Sussex Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions, amuse- ments, antique centres, theme parks, steam railways, factory shops, zoos & wildlife centres, country parks, etc in Sussex...

This page covers general tourist attractions, including amusement parks, boat trips, steam and miniature railways, theme parks, specialist shops, factory shops and outlet villages, guided walks, country parks, viewpoints, zoos and wildlife parks, etc.

We know that not all the attractions in this area are listed. Please help us make this guide comprehensive by sending us details of missing attractions.

THE OBSERVATORY SCIENCE CENTRE

Science Centre

Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN

Within the grounds of Herstmonceux Castle is the Observatory Science Centre, former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory. With over 100 exhibits, telescope tours, a discovery park and hands-on experiments for all ages, the centre promises a fun and educational day out. The telescopes which were used by Greenwich's Observatory have been recently restored and are currently operational for courses and opening evenings. Please contact the centre to confirm opening times. Not all areas are accessible for wheelchair users.

Tel: 01323 832731
E-mail: info@the-observatory.org
Web: www.the-observatory.org

CHICHESTER FESTIVITIES

Tourist Attraction

Canon Gate House, Canon Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1PU

The Chichester Festivities is a leading arts festival based in the Cathedral, Goodwood House and numerous other local venues. International symphony orchestras, soloists and artists feature in an exciting programme which includes classical music, jazz, cabaret and light music, 'celebrity talks' and literary events, films, theatre, lunchtime and coffee concerts.

Tel: 01243 785718
E-mail: info@chifest.org.uk
Web: www.chifest.org.uk

NEWHAVEN FORT

Tourist Attraction

Fort Road, Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9 9DS

Step Into Wartime Britain. This huge clifftop fortress commands superb views and really brings history to life. Experience what life was like in the First and Second World Wars through exciting life-size and interactive exhibitions. Explore underground tunnels, stand by the big guns on the ramparts, and for children a Mission Trail and under-12's play area. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Pre-booked school visits throughout the year.

Tel: 01273 517622
E-mail: info@newhavenfort.org.uk

THE SHIPWRECK MUSEUM

Museum

Rock A Nore Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3DW

This award winning museum is devoted to the history of wrecked ships. Hastings has one of the richest displays of shipwrecks at low tide in Europe. An exciting audio-visual presentation tells the story of the ships featured in the display. These include a medieval sailing barge sunk in the Thames at London; the 70-gun English warship Anne beached near Hastings in 1690 during the Battle of Beachy Head; and the Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam that ran aground at Hastings. Additional features include push-button videos, touch screen technology and Primrose - the last Rye barge. Group Bookings can book anytime throughout the year. Opening times are on the website.

Tel: 01424 437452
E-mail: info@shipwreckmuseum.co.uk
Web: www.shipwreckmuseum.co.uk

BENTLEY WILDFOWL & MOTOR MUSEUM

Museum

Harveys Lane, Halland, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5AF

Something for everyone with one of the largest waterfowl collections including Swans, Geese, Ducks, Cranes and Flamingoes in a natural setting.

The Motor Museum has over 100 exhibits including Veteran, Edwardian, Vintage and Classic cars and bikes.

The Gardens are a reflection of the house with a series of rooms divided by yew hedges. There is a Woodland Trail, Indoor Trail, Adventure Playground, Picnic Area, Tearoom and Craft Workshops.

Disabled access; free electric wheelchairs available on request. Free parking. Assistance dogs only (except in wildfowl reserve).

Tel: 01825 840573
E-mail: barrysutherland@pavilion.co.uk
Web: www.bentley.org.uk

Brighton Pier

Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1TW
Tel: 01273 609361 Email: info@brightonpier.co.uk

The Brighton Pier was built to replace the old Chain Pier. Designed by R St. Moore it took ten years to build, and the main section of the deck was finally opened in 1899. With its attractive oriental dome and delicate filigree ironwork arches, it is widely considered to be the finest pier ever built. Right from the beginning the pier seemed to have an atmosphere of carnival gaiety and cheeky frivolity. Here you'll find all the traditional amusements you'd expect, as well as fairground attractions, souvenirs and novelty shops. You can eat anything from candyfloss to freshly-caught crab and traditional fish and chips.

Beachy Head Countryside Centre

Beachy Head, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 7YA
Tel/Fax: 01323 737273

The Countryside Centre is situated at the end of the Seven Sisters with fabulous views of Birling Gap and the magnificent Heritage Coast. The highly innovative exhibition is a focal point to your visit to Beachy Head and the Sussex Downland. Listen to the talking shepherd, visit the Bronze Age man or just browse in the Gift Shop. Accommodation bookings and general information also available. Free admission.

