February half term holiday can be a bit hit-and-miss on the weather front and so we are always on the hunt for fun things to do. We are lucky that there are so many different activities over half term in West Sussex and East Sussex. With only a few days it can be difficult to decide what to do first. This is why I have pulled together a list of the best February half-term activities in Sussex for 2024.
February Half-Term Activities in Sussex 2024
If you live in Sussex and you are looking for things to do over the February half term then we have you covered. When reading through if there are half-term activities locally that I have not included here that you know of. And you think should be included then please mention them in the comments below and I will get them added.
Where possible I have included prices and details correct as of January 2023. However, some places may not have released all the information. So make sure you check the individual website before attending.
February Half-Term in West Sussex
I have tried to include a wide variety of different activities which you can get up to over the February half term in West Sussex.
Fishers Farm Park – Magic Magicians
- What – Suitable for the whole family, majestic magicians put on a show in the Barn Theatre and there is a family disco at 4.30 pm. As well as the usual giant adventure playgrounds outside and inside (while mum relaxes with a hot drink), soft play, the animal farm, animal encounters and tractor-trailer rides. Special mention for the Sky Fall for the older children which includes jumping off a platform onto a giant stunt pillow. Such a brilliant range of fun things to do and great for young children. Read more.
- When – Over Febuary half term – 10th to Saturday 18th February 10 am to 5 pm
- Where – Fishers Farm Park, Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0EG
- How Much – Tickets need to be booked online in advance. Normal admission charges are under 2s are free, 2-year-old and older people (60+) are £12.95, and everyone else is £14.95 (peak season). Annual membership is avaliable.
- Read More – Fisher Farm Park Review
Borde Hill Gardens
- What – With discovery trails and activities throughout the school holidays, plus an Adventure Playground located within the Garden, there’s plenty to keep families occupied during the open season. The parkland allows ball games and kite flying. Over half term in February in Sussex they are running a Shape Detectives Trail which is aimed at 3-8 year olds. With a separate activity sheet for those 9-12 year-olds so everyone can get involved Read more.
- When – The gardens are opening for the first time this year on the 10th of February the Shape Detectives Trail runs until the 17th of March
- Where – Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XP
- How Much – Garden admission must also be brought. Booking online in advance is recommended and attracts a 5% discount, adults cost £9.98, children £6.65, with family tickets from £23.75.
- Read More – Borde Hill Garden Review
The Hawth Music Medley
- What – Something completely different. Join in all the Youth Theatre fun working with theatre professionals and current West End stars to bring the best and most popular musical numbers to The Hawth. A week of singing, dancing and acting through song that offers the opportunity for ages 8-18 to perform on stage at the end of the week for family and friends. Bringing some famous characters to life and great new experiences. This year it is an Oliver-inspired week, where you will explore all of the famous characters. Read more.
- When – Running over February half term West Sussex from Monday 12th February to Friday 17th February 10.30 am to 3.30 pm in the Studio
- Where – The Hawth, Hawth Ave, Crawley, RH10 6YZ
- How Much – The week-long workshop costs £110
National Trust Nymans
- What – Nymans is running a nature-based trail this half term. From February frosts to spring flowers, long summer days to falling Autumn leaves; fast forward through the seasons around the garden. Pick up a trail sheet and complete your own nature calendar to plan all the things you want to see and do in the year ahead. They do have a nice new natural play area behind the second-hand bookstall which is most definitely worth a visit if you have not been before. Plus there are various woodland trails and you can pick up activity packs and binoculars from the office at the entrance. Read more.
- When – Open throughout half term 10 am to 4 pm although the car park opens at 9 am.
- Where – Handcross, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6EB
- How Much – Entrance is free for National Trust members, prices without gift aid are £15 for an adult, £7.50 for a child and £37.50 for a family or £22.50 with one adult.
- Read More – Nymans National Trust after lockdown
Arundel Wetland Centre
- What – This half-term enjoy the great outdoors, visit the bird hides and discovers new adventures in bird watching at the nature reserve. The hides become hideouts with lots of activities to have a go at. Including viewing birdlife through binoculars and telescopes. Pick up a trail card to play birdy bingo and take part in birdy bits craft activities in the Outlook building. Not to mention you can attend the meet a pelican keeper drop-in talk at Pelican Cove. A fun way to spend the day and a great place to explore. Read more.
