Discover family-friendly activities and adventures across Sussex this August.
From historic attractions to trails and festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the county. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Sussex this August.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor entertainment in Sussex, family activities near Brighton, or summer events in West Sussex, the county is bursting with opportunities to create lasting memories this month.
Festivals and Summer Celebrations
Summer at Sky Park Farm is packed with family fun, from the Supersonic Science Show and rescued animal encounters to nature-themed mini-world crafts, train and truck play, and native wildlife shows. Join SKYFEST, taking place from 29 to 31 August. Enjoy three days of live entertainment, family shows, interactive activities, delicious street food and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re dancing to live music or discovering new experiences together, SKYFEST is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer.
Head to Littlehampton on 15th August for the spectacular Waterfront Festival! Experience the harbour’s vibrant activities including dinghy sailing, open water swimming, angling, power boats, jet skis, and flyboards. Plus, explore visiting vessels open to the public on Town Quay.
Aldingbourne Trust invites families to enjoy a lively Summer Barn Dance on Saturday 1st August at Aldingbourne Country Centre. With live music, traditional dancing, professional callers, children’s entertainment, food, and refreshments, it promises a fun-filled fundraising evening, with all proceeds supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. Saturday 1st August, 6pm-9.30pm.
Set within the heritage-listed South Park, the brand new Borde Hill Summer Series provides a stunning backdrop for major open-air concerts. Expansive lawns, dramatic vistas and the estate’s timeless heritage combine to create a natural amphitheatre framed by rare trees and sweeping countryside views – an exceptional stage for world-class artists and bands. Including a family festival on 16th August ‘We Are Family Sussex’ combing live music, attractions and unforgettable experiences in one incredible day out!
Eastbourne International Airshow is one of Europe’s largest free seafront airshows, drawing crowds along the two-mile flying display line on Eastbourne’s seafront. From 13th – 16th August, visitors can enjoy flying displays, military exhibitions, ground attractions, children’s entertainment, fireworks, tribute shows and more. Watch fast jets, historic warbirds and precision aerobatic teams take to the skies above Eastbourne’s spectacular coastline.
Bignor Sunflower Maize & Picking Patch is back this August. Tickets available at the Roman Villa Ticket Office – please not entry into the villa is not included.
Spend a stunning day in the heart of the vineyard on 22nd August, where the vines provide the perfect backdrop for a celebration of sun, music, and summer vibes. Get ready to dance to throwback 80’s hits, featuring an electric live performance from UK Queen tribute. The Tinwood Garden Party kicks off with Andy Norman on the decks and Kit on sax, setting the scene for a sunset soundtrack you won’t forget. Ticket includes a welcome glass of Tinwood. Groups of 8 or more can also enjoy a complimentary bottle of Tinwood on the day.
Head to the Sussex Guild Craft Show at Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst, on Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th and Bank Holiday Monday 31st August, 10am to 5pm. There’s contemporary crafts made using traditional techniques and visitors will have the opportunity to talk to craftspeople about their work and buy crafts, and, of course, enjoy the riot of late summer colour in the gardens, savour refreshments in the café and browse Pashley’s Gift Shop.
Family Fun and Historic Attractions
Think of summer holidays and you picture the beach, seaside fun, exciting rides, and delicious treats. Harbour Park has it all for the perfect family day out. Save even more with our great British summer offer on 1-Day Go Unlimited Wristbands, with bigger discounts when you book in advance. Make unforgettable memories, relax, and enjoy the perfect summer holiday at Harbour Park!
Drusillas Park is the ultimate summer family day out, offering visitors the chance to discover 80 animal species – including adorable baby lemurs and tiny monkey infants. Enjoy splash pad fun, explore indoor and outdoor play areas, experience seven exciting rides, roar-some dinosaurs, a maze, free arcade and more. Families can enjoy more for less this summer with Drusillas’ double VAT discount summer savings.
Stop scrolling. Go Ape. Leave the digital world behind this August. Get away from your screens and swing into adventure at Tilgate Park. Gather your tribe and trade virtual likes for leg wobbly heights, it’s time to lock in your summer thrills in the tree tops!
Between 18h July – 6th September, celebrate the Great British Summer at Battle Abbey. Try new tricks at the circus skills station, dive into some puppet antics and pick up a space hopper at the sports day! Don’t forget, prices are reduced over the summer, and you can save an extra 15% when you book early.
The Bluebell Railway is offering great value for families throughout the 2026 summer holidays and most weekends, with children aged 3–15 travelling for just £1 with a fare-paying adult. An advance adult ticket costs £27, and up to four children can travel for £1 each, with unlimited access to steam train rides, exhibitions, the museum, soft play, the playground and special character meet-and-greets. Families visiting more than once can also save with a season ticket, valid from 23 July to 1 September, offering unlimited travel from £60 for one adult and up to three children, or £100 for two adults and up to three children.
