Family Days Out in Sussex: Insider Tips from Little Sussex Writer
Marisa Daly is a veritable font of information. She is also wonderful to talk to. We grabbed a cup of tea with the author of the Little Sussex newsletter, who also happens to be a talented stylist and mum of three.
The newsletter feels like tips shared by a wonderfully adventurous - and generous - friend who has explored everywhere with her family. It takes in the quirky, the unique but also some famous landmarks you might not think have a family appeal.
Read on for our interview and Marisa’s top five family friendly picks for this summer, all easily accessible from The Grain Store, making them perfect day outings during your stay. And make sure you subscribe to the Little Sussex newsletter as well as our own newsletter for a treasure trove of tips.
How did your story in Sussex begin?
We used to come down to Lewes for weekends when we were living in Walthamstow. When we finally moved here, I kept a list of all of the things that we were doing with the children. These were local events and things to do as I didn’t want to keep going to London. I really wanted to set up my own business, alongside my normal job as a stylist, and so I put together my first newsletter listing some of the offbeat things that I had found. I really got a sense of what was happening each month and discovered all of these incredible places in Sussex.
Which places do you feel are overlooked?
I love all of the small museums but also regional theatre. There are all of these superb, smaller theatre companies that don’t cost much to support and you don’t have to fight the crowds to see them. Touring shows don’t give me as much joy as these grassroots talents.
What is your favourite part of compiling the newsletter?
I have thought that perhaps I should make the newsletter focussed on a smaller or bigger area, but it celebrates Sussex. The cultural pull of so many regions is finally getting attention. I have also built up relationships with lots of the places I list. I actually visit them with my family. I discovered some absolutely unique events. We went to a 1940s event at Kent & East Sussex Railway recently. There were such incredible people who took it really seriously. There were even children dressed up as evacuees. Getting to talk to these enthusiasts is a joy.
I was contacted by someone from Sussex Contemporary Illustrators and Printers. It’s an organisation that puts on amazing workshops. I took my children to one and they loved it. You wouldn’t be able to get through the door at an event like that in London. You get access to all of these talented people in Sussex and can have such enriching experiences.
Marisa’s top five picks for this summer:
1. Michelham Priory
This is one of our favourite places in Sussex - tucked away in a beautiful area of countryside. Explore 800 years of Sussex history - a stunning historic house and gardens set on a picturesque medieval moated island. We love the children's activity room above the gatehouse - (lino pattern rubbings, activity sheets, arch & castle building blocks and wildlife identifying sheets) plus delicious food is available at the new Blue Door cafe which has a little indoor play area. There is a playground, a WW2 child evacuee's bedroom, a giant dolls house and acres to run around in.
2. Seaford Museum
Built to ward off the threat of invasion by Napoleon over 200 years ago, the Tower is one of the few that are open to the public. The museum is housed underground (a great rainy day option) and stuffed with fascinating objects. We love the old technology gallery, vintage shops, fossils, local and social history and miniature railway models. There is a trail activity sheet to keep children entertained.
3. Firle Village
The ideal Sunday afternoon outing - we love visiting this picturesque village tucked under the South Downs. Enjoy lunch at The Ram Inn which has a small children's play area. Walk off lunch with an amble up to the top of Firle Beacon (past the quintessential English village shop where we stop to buy a handy chocolate bar to bribe our kids along the walk). We loop down through the estate parkland of Firle House, finishing off with tea and cake on the terrace of the Firle House tearoom and a play in the village playground.
4. Bluebell Railway
A historic railway - be transported to a bygone era of steam and locomotive. Discover the scenic route through rolling Sussex countryside, explore the fantastic exhibition displays, stop for coffee and ice cream, visit the children's play area and enjoy the architectural beauty of each station - each offering a unique glimpse into a different historical period. We love admiring the countryside from the comfortable, vintage train carriages and the fun and variety of getting on and off at the stations.
5. Pevensey Castle
An annual summer outing for us. The ruin of a fortification that goes back all the way to the Romans surrounded by grassland for playing. Here in 1066, William the Conqueror landed to begin his invasion of England, building a fortress within the Roman defences. After centuries of abandonment, the castle was put back into service in 1940, with machine gun posts cleverly camouflaged into its walls. Climb the ramparts for fantastic views, discover stories of massacre, sieges and royal prisoners and see a recreated 1940 commander’s office. Children can try and crack the Pevensey Castle Code, look into a dungeon and explore a medieval basement room. We visit the Castle Cottage Tea Room next door before a 30 min walk down Pevensey Bay for an afternoon on the beach.
