Help me plan our staycation in the South East

[BendingSpoons]

We have a 3yo and a baby. Instead of going on holiday this summer we are looking at having a variety of days out. (This is probably as much for my benefit as I am a bit sad not to be going on holiday!)

We live nearish Gatwick (near M25, A3). Ideally looking for places within 60-90 mins of home. We could possibly book a night in a hotel if an area has several things to do. We will probably do one thing a week rather than all together, as would be exhausting!

I like swimming, seaside, lakes, views. DH likes countryside, walks etc. 3 yo likes the usual soft play etc. Splash parks and fun swimming pools are a particular favourite.

So far my ideas are:
Paultons/Peppa Pig World
Drusillas
Swimming pool e.g. Coral Reef
Coastal town - not sure where
New Forest - no specifics yet

Anyone got any suggestions?

• Birdworld
• Wisley

Tilgate Park in Crawley.
Southwater Country Park in Horsham.
Littlehampton is my favourite beach
Brighton has paddling pool on the seafront as well as the pier etc.
Nymans Gardens or Wakehurst Place.

Bluebell railway/Watercress line
Bocketts farm/Godstone farm
Ashdown Forest - Winnie the Pooh walk near Upper Hartfield
Arundel castle and wildfowl reserve.

Thank you, these are some great suggestions. I will have a busy couple of evenings looking them up.

Some places here I have heard of and forgotten about, Birdworld, Tilgate, Bluebell railway, Littlehampton and some new ones to explore. DD absolutely loves Bocketts Farm so will probably return there to! Thanks so much everyone.

Groombridge Place

Groombridge is fab.

Hever Castle

Marwell Zoo is really nice

Bocketts and Godstone Farms are good for littlies

The British Wildlife Centre is a nice gentle day out.

Godstone farm prices are mental at the moment.

Hated birdworld, depressing!

Liked Paulton’s Park, but Peppa pig bit queues were insane. Park outside good though, plenty of rides for small DC.

The British Wildlife Centre sort of crawly direction is good

West Sussex - Selsey, Chichester

If you decide to do the Winnie the Pooh walk to the bridge take your own sticks for pooh sticks, the place is completely free of fallen twigs on the ground (all been found and used already).

I've never been there but there is the Llama Park on the A22 near the ashdown forest.

We just paid for an English Heritage membership and it's cost £105 for 15 months. They have an offer if you pay by direct debit, you get an extra 3 months on the annual membership.

What's best is the price includes two adults and up to 12 children! So you could go out with other friends and get the children in for free on your membership.

We walked around Battle Abbey and the field yesterday and it was interesting. There was also a play area and lots of sheep wandering around.

The kiddies might not be that interested in the history but I'm sure they'll enjoy being outdoors and the park.

I was just looking at Hever Castle, remembered the splash maze from when I was younger.

Some more places I've never heard of so lots to look at! (Just to say we aren't super close to Gatwick, it was a convenient location without being too specific, hence why I am reasonably ignorant of places around Crawley etc!)

Another second for Groom bridge place - fabulous for young ones.. lots of lovely Airbnb's around Groombridge /Eridge real country cottage stuff .. take a couple of days and go to Ashdown Forest and play Pooh sticks in Hartfield.. then on the Spa Valley steam railway in Groombridge - to finish in Tunbridge Wells.. coffee and ice creams or a G&T on The Pantiles .. fabulous.

I would head out to Kent coast for a day? Broadstairs, Deal etc or maybe down to Camber Sands.
I grew up in Dorking and as kids we were taken down to Witterings near Chichester practically every weekend

Also on a rainy day, the jumpin fun inflatable theme park near burgess hill is great for wearing them out. They have special toddler sessions. It's a step up from your average soft play!

Knockhatch is favorite for a summer holiday day out, good value for money.

Ooh, Amberley Museum. I love that place!

Leeds castle in Kent

www.leeds-castle.com/

Hollycombe fairground museum/railway.
Day trip to Ryde on the ferry.
Day visit to Butlins, Bognor.

Moors valley- fantastic place.

I think it's more south west though...but bordering se!

Smallereveryday that itinery looks good. Definitely considering a night or two near some of the places everyone has mentioned.

Mamapolenta my mum has mentioned taking us to Witterings and I'd like to visit Chichester, although not sure DD3 would like the same things as me.

Some other interesting suggestions. A bit further West is fine too teddyhatesapples, we won't manage everything this summer but will be good to have a list to come back to.

I didn't know you could do a day trip to Butlins Ariela, DD would love that!