Inspiration for Things to do in June and Father’s Day days out in Sussex
June in Sussex is bursting with exciting things to do! Whether you’re seeking the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day, explore stunning rose gardens in full bloom, or discover unique special events across the county, our guide gives inspiration for memorable days out.
Father’s Day in Sussex
Spend Father’s Day at Harbour Park. Dads are known for bringing the fun, and here they can truly shine. From thrilling rides to building sandcastles and crabbing, plus family arcades and tasty treats, there’s something for everyone. Younger visitors can enjoy soft play while adults relax, and children aged eight and over can take on the Treasure Quest Escape Room. Nothing makes fathers happier than simply being dads. Book 1 Day Go Unlimited Wristband online in advance to save and give the perfect Father’s Day gift.
This Father’s Day, head to Wakehurst and discover our brand-new Explorer Map, packed with curiosities and hidden highlights to uncover across the gardens – fun for the whole family. Dinosaur fans, young and old, can also enjoy our exciting Dinosaur Trail, packed with prehistoric adventures along the way. Make a day of it with a picnic on the grounds, grab a beverage from the Stables Kitchen, or treat yourself to an ice cream on the Mansion lawn.
Step into a world of flight, fantasy and magic at DRAGONS in the Royal Pavilion. Discover glittering creatures, hidden beasts and family-friendly quests throughout the palace. Visit this Father’s Day for an unforgettable adventure with Dad. Free with Royal Pavilion admission.
Drusillas Park offers a wild twist on Father’s Day gifting, with unique experiences perfect for animal-loving dads. From encounters with his favourite zoo residents, to fun-filled family days out, these fun-usual gift ideas promise something different. It’s a chance to treat Dad to an adventure he won’t forget, surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Head to Tinwood Estate for a tours and tasting, or even treat dad to a sparkling afternoon tea!
Dad’s go free!
Looking for things to do this Father’s Day in Sussex? Head to Go Ape Crawley for Dadventure – Dad’s go free*. Take someone special to conquer the Treetop Challenge high ropes course where you’ll experience pure excitement, adrenaline and thrills. Tackle tree-to-tree crossings, Tarzan Swings and fly down epic zip lines. Connect with your father figure in the beautiful Tilgate Park. It’s the perfect attraction in West Sussex to step outside of your comfort zone, enjoy the great outdoors and make unforgettable memories together.
Visitors can celebrate the father figures in their lives with a special day out at the Weald & Downland Living Museum this Father’s Day Sunday, 21 June 2026, when all dads can enjoy free entry when accompanied by a paying adult or child. Explore the beautiful 40-acre site and historic buildings in the heart of the South Downs National Park.
Aldingbourne Country Centre and Amberley Museum are offering free entry to dad’s on Fathers Day on 21st June!
Celebrate Father’s Day at West Dean Gardens on Sunday, 21 June. Visitors can explore the vibrant Spring Gardens, stroll through the Walled Kitchen Garden, and relax at the Gardens Kitchen with a main meal or hot drinks. Father figures will also receive a complimentary all-day breakfast scone*. Guests can also browse the new Gardens Gatehouse visitor centre for thoughtful gifts. Standard Garden entry fees apply.
Special Events and Great Gardens in Sussex this June
Returning from 3–6 June 2026, the much-loved biennial Festival of Flowers will transform Chichester Cathedral with more than 50,000 blooms in a spectacular four-day celebration of nature and creativity. The 2026 Festival marks the event’s 30th anniversary.
Celebrate 30 years of Borde Hill’s Rose Garden throughout June with a month of rose-inspired tours, workshops and special events. Discover over 750 David Austin roses in bloom, enjoy daily exhibitions in the Victorian Glasshouse, and explore the story behind this much-loved Garden space through talks, tours and creative experiences. And on 7th June there’s a magical outdoor theatre performance of Pinocchio by Lyra Theatre on the Azalea Ring. This charming family-friendly adaptation brings Carlo Collodi’s classic tale to life with music, adventure and plenty of laughter in a beautiful open-air Garden setting.
