Kent is famously known as “the Garden of England,” for all its stunning orchards, rolling countryside, and fertile land. Sussex, known for its rare chalk grassland and rugged cliffs, really embodies its motto “we wunt be druv” which means “we will not be driven,” undoubtedly inspired by the equally independent and unyielding landscape.
Close to London, East Sussex and Kent are two ideal places where your tots and juniors can be introduced to nature like never before. We have previously discussed the benefits of exploring the great outdoors, particularly for children (from physical health to cognitive development to emotional resilience, the advantages of a nature-fuelled holiday are really countless). For these reasons and more, if you are looking for some of the best family days out in Kent and Sussex, you’re in safe hands. Keep reading for our top 4 places to visit, things to do, and where to stay for the finest short family break in Kent and East Sussex!
1) Discovering family-friendly glamping gems in East Sussex and Kent
🏕️ Glamping in Sussex has never looked so good. Lunsford Farm is perfect for families that love having the best of both worlds: coast on one hand, unspoiled landscapes on the other. Less than an hour from Brighton and a stone’s throw away from quaint towns such as Hastings and sweet villages such as Winchelsea and Rye, Lunsford Farm’s glamping tented pods will offer you a space to rest, relax, and prepare you for the fun days ahead.
🏞️If you want to sample the best of Kent, then Sunninglye Farm fits the bill. Nestled right in the heart of High Weald an Area of Outstanding Beauty known for its dense ancient woods, gill streams, sandstone outcrops, Sunninglye Farm offers a unique family glamping experience. Just 10 minutes from the iconic spa town Royal Tunbridge Wells (one of Queen Victoria’s favourite places to visit) and close to the superbly rustic village of Wadhurst, Sunninglye is an excellent base for exploring the English countryside.
2) The Sea, The Sea!
⛵If quietude and solitude is your cup of tea, then Winchelsea Beach (less than 7 minutes by car from Lunsford Farm) will be music to your ears, since the beach remains untouched, and gives you the opportunity for some swimming and windsurfing. As they say on their website, “really, there is only sea and shingle” and to this we say, what more could you need?
🌊 For those who love bustling seaside towns, ice cream vans, delicious seafood, cute cobbled streets and a thriving local shopping culture, Hastings (less than 15 minutes from Lunsford Farm) is a must-visit. There are plenty of things to do, too – from taking the West Hill Lift to exploring the ruins of Hastings Castle. The cherry on top? Hastings really has one of the most vibrant foodie scenes!
3) Towns and villages with a royal past
⛲Tunbridge Wells is a spa town worthy of the royal treatment so it's no wonder Queen Victoria had a soft spot for this historic locale; leafy, full of independent eateries, beautiful parks and culture. Tunbridge Wells has something for everyone. Is it any wonder that it was voted one of the healthiest places in the UK? There must be something in the water!
🚂If you have time, the Spa Valley Railway is only a short walk from the Pantiles. The historic diesel train will take you all the way to Groombridge Station. From there, you can walk to Groombridge Place, which is full of dramatic wisterias, lush beds of roses, and carpets of bluebells. Fun fact: this location served as Bennett's house, Longbourn, in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice!
🗺️ For some of the most charming (and instagrammable) historic villages, Rye is a no-brainer, capturing the essence of Sussex – and it has remarkably remained largely under the radar. Rye is full of cobbled streets, quintessentially Tudor half-timbered buildings, and with a rich historical past that includes tales of invasions, maritime adventures, and yes, even smuggling. Best of all, it is only a short fifteen-minute drive from Lunsford Farm.
4) Dramatic castles and blooming gardens, right at your doorstep
🌸For the garden lovers who cannot want to instil their love of flowers to their young’uns, a trip to Sissinghurst Castle Garden would not go amiss. One of England’s most famous gardens, Sissinghurst offers a series of garden rooms, each with unique designs and plantings, perfect for inspiring young inquisitive minds. The estate also provides ample space for kiddos to explore with family-friendly trails and activities. While you are there, why not pop up to the tower and see the original printing press gifted by Virginia and Leonard Woolf, where some of the most famous twentieth-century literary works were printed on?
🏰 Less than half an hour from Sunninglye Farm, there is Hever Castle and Gardens, a gem of history that the little ones are bound to adore. This is the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, so you can imagine the weight of history marking every nook and cranny in this fantastic example of 14th century architecture. With mazes, play areas, a stunning lake walk, an opportunity for boating and archery, curious minds will love exploring the grounds and getting hands-on in this notable location.
👋Off we go!
In Kent and Sussex, you will find a blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and family-friendly adventures. From the serene beaches of Winchelsea to the bustling streets of Hastings, the regal air of Tunbridge Wells to the ancient depths of Rye, there will be plenty of choice for everyone. So, whether it is half term, a last minute break, or a planned family holiday, Kent and Sussex are the places to be.
