10 Family Things to Do in Eastbourne
Fun Places in Eastbourne to Take Your Kids
There are plenty of family things to do Eastbourne, so you won’t have worries about keeping the kids occupied and entertained during your vacation. Located on England’s southeast coast, this lively town has plenty of pristine beaches, parks and gardens, along with sports facilities and playgrounds.
Whether you want to take them on a genuine small steam railroad ride, have fun in theme parks, let them pretend to be pirates plundering the Seven Seas, or show them what a real-life falconry show looks like, this resort town has gotten you covered. Check out our guide to fun places in Eastbourne to take your kids.
1. Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railroad
Take a ride on a miniature locomotive around a country park
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railroad has a genuine miniature steam railroad as its centerpiece, a serene lake area that’s rich with wildlife, a playground, and even a café where you can catch a bite to eat. The adventure park is nestled in the picturesque South Downs area, around 3 miles north of Eastbourne Pier.
There’s a railroad shop where you can find all kinds of steam-engine-themed souvenirs. At the lake, you can enjoy angling, with safety markers ensuring 2-metre distancing. Angling appointments must be booked in advance to ensure safety between anglers at all times.
Location: Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne BN23 6QJ, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1323 520229
Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railroad
2. Fort Fun
Enjoy sprawling climbing frames or cool off at an aqua park
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
Fort Fun is a great way to let kids run off their pent-up energy, regardless of weather conditions in Eastbourne. The theme park has plenty of crawling and climbing structures, along with an aqua and spray park to cool off on hot days.
Fort Fun is divided into outdoor and indoor facilities, so even on rainy days, the kids are sure to have a blast climbing the outdoor jungle gym and the Diggerland sand play area. Parents can have fun with their kids at the onsite 18-hole miniature golf course and teacup rides, or relax and watch live shows by talented performers.
Location: Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7LQ, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1323 642833
Fort Fun
3. Treasure Island Adventure Park
A theme park for kids to unleash their inner pirate
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
The Treasure Island Adventure Park is a pirate-themed amusement park near Eastbourne Beach, offering indoor and outdoor play neighborhoods for kids of all ages. The Buccaneers Indoor Adventure consists of 2 floors with slides, zipper lines, ball pits, and a separate soft play area for toddlers.
The Long John Silver’s Outdoor Adventure has a shipwreck fitted with netted walkways, bridges and zipper slides. While the kids play, you can unwind in its spacious parkland and sandy beach. The Treasure Island Adventure Park also has a miniature golf course, a wading pool, and excellent food available at the Hungry Pirate’s Café.
Location: 5 Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AE, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1323 411077
Treasure Island Adventure Park
4. Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum
Learn about the local history of lifeboats
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
The Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum is an interesting educational experience for kids and grown-ups of every age. It’s housed in an old 1898 boathouse and showcases the entire history and development of lifeboats since 1822.
Several exhibits highlight specific lifeboats and the role that they have played in both maritime history and popular culture. For example, did you know that lifeboats were important to the James Bond saga? You’ll have to visit the Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum to find out how.
Location: King Edwards Pde, Eastbourne BN21 4BY, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1323 730717
Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum
5. Knockhatch Adventure Park
Play among dinosaurs at the Lost World Playbarn
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
The Knockhatch Adventure Park consists of a wooden castle (inside of which kids can run and play), waterslides, swings, bumper automobiles, and a dino-themed play area. There’s even a petting zoo with a birding show featuring live owls. The kids can get up close with meerkats, learn how horses are cared for, and more.
Prefer a more leisurely way to spend the day? You can ride boats through a manmade lake, play a game of golf, and cool down in a wading pool. With so much on display, the Knockhatch Adventure Park is great for both adults and kids.
Location: Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham BN27 3GD, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1323 442051
Knockhatch Adventure Park
6. The Observatory Science Center
Where the kids can take part in astronomy lessons
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
Teach your kids about the wonders of the universe at the Observatory Science Center, located in a Grade II-listed historic site. They can take part in astronomy lessons to view planets and moons and learn all about the cosmos.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Observatory Science Centre’s gift shop for a science-themed souvenir. You can grab a bite to eat at the onsite café, where you can learn about their efforts to be ecologically responsible. The cafe uses cups and lids made with 100% recyclable and compostable plastic.
Location: Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)1323 832731
The Observatory Science Center
7. East Sussex Falconry
See eagles and falcons soaring across the sky
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
At East Sussex Falconry, you can get up close and personal with many birds of prey, including falcons, eagles, and vultures. See them fly freely across the sky and land on the arms of their trainers, who will educate you all about the birds and their habitat.
You can even get the opportunity to fly a bird yourself – under the supervision of an expert falconer, of course. The entire experience is located in Herstmonceux Castle, a 15th-century castle that’s also one of the first of its kind to be built entirely from brick.
Location: Halley Rd, Herstmonceux, Hailsham BN27 1RN, UK
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (by appointment only)
Phone: +44 (0)1323 485529
East Sussex Falconry
8. Pevensey Levels
An excellent birdwatching area in East Sussex
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
Pevensey Levels is a 3,604-ha biological site between Bexhill-on-Sea and Hailsham in East Sussex. It’s a great place to be if you’re looking for a family-friendly outdoor adventure that allows you to escape the city life and reconnect with naturs.
This national nature reserve is a designated Nature Conservation Review site and a Special Neighborhood of Conservation. There are miles of easy trails to tackle, allowing you to see the unspoiled Pevensey Marshes. Birdwatching is very popular here – winter is an excellent time to spot short-eared owls and peregrines, while lapwings and redshanks are common in spring.
Pevensey Levels
9. Pevensey Courthouse Museum and Gaol
Visit a well-preserved 19th-century courtroom
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
The Pevensey Court House Museum and Gaol, you can walk through the history of England’s criminal justice system, dating back to the days of the Tudors. You can visit the Old Court Room, preserved exactly as it stood in 1886. Must-sees the original exercise yard and stocks, as well as a replica of the famed Bayeux Tapestry.
This museum includes history and artifacts dating from ancient Rome to WWI. There’s even a Children’s Discovery Trail where the kids can get their own bail certificate.
Location: High St, Westham, Pevensey BN24 5LG, UK
Open: Wednesday–Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, Saturday–Sunday 1.30 pm to 4 pm, closed Monday–Tuesday
Phone: +44 (0)1 323 733419
Pevensey Courthouse Museum and Gaol
10. The Story of Eastbourne
Discover the seaside town’s history
Good for: Families, History, Adventure
The Story of Eastbourne is a fun and exciting exhibit that guides you through the entire history of the town, taking unexpected and surprising twists and turns along the way. It’s as much a celebration of Eastbourne’s storytelling tradition as it is a history and legacy of the town.
You’ll see a vast collection of items and artifacts, interactive and hands-on exhibits, displays that are designed just for kids, and everything from ancient elephant’s teeth to actual roman flooring.
Location: 248 Terminus Rd, Eastbourne BN21 3DE, UK
Open: Monday from noon to midnight
Phone: +44 (0)1323 415636
The Story of Eastbourne
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