Join Head Gardener Emma Reece for a summer garden tutorial at Bates Green Garden on Wednesday 10th June. Explore border planning, wildlife-friendly gardening and climate adaptation. On 25th June, tale a woodland walk through the summer woods with guide Sara. Learn to identify trees, discover birch bark properties and tree folklore, and create your own leaf identification guide to take home.
Don’t miss the Special Rose Week from 12th June until 20th June at Pashley Manor Gardens. Masses of gorgeous pinks can be found in the Rose Garden. In the Herbaceous Borders many red hued roses in the beds are complemented by rich red climbing roses on the eighteenth-century walls. Rose talks, a selection of potted roses to buy, rose themed gifts and even the café features rose inspired dishes! Tickets are sold on site on the day.
On the 13th and 14th June, Amberley Museum has its annual Emergency Services Weekend event. Explore a diverse display of vintage and modern emergency vehicles. Witness captivating live rescue and firefighting demonstrations by the Fire Brigade and chat with officers about their crucial roles.
SussexFest is a free community celebration on the Chichester Cathedral Green on 14th June marking Sussex Day and everything that makes the county so special. Open to all ages, this joyful gathering brings together the very best of Chichester and Sussex for a day of family entertainment, discovery and community pride.
Visit Newhaven Fort on 20th – 21st June for its WWII Weekend, featuring re-enactment groups, military vehicles, traders, live music, WWII-inspired cooking and crafts. Standard admission applies.
Plus visitors can also enjoy the Past N Curious car show on 28th June, showcasing a wide range of classic and unique vehicles.
Celebrate the Summer Solstice eve on 21st June with a 6-mile guided walk from West Dean House to the Devil’s Jumps, Bronze Age burial mounds aligned with the solstice sunset. Led by Dr Melanie Rose, the route crosses South Downs woodland, pastures, and a deserted medieval village. Clear skies may reward you with the sun setting perfectly over the ancient barrows. Ends at a local pub.
Enjoy St Mary’s House and Garden in Bramber and special events in June – International award winning French jazz pianist & composer, ANDRIEN BRANEIS on 13th June, and Malawi Schools Project charity event on 24th June for A Murder Mystery Play by celebrated author & playwright Simon Brett
On 26th June, enjoy an exclusive after-hours tour of West Dean Gardens with Head Gardener Tom Brown and the West Dean Garden Team. Guests will be welcomed with drinks and canapés at the historic pergola before exploring seasonal highlights across the Gardens, including the Walled Kitchen Garden, Victorian Glasshouses, Orchard, Dry Meadow, Edwardian Pergola and Sunken Garden. The tour also includes a behind-the-scenes look at the new market gardens.
On 27th June the annual FREE Armed Forces Day event takes place on the Seafront Greens, supported by Littlehampton Town Council, in partnership with Harbour Park. From 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the action-packed day honours past and present Armed Forces members, with live performances, activities and a variety of military vehicles to explore.
Explore New Places in Sussex this June
Visit Wakehurst, Kew as it brings together art, nature and conservation with iconic Henry Moore sculptures, contemporary artworks. Don’t miss the extraordinary Millennium Seed Bank, one of the world’s most biodiverse collections, dedicated to protecting plants and tackling climate change.
Looking for your next great day out? Visit Aldingbourne Country Centre for a fun family experience. Meet farm animals, feed alpacas and snuggle guinea pigs, explore the maze, enjoy indoor and outdoor play, wander in the Woodland Walk, and relax in our café with our indoor slide, all supporting our charity.
From the drama of 1066 to the peace of a ruined abbey, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Battle Abbey. Take an audio guide as you wander the battlefield, visit the themed play area, or see what’s in bloom in the walled garden. History never looked so good.
Every Tuesday enjoy an hour of yoga during sundown in the beautiful Tinwood Estate vines. Feel relaxed and take in the peaceful surrounds.
Places to visit in June
Do’t forget Sussex Day on 16th June!
For more inspiration of places to visit this June, take a look at some of the great attractions in East and West Sussex, and follow our socials.
