This National Trust property consists of a Tudor-period house set in an extensive deer park.
The house is an impressive example of Tudor architecture, with an unusual paved inner courtyard, while the deer park is a very pleasant place for a stroll. The herds of deer roam amongst the visitors, showing little fear (although frequent signs warn not to approach too closely).
Children will probably get more from the park than the house, although a “find the object” activity leaflet is provided, which can be used to entice them to explore the house.
A small cafe is provided, however if the weather is nice you would probably do better to take a picnic.
Child-Friendliness: 4/5
Value For Money: 4/5 Acceptable Distance: 45 minutes
As the name suggests, this is based around the site of a medieval priory, which was later converted into a house. It is located within “England’s longest medieval water-filled moat”, the waters of which power a small mill (which is external to the site and may be visited for free separately).
The grounds are pleasantly landscaped, with a small sculpture trail to lead you through the gardens. The interior of the house can also be visited, detailing the history of the priory and its subsequent inhabitants.
We visited at Easter, when an Easter Egg Hunt was laid on, plus a Easter Bunny hunt in the house.
Although the overall site is small, it makes a pleasant enough place to slowly while away an afternoon.
Child-Friendliness: 3-4/5
Value For Money: 3-4/5 Acceptable Distance: 45 minutes
Leonardslee Garden is based around a valley containing a series of small lakes. The main attraction is a large collection of gloriously coloured rhododendrons and camellias, which explains why there is a sudden jump in the entrance price for the month of May. It also has an extensive rock garden.
Further attractions include wallabies, which can be found roaming the valley, and, occasionally, deer. There is also a (very) small motor museum consisting of cars dating from the end of the 19th Century. An unexpected surprise is what is termed the Doll’s house but is actually an extensive tableaux in miniature, the detail of which goes beyond obsessive (it apparently took 10 years to create).
Child-Friendliness: 4/5
Value For Money: 4/5 Acceptable Distance: 45 minutes
Situated underneath Brighton Railway Station, this does exactly what it says on the tin. The museum contains toys and model stretching back over 100 years or so, with the emphasis on early to mid 20th century.
While the collections are reasonably exhaustive and well laid-out, it is not immediately clear who the targeted audience for the museum is. Although you would expect this to be a particular draw for children, the presence of various “do not touch”, “do not run” signs do not make for a particularly jovial atmosphere. There is little in the way of interactivity, barring a couple of buttons and coin-operated slot machines. This is not the place to run wild.
The clue to the target audience is probably indicated by the prevalence of model trains, and the earnest, retired gentlemen who are poring over them. If you know – and care – about the difference between Triang and Hornby, this is an ideal destination. It is probably also a good destination if you were a child in the 50’s and looking for nostaglia.
So, in summary, while collection is certainly interesting, it probably couldn’t be described as entertaining. If you are looking to keep the kids amused, this is probably not the place. I would recommend heading over to the Hove Museum & Art Gallery, which, while smaller, is much more fun and has the added bonus of being free.
Child-Friendliness: 3/5
Value For Money: 3/5 Acceptable Distance: 20 minutes
Very attractive grounds. Not as varied as nearby Wakehurst but can be combined with the Bluebell Railway to make more of a day out.
National Trust.
Update: Over Christmas the gardens are lit for special evening openings. These are a bit pricey but, if you are lucky enough to get a calm evening, the reflections in the lakes are magical.
Child-Friendliness: 4/5
Value For Money: 5/5 Acceptable Distance: 30 minutes
This is an excellent, inexpensive nature trail in East Sussex. It has a small children’s play area, but the main attraction is the extensive woodland that holds numerous little nooks and crannies in which to mess around.
The best way to explore the woods is to pick up one of the trail guides from the cafe at the entrance and then head off into the forest. There are numerous items of sculpture and similar objects distributed along the route, all of which can be used as fodder for young imaginations. If you’re lucky you might catch sight of the deer.
It takes a couple of hours at a leisurely pace to do the entire loop. There are a couple of small inclines, but nothing that should tax anyone over the age of 4.
Child-Friendliness: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5 Acceptable Distance: 45 minutes
Website / Map (note that the website appears to be, rather annoyingly, IE-only)
Huge sandy beach. Great for all times of the year, although I imagine you would have to get their pretty early in the day during the summer as the car park could fill quickly.
Child-Friendliness: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5 Acceptable Distance: 60 minutes
Brighton without the crowds. You can stroll into Brighton from here (may be a bit far for the very young). Use the car park on the sea front, at the junction of Hove Street and Kingsway.
Mustn’t forget to mention Marrocco’s, a restaurant on King’s Esplanade, that’s chiefly famous (in our house) for its ice cream. If you walk along this stretch of seafront with any sort of regularity you will have stopped at Marroccos. Even out of season it always seems to be popular, and rightly so.
Child-Friendliness: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5 Acceptable Distance: 45 minutes
Sun, sea, sand and sangria – all the cliches. Heaving on a hot sunny day; it can resemble a frying pan when all the worshippers are stretched out under the sun. Out of season it is just as attractive, in that typically British way, and the crowds are more subdued. Don’t forget the pier, of course, which is a simple, if potentially expensive, way of keeping kids amused (assuming you don’t have a gale blowing off the Channel, of course).
There is also the well kept secret that is the twilight dance of the starlings:
Parking Tips: Parking can be a bit of a nightmare so take the train if possible (Update 29th April 2007: this is even more true now. The local council seem to be doing their best to eradicate any trace of on-street parking) . If you must drive, get to the coast via Rottingdean or Hove and enter Brighton by driving along the front. In summer, park at the Marina or at the far end of Madeira Drive and get the small train that runs along the seafront. Alternatively park in Hove and walk along the front (a bit of a hike). In winter, you should be able to find something more at the Brighton-end of Madeira Drive, or you could try one of the back streets from the front (not any more, back streets are all permit-only parking now). There are also, of course, the big multi-storeys but, if you time it wrong, you can spend a long time in the queues. Parking at the Marina is free all the time (although time-limited), while there is free parking on some of the back streets on Sundays.
Eating Tips: If you happen to be in Brighton on a Sunday, you could do far worse than try the Aumthong Thai Brasserie. It offers an “all you can eat” buffet and is positioned on the seafront (note: the map is a little misleading, it is between Black Lion St and King’s Road). Not any more; it’s now an American diner(!).
Child-Friendliness: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5 Acceptable Distance: 60 minutes
This is the sister museum of the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and, while smaller, is another surprisingly well presented collection. Like it relative, this consists of a collection of design exhibits combined with local history and other items of interested.
In this case, the main display (which I assume changes with time) is based on the theme of weaving, which is much more interested than it sounds. A small section where children can create their own weaves means that they can better relate to the exhibits. There are also a variety of interactive bits and pieces which are also useful for keeping younger visitors amused.
Of course, the big draw for children is the toy collection. This is a compact but broad collection of toys dating from Egyptian times to the current day. Alex was a bit freaked out by the sleeping wizard that the display is themed around, but was soon distracted by the various nooks and crannies.
Entrance is free.
Child-Friendliness: 4/5
Value For Money: 5/5 Acceptable Distance: 30 minutes