- When – Open throughout half term 10 am to 4 pm with the last admission an hour before closing.
- Where – WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, West Sussex, BN18 9PB
- How Much – Prices without gift aid are £13.59 for an adult, £8.63 for a child and £37.72 for a family. Children under 4 are free.
- Read More – Arundel Wetland Centre Review
The Noviam Museum in Chichester
- What – Toy Detective Trail will take you on an interactive toy tour around the museum where you will discover all sorts of interesting toys from our collection which are not usually on display. Play a traditional Roman dice game, peek inside a miniature dolls house, and keep an eye out for Popeye. Each toy will have a clue for you to collect and once you have found all the toys, reveal the secret word to win a ‘build your own brick model’ reward. The museum will be open as usual for the rest of the week. Read more.
- When – Running over February half term West Sussex from Saturday 10th February to Saturday 17th February. £3 per child to take place in the trail is essential. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 4.30 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays
- Where – The Novium Museum, Tower Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1QH
- How Much – Admission is free although certain exhibitions will be charged.
Fishbourne Roman Palace
- What – Fishbourne is the largest Roman settlement in Sussex. Every day during the half term week (February 12 to 16) they are hosting a range of free, fun activities taking place across the site to learn a new skill. Including Roman hairstyles, falconry, arts and crafts and more: Mosaic Monday, Tasting Tuesday, Woodland Wednesday, Thumbpot Thursday and Fashionable Friday. Read More.
- When – Opens on the 12th of February open 10 am to 4 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
- Where – Fishbourne Roman Palace, Roman Way, West Sussex, Chichester PO19 3QR
- How Much – Activities do not need to be booked and cost £1 per child. Prices are £13 for an adult, £6.50 for a child and £35 for a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children or £22 for one adult and up to 3 children. Children under 5 are free.
Adur Centre’s half-term venture day
- What – The Adur Centre’s adventure club runs for 8-13 year-olds. These clubs are a great opportunity for young people to do adventurous outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, indoor climbing, low ropes courses, archery and more. Read more.
- When – Running over February half term West Sussex from the 12-16th of February. Drop off at 8.30 am and pick up at 5 pm.
- Where – Adur Centre, Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5LT
- How Much – Full day is £50, and all five days £250. Bookable via their website.
South Downs Dark Skies Festival
- What – Various events and activities are running over the county including star gazing at different locations. Trails and various other activities. With something on every night. More details and a full programme can be found on their website. Read more.
- When – Running over February half term West Sussex from the 10th of February to the 18th of February.
- Where – various locations around the South Downs National Park
- How Much – Many events are free but they are weather dependent. Some individual activities are chargeable.
Mystery Trails
- What – Whistlestop Arts have created seven FREE outdoor mystery trail games across the Horsham District. These immersive and exciting trails have broad appeal; play as a family, with friends, or use them as a team-building exercise. Read more.
- When – No online and running throughout the year
- Where – Across the towns and villages of Horsham, Southwater, Billingshurst, Pulborough, Henfield, Steyning and Storrington. Pick up your pack in the local library or you can download them from their website.
- How Much – Free activities
Wakehurst
- What – Every half term and school holiday, young adventurers will have the opportunity to become a planet-saving Nature Hero. Put on your cape, join the mission and collect unique new badges. Help Pip, Bud and Sprout as they discover new skills to protect wildlife, unlock the powers of plants and discover funky fungi. In the February half term West Sussex is starting with the opportunity to earn your sloth-saver badge. Read more.
- When – Running over February half term West Sussex from 10 am to close
- Where – Wakehurst Kew Gardens, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN
- How Much – You do need to book the trial in advance, numbers are limited and it is likely to sell out. The trial sheet is £3 with entry to Wakehurst. The workshops also need to be booked in advance and the session will vary but start from £4. Adults cost £14.95, young people aged 17-25 £7.50 with children aged 16 and under free with a paying adult. Entry is free if you are a National Trust member. Although you still need to pay £10 for parking. Capes cost £6.75 for members and £13.50 for non members.
