The Ultimate Guide to things to do in Sussex in July
Summer has arrived in Sussex, and July promises to be an absolute scorcher of a month packed with incredible events, family adventures, and fun experiences!
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.
From world-class opera performances under starlit skies to thrilling treetop adventures, Sussex in July offers something magical for everyone. The school holidays are nearly here, and it’s time to dive headfirst into the best summer has to offer. Let’s explore the spectacular events and activities that will make your July absolutely unforgettable!
Outdoor Entertainment and Glorious Gardens
Open Air Theatre
On 4th July, Wild Arts presents Mozart’s comic masterpiece The Marriage of Figaro against the enchanting backdrop of Borde Hill’s Elizabethan House. Performed on the South Lawn, this acclaimed open-air production combines beautiful music, humour, and theatrical flair for an unforgettable summer evening under the stars.
Enjoy an enchanting summer evening’s theatre with six performances of Shakespeare’s everlasting popular masterpiece, A Midsummer Nights Dream, alternating with Ayckbourn’s classic comedy, Living Together. The Pergola Open Air Theatre at West Dean is running from June 29th until 11th July, hosted by New Theatre Productions
Music in the Garden at Borde Hill. On 12th and 26th July, visitors can relax in the Garden and enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bringing a soundtrack to summer afternoons, these informal performances can be enjoyed alongside a stroll through the Garden or a picnic on the lawns, offering a perfect way to unwind.
The summer season continues at Eastbourne Bandstand with an epic line-up of live music until October! This July enjoy world-class tributes to incredible artists including ABBA and Queen, big band evenings with fireworks, a 70s Disco Night and the first of the season’s Kid’s Disco Nights kicking off the start of the summer holidays. Tickets on sale now.
From Tuesday 14th July every day until Saturday 18th July its Kitchen Garden Week at Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst, Don’t miss ‘Sow, Grow and Harvest’ – the Life Cycle of a Kitchen Garden Talks; garden produce in the Café; local honey and homemade chutney in the Gift Shop.
Sheffield Park and Garden’s picturesque lakes are a riot of colour during the summer months in Sussex. The Lakes & Lilies Festival (running until 6th September) offers activities for all ages. Plus there’s so many workshops and activities planned this July, from poetry, craft club, watercolour workshops and big tree climbing.
Family Fun Adventures
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.
Sky Park Farm in West Sussex is the perfect summer day out for the whole family – you can explore the farm trail to meet and feed herds of red, white, and sika deer, let the kids loose in a woodland adventure playground, and refuel with seasonally inspired food from The Grazing Rooms, which champions local suppliers.
Families are invited to enjoy a summer of colour, creativity and outdoor adventure as the Dragonfly Festival returns to WWT Arundel this summer holiday. From July 23 – August 31st, celebrate with a host of performances, activities and family fun inspired by one of nature’s most beautiful insects. Search WWT Arundel for details.
Drusillas Park is set for WILD summer holidays, with exciting “zoo-born” arrivals stealing the spotlight, including adorable lemur twins, prairie dog pups, binturong twins and a gorgeous Goeldi’s monkey babe to meet. Families can also enjoy immersive zoo fun, unlimited rides, splash pad, indoor & outdoor adventure playgrounds and more!
July brings Wakehurst, Kew’s busiest programme yet, with events for every taste and age. Enjoy jazz, swing, opera and classical music at sundown, silent discos on the lawn, sunset Wine Walks with Henry Moore and more, or peaceful after-hours garden strolls. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer with Latehurst
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside… and you can whilst enjoying family rides, crazy golf and soft play at Harbour Park, situated right on Littlehampton seafront. Don’t forget to buy crabbing equipment from the shop to make it a seaside adventure not to forget!
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.
From 11th July to 6th September, families can follow a magical trail through Borde Hill’s Woodland in ‘The Enchanted Garden’, helping fairy characters complete challenges and uncover the story of Piccolo the pixie. With puzzles, activities and a trail booklet to complete, it’s a fun outdoor adventure for children aged 3–8.
Discover treetop thrills and unforgettable summer adventures this July at Go Ape Crawley. Whether you want to take on the BIG ONE -Treetop Challenge, for some heart-pumping adrenaline packed fun, or are looking for an unforgettable family day out with a Treetop Adventure, there is something for everyone. The stories you’ll tell start here!
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.
Historic Family Fun
Sat 18 Jul – Sun 6 Sep 2026. Celebrate a classic Great British Summer at Battle Abbey with fun for the whole family. Enjoy fairground activities, pick up new tricks at the circus skills station and dive in to some puppet antics. Kick back in a deck chair with a delicious ice cream and soak up the summer.
This summer holidays, the Weald & Downland Living Museum invites families to step back in time with Childhood Through Time: six weeks of hands-on activities exploring medieval, Tudor, and Victorian life. Children can try traditional games, endure a strict Victorian schoolroom, have a go at archery, watch puppet shows, and get creative with period crafts. Running Tuesdays to Thursdays throughout the school holidays, there is something new each week. History has never been this much fun.
Explore the echoing tunnels and stroll along the ramparts at Newhaven Fort. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the South Downs and Sussex Coast, with cliff-top gun emplacements sure to fire any imagination!
Experience aviation history in Sussex! Sit in aircraft cockpits, test flight simulators, and explore interactive displays covering everything from the Great War to the Cold War at Tangmere Museum. The Lightning cockpit simulator is not to be missed!
Make July Unforgettable in Sussex!
With this incredible lineup of summer events in Sussex, family activities, and outdoor entertainment, July 2026 is set to be absolutely spectacular. From opera under the stars to treetop adventures, from historical explorations to beachside competitions, Sussex offers the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and family fun.
Start planning your Sussex summer adventure today – book your tickets, gather the family, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. The best of Sussex awaits you this July!
Don’t forget to check individual websites for the latest information on bookings, times, and any special requirements. Many attractions offer online discounts, so book ahead to save money and guarantee your spots at these popular summer events!
