As the children have now broken up from school, I’m going to look at things for families to do in Surrey and Sussex over the school holidays. Today I’m going to look at things to do outside and next week I’ll look at things to do inside on those rainy days.
All these will cost a maximum of £30 for a family of 4, so plan your week; find a couple of places to go for free and then maybe splash out once a week on a paying venue.
1.Cool off in the water
In extreme heat the temperature is always slightly lower near water, so we do have the beaches in Sussex but we also have a lot of lidos in our area:
- Saltdean Lido (open daily from 7 – can get half day or full day tickets from £6)
- Arundel Lido (open daily: Cost £6 per child – REDUCED to £3 if you use the code 22JNR. Special prices for parent+ toddler type deals)
- Guildford Lido (open daily: £7.90 adults £6.30 children)
- Pells Pool in Lewes (open from 7 weekdays: 9.30 weekends. Very cheap! Under 5s are free and older children and concessions only £1.50)
- Worthing Lido – is really just a cordoned off area of the seafront – no entry fee but also has kids rides and an arcade (could be expensive!)
- Surrey Hills Adventure Lagoon (entrance is £9.60 – only open Sunday, Tuesday and Friday)
You need to pre-book on the websites. Check also for special fun sessions and for time slots. Some are for a few hours and some are for all day.
2. Pick a place and search for deals: for instance, Arundel:
- The Wetlands at Arundel will cost about £30 for a family of 4, but you can stay all day and there’s a café and small play area. Other activities like pond dipping and boat rides cost extra.
- Arundel Castle. Again lots to do and you can stay all day BUT a family of 4 ticket will cost about £56 UNLESS you get a discount code, so make sure to go to https://www.discountonline.co.uk/arundel-castle-discount-codes-63802.html
3. Aldingbourne Country Centre near Chichester
A great farm with animals, indoor and outdoor play areas plus other attractions. Cost £28 for family of 4.
4. Visit your Local Park
Search for those with additional attractions and facilities: too many to mention but some are:
-
- Tilgate
- Hotham Park near Bognor (got attractions and Alice in Wonderland theme statues)
- Mewsbrook Park (Littlehampton)
- Earlswood Common Reigate. Got pedaloes and decent café.
- Stoke Park Guildford. Got playground, boating lake and mini golf
TIPS: you will normally pay for extras and rides so be prepared for that. Save money by taking a picnic and find parks, commons and outdoor spaces with a quick search online.
5. Search for specific places with discounts and vouchers:
As usual planning and pre booking will always get you the best deal. ALSO just search for ‘how can I get cheap tickets to….’
Finally – with a little bit of effort you can create a fun day at home: think about:
- a treasure hunt around the house and garden, or
- a mini Olympics/sports day (egg and spoon: target throwing with pairs of socks etc):
- build a den
- sleep in the garden