- Read More – Wakehurst Kew’s Sussex Garden
Other things to do during the February half term in West Sussex
As well as all the fantastic activities listed above there are some other days out in West Sussex that are open over half term. Although not putting on any specific half-term events. I have included these below.
Weald & Downland Museum
- What – A living museum that focuses very much on English social history and farming. Spread over 40 acres it has over 50 historic buildings to explore. There are also a number of different craft displays. Giving children the chance to experience traditional skills and view artefacts from the local area. Over half term they are running a series of different activities including nature school and table top jousting Read more.
- When – Open daily between 10.30 am and 4 pm from the 1st of January to the 23rd of December.
- Where – Weald & Downland Living Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, West Sussex PO18 0EU
- How Much – Tickets can be pre-booked on the website, family tickets of two adults and up to three children cost £46.50 with gift aid or £42.00 without. Reduced family tickets are available for grandparents and grandchildren and one adult family. Adult tickets cost £17.50/£15.50 and children £8.50/£7.50. Children aged four and under are free.
Amberley Museum
- What – Travel back in time and explore the South’s working past in a former quarry and lime works, located in the heart of the South Downs National Park. With over 40 exhibit areas to discover, including a narrow-gauge railway, historic buses, rural crafts and extensive communications displays, there is something for everyone. Read more.
- When – Open 10th-11th and 14-18th of February from 10 am to 4.30 pm.
- Where – Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley, Near Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT
- How Much – Tickets can be booked online in advance and it is recommended for weekends, holidays and when they are running special events. This is to ensure there is a car park space. If you are travelling by train you do not need to pre-book. A family of two adults and up to three children costs £49.50 or £45.00 with gift aid. Adults £19.50/17 and children aged 5-16 £9.50/£8.50. Under 5s are free.
National Trust Petworth House & Park
- What – Normally Petworth House will run a trail of some sort for the children over half term. As of writing this post, there have not been any released yet. The historic manor house will have guided tours and there is lots of space for children to let off steam in the Deer Park. Both boys have always had a great time exploring the grounds and spotting the deer. Read more.
- When – Open throughout half term 10.30 am to 4 pm although the car park opens at 10 am.
- Where – Petworth House and Park, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 9LR
- How Much – Entrance is free for National Trust members, prices without gift aid are £12 for an adult, £6 for a child and £30 for a family or £18 with one adult.
- Read More – Petworth National Trust
Leonardslee Gardens
- What – Lots to see and do in the gardens. Including the wallabies. You can see the wallabies & baby joeys at the wallaby enclosure being fed from 12:00 – 12:15 daily. There is a very grand doll house exhibition. The extensive collection depicts the Edwardian estate and neighbouring villages at 1:12 scale, with landscapes and characters acting out day-to-day activities. This year they are running a Winter Welly Walk scavenger hunt. Read more.
- When – Leonardslee Gardens is open throughout half term open 9 am to 4 pm with the last admission at 2.30 pm. The Winter Welly Walk runs from the 3rd of February to the 25th of February.
- Where – Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, RH13 6PP
- How Much – £14.50 for adults, £8 for children a family ticket for one adult is £31.50 and for two £43. Under 5s are free.
Washbrook Farm
- What – Details of their activities over half term have not been released for 2023. More details to follow. Washbrooks Family Farm has everything you need, indoor play areas, outdoor play areas, pedal tractors to ride on and plenty of opportunities to get up close to farm animals. Read more.
- When – Open throughout half term
- Where – Washbrooks Family Farm, Brighton Road, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9EF
- How Much – Adults cost £9, children up to 35 months are free, and a group ticket for four costs £30.
February Half-Term in East Sussex
I have tried to include a wide variety of different activities which you can get up to over the February half term in East Sussex.
Battle Abbey Family Quest
- What – Join characters from the past for historical hijinks and hands-on shenanigans at the famous Battle Abbey this half-term. Be transported back in time to the medieval period. Enjoy sword school, and medieval storytellers, with tales of knights, castles and monasteries during their family days. Lots of fresh air and family fun on this great value day out and tickets are even cheaper if you book in advance. Read more.
