Explore the natural world at Hollybank Woods, just 15 minutes away, a big forest with dens and tree swings. Meet stingrays and clownfish and everything in between at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium. Enjoy five adventure play areas, feeding session and all the giraffes, tigers, leopards, meerkats and penguins you need at Marwell Zoo.
Ride the sizzler, the Waltzer and the pedal boats at West Sands Funfair. Discover a walkable beach at Bosham and golden alternatives at West Wittering and Hayling Island. Watch your younger children learn through role play at Little Street. Or discover Staunton Farm, home to a maze, glass house, café and lots of animals to pet.
Get down to Lavant House Stables to ride well-behaved horses and ponies. Fly the simulators at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum and a Spitfire prototype. Take a walk with a difference at Dunreyth Alpacas. Head to Out of Bounds in Rustington for adventure golf, foot or disc golf, adventure nets and jumping pillows.
Knock yourself out at Knockhatch, an adventure park offering indoor soft play, an outdoor adventure playground, boating lake, jumping pillow, go-karts, and children’s farm. Zap your mum and dad at Laser Quest Eastbourne. Or take a magical history tour at The 1066, then visit Battle Abbey on the site of the battle itself.
Stick around on site for Pilates, yoga, tennis lessons on the all-weather court and massage. Head out for badminton, table tennis and a 33-metre pool at Westgate Leisure Centre. Explore the area on four legs with Willowbrook Riding Centre or on two wheels with Barreg Cycles. Or take a charter from the marina with Something Fishy.
Take a tour of an award-wining rum producer at The Portsmouth Distillery, enjoy fresh, modern beers at The Little Monster Brewery, or tour an artisan gin distillery at Slake Spirits. Shoot clay and enjoy expert tuition at Findon. Or tackle two 18-hole courses at Chichester Golf Club and hang around for adventure golf and foot golf.
Want to see the sea? Head through a farmer’s gate just two minutes down the road to find Bosham Harbour. If the tide’s in, stick to the raised footpaths. Head into Bosham village for crafts, jewellery shops and pottery or to West Wittering beach for golden sands and surf lessons. Or take a RIB out on the water with Itchenor Boat Hire.
Portsmouth’s not far, so make sure to see the Historic Dockyard, the Spinnaker Tower and HMS Warrior and Victory. Pamper yourself at Goodwood Spa with a face and body infusion, steam room and sauna, and bubbles. Catch slices of history at Easthead and Slindon Estates. Or get down to Goodwood for racing, the festival or Revival.