Paradise Park promises discovery and delight across 10 acres of gardens, history and play. Unearth ancient wonders in the Planet Earth Museum, follow the Sussex History Trail and enjoy adventure play. This summer, dragons have appeared in the gardens! Follow the free Dragon Detectives Trail, hunt for evidence, try fun activities and learn fascinating facts about each dragon.
Step back in time this summer at Butser Ancient Farm! Discover ancient houses and gardens, meet our rare sheep and goats, enjoy hands-on activities, and explore Britain’s past. A perfect family day out, packed with adventure, learning and fun. Sussex Top Attractions readers can save 15% when booking online with code “ANCIENT.”
Head to Go Ape Crawley and enjoy an adventure in the great outdoors. Plus on Thursday’s and Fridays’ throughout August, there’s an adults only treetop challenge !
There’s even more reasons to visit Amberley Museum this August. Every Friday in August between 11am – 2pm there’s crafts & sun catcher making to celebrate Billingshurst Signal Box’s 150th birthday! Plus every Thursday you can turn your hand to woodturning between 10am – 3.30pm. Additional charges apply.
The Museum of Gardening in Hassocks, Sussex, sits in a striking oak-framed barn on the South Downs and offers free admission to explore rare vintage lawnmowers and horticultural tools, tracing inventor Edwin Beard Budding’s legacy. You’ll also find The CUBE art gallery, craft workshops, the Sussex Food Hall, and The Barn Restaurant, a relaxed, family-friendly August day out.
Artistic Adventures and Garden Trails
Throughout August, families are invited to enjoy a summer of colour, creativity and outdoor adventure as WWT’s Dragonfly Festival returns to WWT Arundel. Visitors can enjoy waterside music, dragonfly-themed crafts and workshops, plus exciting dragonfly safaris by boat or on foot, discovering these spectacular insects as they dart across the wetlands.
From summer 2026, sculpture meets the beauty of the natural world as Wakehurst showcases four iconic Henry Moore sculptures alongside bold new commissions from contemporary artists, set across the gardens.
Do you believe in Fairies? The Willow Fairy and Dragon Trail is back this summer at High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden! Meet the woodland Fairies and an assortment of mystical creatures, hiding around the garden. A magical circular trail through this beautiful summer garden. Dress up and bring a picnic for an enchanting day out. From 11th July to 6th September 2026.
Visit Sheffield Park and Garden in East Sussex this summer for the perfect day out as their enchanting Grade-I listed garden transforms a magical realm, filled with mythological creatures to spot and engaging activities for all the family to enjoy. Explore five different myths and legends themed play zones around the garden, each with its own beautiful mythical creature. Spot fairies, dragons, unicorns, mermaids and wood trolls, all ready to bring some magic to your visit. Summer of Play runs from 18 July – 6 Sept and is free with normal admission.
Join Bates Green Garden on 27th August for a hands-on cyanotype workshop, led by professional photographer Alison Bettles. Discover the magic of creating sun prints, an early photographic technique that requires no camera or darkroom. During this practical session, guests will gather beautiful natural materials from the garden and transform them into their own unique botanical artwork. Guests can savour a hot drink, and treat themselves to delicious homemade cake as they immerse in creativity and nature.
Petworth House and Park are taking part in the VAT reduction scheme, with reduced admission prices from 25 June until 1 September. Visitors can enjoy the stunning exhibition Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff, and family activities including a summer trail throughout August. The exhibition and family activities are free with admission.
Step into a world of flight, fantasy and magic at DRAGONS in the Royal Pavilion at Brighton. Discover glittering creatures, hidden beasts and family-friendly quests. Don’t miss our programme of dragon themed events and workshops for all ages throughout the summer.
There’s plenty of fun to be had in Eastbourne this summer! Hop on board the Dotto mini land train, take in the sights on Eastbourne’s Open Top Bus or take to the skies with the 36 metre big wheel offering panoramic views across the seafront. Take to the water with paddle boarding along Cuckmere River, dip your toes and go rock pooling on Holywell Beach or enjoy alfresco dining and live music at the Victoria Place Pop-Up Park.
Save in Sussex this Summer
Many attractions are taking part in the governments Great British Summer Savings schemes and other attractions have their own offers to help families out this summer. Take a look to see where you could save.
Make the Most of Your Sussex Summer
August in Sussex offers a variety of activities that celebrate the county’s rich heritage, natural beauty, and creativity.
From century-old attractions to cutting-edge art installations, from historic aviation displays to prehistoric discoveries, there’s never been a better time to explore everything Sussex has to offer. Book ahead where recommended, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare for an August filled with discovery, fun, and family-friendly excitement across this beautiful county.
For the latest information on opening times, ticket prices, and booking details, visitors should check individual attraction websites before planning their visits.