Tulleys Farm

Turners Hill Rd, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PD
Tel: 01342 717071

Can you solve our Giant Maize Maze? Unique 7-acre themed arena that entertains the whole family. Free parking, refreshments, and novelty mini mazes and children’s activities. Alongside Tulleys Farm Shop, Farmhouse Kitchen Tea Room, and PYO soft fruits and vegetables throughout the seasons. The best Halloween fun-season around plus Christmas fayre, Santa’s cottage and Easter events.

Sussex Theme Parks, Amusement Parks, etc

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Sussex Preserved Railways, Steam, Narrow Gauge and Miniature Railways

VOLKS RAILWAY

Railway

Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1EN

Britain's oldest electric railway built in 1883, running for one and a quarter miles along the top of the beach from the Aquarium Station near Brighton Pier to the Marina. Trains every 15 mins. Peter Pan's playground situated on-route at the halfway station, with free childrens playground and cafe. Disabled: Ramp available (if party booking please call ahead so that extra space can be allowed for wheelchairs). Toilets at Aquarium and Marina Stations - disabled toilets available opposite Aquarium station (25 yards). Handrails. Driver will assist where required.

Tel: 01273 292718
E-mail: volksrailway@brighton-hove.gov.uk

The Bluebell Railway

Heritage Railway

Sheffield Park Station, Nr. Uxfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL

The heritage railway runs for 9 miles and hosts the Golden Arrow Pullman dining trains. The line runs along the border of East and West Sussex operating between Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. The Bluebell Railway is amongst the largest collections of steam locomotives in the UK with over 30 on site and almost 150 carriages and wagons. Standard Gauge.

Tel: 01825 720800
Web: www.bluebell-railway.co.uk

The Lavender Line

Heritage Railway

Isfield Station, Isfield, near Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 5XB

Built by A.E. Lavender, a local coal merchant from the past, this heritage railway runs for a 2 mile round trip through lovely Sussex Countryside. With a mixture of Steam and Diesel engines, Isfield Station and its signal box together with other buildings have been restored and new track laid. A popular place for film and television shoots. Standard Gauge.

Tel: 01825 750515
Web: www.lavender-line.co.uk

Hotham Park Miniature Railway

Heritage Railway

Hotham Park, Bognor Regis, Sussex PO21 1HR

Borris the little engined steam train takes you through the restored 18th Century wooded park. Minimum Gauge.

Tel: 01903 527 321
Web: www.hothamparkrailway.co.uk

South Downs Light Railway

Heritage Railway

Stophan Road Station, Pulborough Garden Centre, Stopham Road, Pulborough

Take a 1km ride on a 10.25 gauge railway, pulled by coal-fired steam locomotives. The railway includes a new station, ticket office, engine shed and carriage shed, with a tunnel being planned. There are approximately 10 engines. Upper quadrant signals from yesteryear operate on the track, all controlled from its own signal box. Minimum Gauge

Tel: 07518 753784
Web: www.sdlrs.com

Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre

Heritage Railway

Houghton Bridge, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT

Vintage exhibitions and transport of all kind are are displayed at the Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre including an industrial railway collection. It has a large display of narrow-gauge railway locomotives and stock, and you can take a ride along a .75 mile track. Narrow Gauge.

Tel: 01798 831370
E-mail: office@amberleymuseum.co.uk Web: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Drusillas Park Railway

Heritage Railway

Drusillas Park, Alfriston Road, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5QS

Tidmouth Halt at Drusillas Park is the home of Thomas the Tank Engine and the Fat Controller. Children can enjoy a ride on Thomas when they have explored this excellent small zoo and adventure park.

Tel: 01323 874100
E-mail: info@drusillas.co.uk Web: www.drusillas.co.uk

Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway

Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6NS
Tel: 01323 520229

A railway adventure in Eastbourne. Ride for nearly a mile behind scale coal-fired miniature steam locomotives around a 5-acre lake. Fun or relaxation all day. Adventure playground, indoor model railways, garden railway, steam or diesel train journeys, lineside walk, picnic areas, maze, Thomas the Tank Engine souvenir/gift shop, day ticket angling, café and prize winning tea gardens. Free parking. No dogs. Follow signs to Eastbourne Industrial Estates to Lottbridge Drove then brown signs to Mini Railway.

