The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in West Sussex, England

Shoreham Harbour Lifeboat Station is a large modern working lifeboat station located on the south coast of England. It houses one of the Royal National Lifeboat Institutions modern 'Tamar' class all weather lifeboats. It also houses a smaller 'D' class inshore lifeboat. The station is set over three levels and is fully accessible as there is a lift to all levels. The station is open to the public, Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm and also on Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 4pm. There are always visitor guide's on hand to show visitors around the lifeboat station. Entry and guided tours are free of charge. Group visits Welcome, please contact the lifeboat visits officer for further details. There is ample free car parking directly outside the lifeboat station. Alternatively Stagecoach bus route 700 'Coastliner' operates a regular service between Brighton and Littlehampton and stops almost right outside the lifeboat station on Brighton Road.

Arundel Castle and Gardens open from 5th August 2020. Open Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive and August bank holiday Monday. Arundel Castle, home of the Duke of Norfolk, reflecting nearly 1,000 years of history,and commanding the surrounding landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and River Arun. Fine furniture and works of art in sumptuously furnished rooms. Ancient Motte & Keep. Spectacular gardens. 14th century Fitzalan Chapel. Collection of arms & armour. Personal possessions of Mary Queen of Scots. Pre-booked tickets only.

West Dean Gardens is one of the greatest restored Gardens open to the public in England. Wander through the 300 foot long Edwardian pergola, visit the restored Victorian glasshouses, Walled Kitchen Gardens, Sunken Garden and orchards. Finish with a walk through the arboretum, Spring Garden and the peaceful parkland. Enjoy an inspirational day out visiting West Dean Gardens. A rare oasis of beauty and tranquillity in the heart of the South Downs, now open year round.

Come and discover rescued rural buildings set in a beautiful landscape, which tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in them over 1,000 years. Explore our 40-acre site and visit our collection – we have more than 50 historic buildings, from a replica Anglo-Saxon hall house to an Edwardian tin church. Enjoy a regular programme of demonstrations, including milling in our 17th century watermill; cooking in our Tudor kitchen; blacksmithing in our Victorian smithy, baking in our newly opened bakehouse; plus seasonal demonstrations. Take a walk in the woods, bring the dog (we are dog friendly), visit our waterside cafe or enjoy your own picnic. New exhibit buildings include: a dairy and bakehouse, near the watermill, plus a late 18th century barn and early 19th century stable known as May Day Farm. Need a new hobby or a new skill? Try our day courses in traditional rural trades and crafts or historic building conservation.

Set in the splendor of the South Downs; adjacent to the River Arun; overlooked by the historic Arundel Castle skyline this gorgeous wetland reserve is a great place for a great day out in West Sussex for the whole family. Arundel Wetland Centre is home to a collection of over 50 species of wildfowl from around the world in natural settings, on display 364 days a year so there is always something to see. This gorgeous nature reserve has boat rides and an amazing reedbed boardwalk. The 8 wildlife hides bring you close to Sussex wildlife plus there is a family oriented Discovery Hide which hosts events in wet weather. Added to this are two adventure playgrounds, the Water’s Edge Cafe serving takeaway drinks, snack & ice creams and a gift shop with unique take-home treats. Arundel Wetland Centre is fully accessible with buggy and wheelchair friendly pathways, comfortable hides and disabled and parent & baby facilities.

A Great English Garden of rare plants and stunning landscapes make Borde Hill the perfect day out for horticultural enthusiasts, country lovers and families. Tranquil outdoor ' rooms' include the Azalea Ring and Rhododendron gardens, fragrant Rose Garden and scenic Italian Garden, plus subtropical dells and ruins. Woodland walks, adventure playground and events throughout the season. See website for details.

This magnificent Cathedral has stood at the centre of Chichester for over 900 years. With unique architecture from each century of its life, this Cathedral is both ancient and modern, where original medieval features sit alongside world famous contemporary artworks. Chichester Cathedral is open every day from 10.00am - 4.00pm. We have made a number of changes to ensure that you can visit our historic site safely. Measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 include the provision of hand sanitiser stations, an enhanced cleaning regime and all Cathedral staff and volunteers will be wearing face masks. We are also delivering a revised schedule of services. Further details about attending for public worship can be found on our website.