- When – Over February half term East Sussex – 10th October to the 18th October 10 am to 4 pm.
- Where – High Street, Battle, TN33 0AE
- How Much – Free for English Heritage members, adult tickets cost £15.30, children £9.20, and a family ticket £39.80.
Drusillas Zoo Park
- What – There is so much going on at Drusillas Park and they are adding to it this half-term by opening a brand new retro-style arcade. Located in their newly renovated House of Fun, gamer fans are invited to enjoy free unlimited turns on their awesome arcade machines. Along with indoor play areas, outdoor play areas, the friendly zoo, an adventure maze, a whole host of rides and Spark the new interactive sensory space. You will need a whole day at these top attractions Read more.
- When – Over February half term East Sussex from the 10th to the 18th, 10 am to 5 pm.
- Where – Alfriston Rd, East Sussex BN26 5QS
- How Much – If you book tickets in advance before the 4th of February they are running a special offer, where you save 20% on the ticket price. For everyone over the age of 2, tickets are £23.40 with a discount instead of the on the gate price of £37.
- Read More – Drusillas Park Review
National Trust Sheffield Park & Garden
- What – Sheffield Park & Garden are running a wild imagination week with a different crafty activity each day. From making a bird feeder, buy hotel or a nature treasure box. There are lots to choose from, all included within the entrance fee and they do not need to be booked in advance. Read more.
- When – Running over February half term East Sussex from the 10th of February to 18th of February 10 am to 4 pm.
- Where – Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX
- How Much – Entrance is free for National Trust members, prices without gift aid are £14 for an adult, £7 for a child and £35 for a family or £21 with one adult.
- Read More – Sheffield Park National Trust
Bluebell Railway
- What – Service trains are operating during half term although there have been no updates on the usual kids travel for a quid offer which they run. Ice skating will return for half term. Come to Ice Skating on real ice at Sheffield Park Station in the unique and amazing location of the Locomotive Shed. Glide across the ice and see where the locomotives are prepared in the morning before they steam up and down the preserved railway line through 11 miles of beautiful countryside. Enjoy the interactive exhibits in SteamWorks and the locomotive shed. A great day out. Read more.
- When – Running over February half term East Sussex the 10th to the 18th of February
- Where – Sheffield Park Station, Bluebell Railway, TN22 3Q
- How Much – Prices have not been released for these events, for standard class or first class private compartment. Keep an eye on their web pages for more details. Ice skating costs £12 per adult, £10 for children between the ages of 4-15 and £45 for a family ticket.
National Trust Standen House
- What – Standen House are running Snug as a Bug children’s trail. Help to finish some bug hotels with activities on the way for fun around the Standen House Garden. £3 for the activities. Read more.
- When – Open throughout half term 10 am to 4 pm
- Where – West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4NE
- How Much – Entrance is free for National Trust members, prices without gift aid are £14 for an adult, £7 for a child and £35 for a family or £21 with one adult.
- Read More – Standen House National Trust
National Trust Bodiam Castle
- What – Bodiam Castle is running a Knights Quest – The hunt for the golden goblets. There are six golden goblets to be spotted as you explore the castle grounds on this family-friendly trail. Make your way around the castle courtyard at your own pace to find all six goblets and win a prize from the King or Queen. Read more.
- When – Open throughout February half term in East Sussex 10 am to 3 pm
- Where – West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4NE
- How Much – The trail sheet costs £2 per child and includes a small prize. Entrance is free for National Trust members, prices without gift aid are £11 for an adult, £5.50 for a child and £27.50 for a family or £16.50 with one adult.
- Read More – Bodiam Castle National Trust
Lewes Castle
- What – Also part of the members of the Sussex Archaeological Society. Every day during the February Half Term (February 10 to 18) they are hosting a range of free, fun activities taking place across the site, including creative sessions, an activity trail, games and dressing-up activities: Medieval Monday, Tudor Tuesday, Weaving Wednesday, Saxon Thursday and Pressing Friday. Those visiting on February 18 will be able to take part in Soldiers at the Castle, an opportunity to meet and talk to reenactors about the weapons and armour of the Tudor period. Read More.
