is regularly enjoyed both by local residents and by visitors from further afield. Maple Dr, Burgess Hill RH15. 01444 458166 www.bh-green-circle.org.uk/ Washbrooks Family Farm Set against the beautiful backdrop of the South Downs, the Farm has plenty to keep your little ones entertained. Lots of animals, tractor ride, indoor play and 2 acres of outdoor adventure including a zip wire, jumping pillow, sand-pit, trampolines, climbing frames and ride-on tractors. Enjoy a cuppa and a lovely cake in our tearoom, serving fresh home-cooked, hot and cold food with children’s lunches at just £2.50. There’s ample space to relax and have a picnic. Brighton Rd, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks BN6 9EF. 01273 832201 www.washbrooks.co.uk/

Fun Pots - The Pottery Painting Studio Join us in the Studio for a paint. Our studio is a safe, welcoming environment. All our tables are bookable, just pick the day you want to come in and then choose your time slot. Sessions last for an hour and a half, plenty of time to create a masterpiece. Our friendly studio assistants will talk you through how it all works and are still available to advise, guide and help. 16 Sussex Rd, Haywards Heath RH16 4EA. www.funpots.co.uk/

Drusillas Park The Best Zoo in South East & Sussex. Enjoy a family day out at one of the top kids days out in Sussex. We’ve created an animal and child friendly environment where the focus is always on fun finding out. However, animals are only half the fun; Go Wild!, Get Wet!, Go Safari!, Amazon Adventure, Mungo’s Adventure Maze and Hello Kitty Secret Garden are paradise for anyone wanting a theme park experience. It’s no ordinary zoo, it’s no ordinary day out. Alfriston Rd, East Sussex BN26 5QS. 01323 874100 www.drusillas.co.uk/

Wakehurst Explore our wild botanic garden, home to the Millennium Seed Bank and over 500 acres of the world’s plants in the heart of Sussex. Get closer to nature in our 150 acre nature reserve, home to over 300 plant species, as well as dormice, badgers, Kingfishers and butterflies and more. Selsfield Rd, Haywards Heath RH17 6TN. 01444 894066 www.kew.org/wakehurst

Knockhatch Adventure Park For animal lovers, we have a Children’s Farm and an Owl Sanctuary. We hold Owl Displays and Animal Encounters, where you can get up close and learn about them in a fun and safe environment. If you like to have an adventure, we have several outdoor playgrounds and a boating lake. There are also several large indoor adventure play areas. We are adding new attractions all the time. Come and visit us to explore the best family day out in the Southeast. Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham BN27 3GD. 01323 442051 www.knockhatch.com/