The Secret Campsite is perfectly nestled between the small villages of Chailey and Barcombe. And within easy striking distance of the bigger towns including Lewes and Brighton.
There’s lots of great activities and days-out for families of all ages. The activities suggested offer entertainment for all kinds of weather (yes it can sometimes rain at the Secret Campsite). Plus they are reasonably well priced too. Some are even free. Choose a brisk walk across the South Downs, perhaps at Firle Beacon, or a sunny day spent exploring rock pools in Seaford. A good rainy day option might be a farm day with animals. There’s lots of fun days to be had exploring East Sussex!
Swimming
A popular summer day out is The Pells Pool in Lewes. This is a seasonal outdoor Lido, and also the oldest documented freshwater pool in the UK. It’s beautiful and very popular. It offers great value swimming throughout the summer months until November. There’s also a baby pool, a snack kiosk plus bike racks available to use. Do check the website or their Facebook page before you visit as things sometimes change.
Beach activities
Seaford beach also offers a fantastic aquatic adventure with its unique selection of rock pools along the beach, perfectly placed under the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters. When the tide is out, the sea reveals wonderful rock pools which offer hours of fun catching crabs, prawns or shrimps!
Afterwards pop along to Frankies , a small kiosk serving hot drinks and delicious homemade cakes. Or there’s also a great fish and chip shop, Trawlers, about 5 minutes walk away too.
Middle Farm
Middle Farm is located close by beautiful Firle village (do check out the Ram Inn too if you can). The Farm has lots of animals to see including llamas, pigs and sheep. Plus a play barn, picnic area, tea room and farm shop.
Historic Newhaven Fort
Newhaven Fort is a fantastic day out for any weather and any ages. We have been a few times and really rate it. There are lots of exhibitions including artefacts from the war, the home front and information about local history. The exhibitions are based within the fort ruins overlooking the sea, and there is a play area and a tearoom there too.
Ride the steam trains
Sussex is lucky to be home to two steam railway lines both offering an opportunity to travel on the steam trains!
The Lavender Line is based in Isfield, approximately 15 minutes drive from The Secret Campsite. It offers a 2 mile round trip, with idyllic views of the local countryside and is a great adventure. You can also see the coal office which has a model railway with parts of the railway that they used to use!
The Bluebell Railway is located next to Sheffield Park Gardens and Tea Rooms and offers a train ride on the trains too! There is also a museum where you can see the model of the original bluebell train, a chance to operate the signalling box and see the locomotives.
Hang upside down
For those wanting to clamber and hang upside down in trees, we thoroughly recommend the independently run Branching Out Adventures. Located approximately 15 minutes from the campsite, at Halland. It’s a great place to wear out energetic kids whilst offering exciting opportunities for younger members too. They might even go to bed early, allowing you a peaceful evening around your campfire! Booking ahead is essential as it’s very popular.
Sussex is very rich in history and there are plenty of new places to explore! Please do ask at Reception if you have any questions or queries. All the sights we recommend are family-friendly and are not too far away from the campsite. Enjoy!
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