Little girl and grandparent admiring Christmas trees in Marble Hall, Petworth, West Sussex — Family days out in Sussex | © National Trust Images / Megan Taylor

Family-friendly places to visit in Sussex

Discover magical Christmas days out with the National Trust in Sussex, including Nymans, Bodiam Castle, Petworth and more. Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or planning a bigger adventure, you’ll find Christmas trails, decorated houses, natural play areas and café stops.

Looking for a festive day out in Sussex that’ll keep the whole family entertained? Find the best family-friendly Christmas trails and decorated houses.

Nymans Christmas illustration, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

23 Nov - 5 Jan. Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. Inspired by C.S. Lewis’ classic tale, ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ explore enchanting scenes on a magical, festive journey through the house and garden.

The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas

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Christmas and New Year at Sheffield Park and Garden

30 Nov - 12 Jan. The World of the Snowman™ is coming to Sheffield Park and Garden. Families are invited on a festive walk, re-living the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book. Look out for twelve decorated sculptures of The Snowman™. Traditional fairground rides and games add to the fun.

Brilliant gold and festooned Christmas trees in the Carved Room at Petworth, West Sussex

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Christmas at Petworth House

30 Nov - 5 Jan. Discover a festive wonderland at Petworth House. The historic state rooms are filled with showstopping trees, twinkling lights and atmospheric lanterns. Look out for mischievous mice and a beautiful paper-crafted nativity scene.

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Christmas at Standen

16 Nov - 5 Jan. Step inside Standen - an imaginatively decorated Arts and Crafts home at Christmas, atmospherically lit with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. Follow a family trail around the garden and meet Father Christmas in his woodland den.

Christmas wreaths on the doors to the castle

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Christmas at Bodiam Castle

30 Nov - 5 Jan. Bodiam Castle is decorated with natural foliage and greenery for a medieval-style Christmas. Get stuck into medieval feast-inspired games, curl up for stories in the cosy, grotto-style tower room and enjoy live musical performances.

The Jungle Book themed Christmas Decorations in the Hall at Bateman's, East Sussex

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Christmas at Bateman's

16 Nov - 5 Jan. Enter the jungle and a world of festive warmth, colour, tradition and creativity. Discover the animals from Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved tale ‘The Jungle Book’ around the house. Little ones can spot the tree monkeys jumping on the bed and Baloo the bear, as well as a special Christmas cake inspired by the story. 

The enchanted winter forest in the Marble Hall at Petworth, West Sussex

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Petworth House and Park

Petworth Park is an exciting place for families to explore. Roam through acres of parkland and look out for the fallow deer herd. The ancient tree trail includes hollow trunks big enough to crawl inside, plus there are games and activities every school holidays.

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Sheffield Park and Garden

Whether you are visiting with friends or family, there are plenty of new things to discover and fun ways to get active in nature at Sheffield Park and Garden.

Three boys walking along a woodland trail at Hatchlands with their arms round each other.

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Standen House and Garden

Find family-friendly things to do at Standen, from walking in the woodland and building a den, to seasonal trails in the house and garden.

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Things to do with the kids at Nymans

Join in the fun with 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' this Christmas with a family trail and magically decorated house. Discover natural play in the Play Glade, activities and events in the school holidays and an ancient woodland and garden to discover, there's lots of fun for families at Nymans. Picnic anywhere in the garden, or pick up a snack from the cafe or kiosk. Baby change available by the house and in the cafe and car park.