Sussex is packed with a great range of interesting, cultural days out for people to enjoy, regardless of their interests. You’ll find incredible National Trust properties, such as the stunning Bodiam Castle, fascinating museums and some brilliant Silver Screen opportunties.
For more ideas of trips out for all the family in Sussex, you may be interested in taking a look at Age Space page dedicated to the Top 5 Accessible Days Out in Sussex.
Read on to find out more about the best cultural days out in Sussex.
National Trust Properties in Sussex
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements, an original, wooden portcullis and a wide moat, making it an incredibly rare example of Medieval history. This 14th century castle is one of Britain’s most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments that allows visitors’ imaginations to run wild and relive childhood memories, looking out at windows where arrows were once loosed and ruins that were walked upon by knights.
They have wheelchairs available to borrow from the visitor reception, as well as a transfer service to the castle when volunteers are available. Five designated parking spaces are on offer for those with mobility issues near the shop. You can view Bodiam Castle’s complete accessibility statement here.
Prices
Prices for entry to Bodiam Castle vary seasonally and can be found here. National Trust members will have free entry all year round.
Opening Hours
Opening times for Bodiam Castle vary seasonally and can be found here.
Contact
- Telephone: 01580 830196
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5UA
- Visit Website
Wakehurst Botanical Garden
Wakehurst a wild botanic garden that is set in the ancient and beautiful landscapes of Sussex High Weald. It is a great place for escape, exploration, tranquility and wonder, with a diverse collection of plants from all around the world, in a tapestry of innovative gardens, temperate woodlands, meadows and wetlands.
There is dedicated mobility parking near the visitor centre, as well as accessible toilets and paths. They also have some wheelchairs and mobility scooters you can borrow. Find Wakehurst’s full accessibility statement here.
Prices
- Adult: £16.50
- Young Person (17-25): £8.25
- Under 17: Free
All National Trust members can enter the gardens for free.
Opening Times
Every day, 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Telephone: 01444 894 066
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6TN
- Visit Website
Petworth House & Park
Inspired by Baroque palaces of Europe, the 17th-century Petworth House displays one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust. See the state rooms featuring paintings and sculpture, including artwork by Van Dyck, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough.
Petworth House’s history has been created by one family over 900 years, with the collection highlighting a journey through history including the Gunpowder Plot and Napoleonic Wars. Collection highlights include the earliest English globe in existence, dating to 1592, and carvings by Grinling Gibbons.
Transfer buggies are available between the car park and the courtyard, as well as six wheelchairs that can be borrowed. There are twelve designated mobility parking spaces in the main car park. You can take a look at Petworth House’s full accessibility statement here.
Prices
- Adult: £12.00
- Child: £6.00
All National Trust members can enter Petworth House & Park for free.
Opening Times
Opening times for Petworth House & Park vary seasonally and can be found here.
Contact
- Telephone: 01798 342207
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Petworth House and Park, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 9LR
- Visit Website
Museums in Sussex
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is one of the country’s leading regional museums. Alongside permanent galleries including Ancient Egypt, Fine Art, 20th Century Art & Design and the Archaeology gallery, there’s a constantly changing programme of exhibitions, displays and events. You can find out all about upcoming exhibits by visiting their What’s On page.
The museum is completely ground level and located very close to the lanes, making it easily accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. There are accessible toilets on site and Visitor Service Officers are positioned around the building should you require any assistance. You can see full accessibility information for the museum here.
Prices
- Adult: £9.00
- Child: £4.00
All tickets for Brighton Museum & Art Gallery provide admission for an entire year from the date of purchase.
- Address: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1EE
- Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 10:00am - 5:00pm
- Telephone: 03000 290 900
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Wings Museum, Balcombe
The Wings Museum is a totally voluntary organisation run by friendly and dedicated volunteers. This World War 2 Aviation museum is housed in a large, hanger-style building mear Balcombe in West Sussex, displaying an abundance of original memorabilia that represent a wealth of ‘display themes’, including The Home Front, RAF Fighter Command, The Blitz, Battle of Britain, Bomb Disposal, Home Guard, Air Raid Shelters, US 8th Air Force, D-Day and more.
Prices
- Adults: £10.00
- Over 60s: £9.00
- Children (5-12): £5.00
Opening Times
Open Saturdays and Sundays. The museum’s exact opening times vary seasonally and you can find the current times here.
- Address: Wings Aviation Museum, Unit 1, Bucklands Farm, Brantridge Lane, RH17 6JT
- Telephone: 07769 688064
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Littlehampton Museum
Littlehampton is a town with a rich and vibrant history spanning millions of years. Once a sleepy seaside village, over the past 150 years Littlehampton grew and became a location of seaside holidays and a thriving industrial port. In recent years the town has become quieter but remains a popular seaside destination and is much loved by locals. Its stunning beaches are packed on a hot summer’s day and the town still runs a number of popular events.
- Address: Manor House, Church Street, Littlehampton, BN17 5EW
- Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm; Saturday, 10:30am - 4:30pm
- Prices: Free!
- Telephone: 01903 738100
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Silver Screenings in Sussex
Silver Screenings are special cinema showings of the latest releases and timeless classics which are run for older people. These often have lower prices than regular showings and sometimes provide refreshments before the film.
Odeon Cinema, Brighton & Hastings
Odeon run Silver Cinema screenings to those over 60. They show current releases and older classics at a lower ticket price, as well as providing tea and biscuits before the film.
There are two Odeon Cinemas in Sussex:
Connaught Cinema, Worthing
Connaught Cinema in Worthing run a Silver Screen programme that features a classic film showing every Monday morning. Tickets are from £4.50, which includes free tea, coffee and biscuits.