- When – Open throughout half term 10 am to 4 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
- Where – Lewes Castle, 169 High St, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1YE
- How Much – Prices are £10 for an adult, £5.50 for a child and £26 for a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children or £17.60 for one adult and up to 3 children. Children under 5 are free.
The Observatory Science Centre- Hailsham
- What – The Observatory has several different events running throughout the half term. Including star gazing sessions and two different workshops around the moon. One for 6-8-year-olds and one 9-11-year-olds. Read More.
- When – The following half term events – stargazing is taking place on the 10th of February, Explore the Moon at Twilight is the evening of the 14th of February and the Moon Watch is on the 13th of February.
- Where – The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, Hailsham, BN27 1RN
- How Much – Prices are £10.95 for an adult, £8.95 for a child and £35 for a family of 4 or £42 for a family of 5. Children under 4 are free.
Other things to do during February half term in East Sussex
As well as all the fantastic activities listed above there are some other days out in East Sussex that are open over half term. Although not putting on any specific half-term events. I have included these below.
Blackberry Farm Park
- What – Blackberry Farm Park offers a variety of activities and animal talks to keep little ones interested throughout the day. Including indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor rides, animal handling, pony rides, and a whole host of farm animals. There is something for the entire family and this year they are running a love themed week. Read More
- When – Open 362 days a year from 10 am to 5 pm. February half term in East Sussex running from 10th to 18th of February.
- Where – Blackberry Farm, Whitesmith, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6JD
- How Much – Tickets can be booked online in advance up until 9 am on the day of arrival. If not you can buy them at the gate. Tickets for Blackberry Farm Park are £12.50 per person for those aged two and above. Pony rides can be booked upon arrival.
Knockhatch Adventure Park
- What – There is so much to do! Although some of the activities do have additional costs associated with them. Cannon Arena, Chestnut Wood Adventure Playground, Children’s Farm, Dino Safari Simulator Ride, Enchanted Forest Mini Golf, Froggies Indoor Soft Play, Jumping Pillows, Lost World Playbarn, Owl Sanctuary, Owl Displays, Panning For Fossils, Pirate’s Cove Paddling Pool, Quadapillar Barrel Rides, The Sherlock Holmes Experience, Tommy Tractor Playbarn, Tractor Tom Ride and Wallaby Walkthrough. The paid-for activities which re available during school holidays are Bungee Trampolines – £3.99, Go Karts – £4.99 per kart per go, Mini Diggers – £1.00 per go and Mini Quads – £1.00 per go. A great way to spend the day. Read more.
- When – Open throughout the half term – 10 am to 5.30 pm
- Where – Knockhatch Adventure Par, Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham, BN27 3GD
- How Much – February half term is classed as a green day where some of the items are not open. Therefore the prices are £11.99 for everyone over the age of 2. With half-price tickets after 3.30 pm.
Sharnfold Farm
- What – All the usual fun on the farm. There is a play area and farm trail where you can meet all the animals. Including pigs, cows, chickens, sheep and alpacas, Not to mention the farm shop and cafe serving home made cakes and snacks. Read more.
- When – This year they will not be open during the February half term in Sussex, instead open farm in March.
- Where – Hailsham Road, Stone Cross, Eastbourne, BN24 5BU
- How Much – General admission tickets to the farm cost £4.95 for anyone over the age of 3, and they have a super saver family ticket – just £16 for a family of 4.
This is in no way an exhaustive list of half term events in Sussex. If you are aware of other events that deserve a space on the list then please let me know in the comments below. Whatever you have planned your February half-term activities in Sussex I hope you have a happy half term holiday.
Related Blog Posts
If you have enjoyed this blog post – February half-term events in Sussex, then you may find some of these others of interest:
- 25 of the best days out in West Sussex
- 10 Best National Trust places in Sussex
- February half term activities in Surrey
- 10 Best National Trust places in Surrey
- February half term activities in Kent
- 10 Best National Trust places in Kent
- Best places to see snowdrops in Kent
- Best places to see snowdrops in Sussex
- Best places to see snowdrops in Surrey
Have you been to any half-term activities in Sussex? I am always on the hunt for new ideas please let me know about your favourites in the comments below.
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