Sussex Antique Centres, Factory Outlets, Specialist retailers

Tudor Rose Antique Centre

East Street, Petworth, West Sussex, England, GU28 0AB
Tel: 01798 343621 or 07980 927331 Fax: 01798 344 951
E-mail: info@tudor-rose-antiques.co.uk Web: www.tudor-rose-antiques.co.uk

UK based decorative antiques shop provides a substantial stock of quality English and French antiques furniture such as antique tables, antique chairs, antique sofas, antique ceramics, antique silver, antique stools, antique painted furniture, antique beds, antique chest of drawers, antique bookcases, antique desks, antique coffers, antique lighting.

Sussex Country Parks, Walks & Viewpoints

Tourist Tracks

Tel: 01223 305847
E-mail: info@tourist-tracks.com
Website: www.tourist-tracks.com

With Tourist Tracks you can download an MP3 file or buy a CD containing three audio walking tours of Brighton with maps to help you find your way around. Tourist Tracks MP3 walking tours let you take in the sights at your own pace, in your own time. Forget shuffling around with a large group or wrestling with a guide-book - just load up your MP3 player or portable CD player, plug in your headphones and let us do the rest. Remember, with Tourist Tracks, there's no guide to keep up with. You only need skip to the next audio point when you're ready to move on!

Hastings: Two Kings, One Battle, and an Abbey

Choose carefully your time to visit Senlac Hill. Go at the week's end when Aefric the Saxon is on hand to regale you with the dark deeds of the Norman and you will shiver at his tales of blood and ruthless treachery.

His mind is as keen as the blade he carries, wrought over with runic battle spells and coming to his hand as easily as a hawk to the falconer.

But that is not the time to go. More...

Arlington Bluebell Walk

Bates Green Farm, Tye Hill Rd, Arlington, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 6SH
Tel: 01323 485152 Fax: 01323 482039

23 acre deciduous wood managed to enhance carpets of white wood anemones followed by bluebells. Choice of seven different walks with many informative signs on the flora and fauna. On one of the three farms you can view cows being milked in a modern milking parlour. Countryside exhibition in entrance barn.

Sussex Zoos and Wildlife Parks, Birdwatching, Rescue Centres

BENTLEY WILDFOWL & MOTOR MUSEUM

Museum

Harveys Lane, Halland, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5AF

Something for everyone with one of the largest waterfowl collections including Swans, Geese, Ducks, Cranes and Flamingoes in a natural setting. The Motor Museum has over 100 exhibits including Veteran, Edwardian, Vintage and Classic cars and bikes. The Gardens are a reflection of the house with a series of rooms divided by yew hedges. There is a Woodland Trail, Indoor Trail, Adventure Playground, Picnic Area, Tearoom and Craft Workshops. Disabled access; free electric wheelchairs available on request. Free parking. Assistance dogs only (except in wildfowl reserve).

Tel: 01825 840573
E-mail: barrysutherland@pavilion.co.uk
Web: www.bentley.org.uk

ASHDOWN FOREST LLAMA PARK

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JN

Ashdown Forest Llama Park is situated in the midst of the beautiful Ashdown Forest and is home to over a hundred breeding herd of llamas and alpacas. There is a Farm Walk, Museum, Picnic Area, Adventure Play Area and Tearoom. The gift shop sells a wide range of alpaca knitwear, South American crafts and lots of 'llamarabilia'. Sorry, no dogs. No admission charge for Shop/Gift Shop. Open all year, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day.

Tel: 01825 712040
E-mail: info@llamapark.co.uk
Web: www.llamapark.co.uk

BRIGHTON SEA LIFE CENTRE

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

Marine Parade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1TB

The magnificent Brighton Sea Life Centre combines the splendour of Victorian architecture with modern marine life habitats. It boasts a walkthrough underwater observation tunnel. Themed marine displays reveal the fascinating habitats found beneath the waves.

Tel: 01273 604234 Fax: 01273 681840
E-mail: slcbrighton@merlinentertainments.biz

SEVEN SISTERS SHEEP CENTRE

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

Birling Manor Farm, Gilberts Drive, East Dean, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 0AA

A family-run farm for animal lovers of all ages; the world’s largest collection of breeds of sheep and all the other farm favourites, tame enough to touch and feed. Daily bottle feeding, tractor rides, tea room, gift shop and picnic area. Mobile farm unit for visits to schools, open days etc.

Tel: 01323 423302 Fax: 01323 423302
E-mail: sevensisters.sheepcentre@talk21.com
Web: www.sheepcentre.co.uk

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