After a wet and windy February, we’re hoping to spring into March with some nicer weather and lots of things to do. Check out our round up of events and fill your weekends with spring flower gardens, nature trails, hikes across the South Downs, markets, World Book Day events and more.
Landscapes of Rye: Art Exhibition – 1 March to 12 May 2020
The work of artists local to Rye will be on display and celebrated at the town’s Lamb House which is managed by the National Trust. Lamb House was once the home of famous 19th century novelist, Henry James, as well as EF Benson who set his popular Mapp and Lucia stories in the town and it continues to inspire artists and writers to this day. The exhibition is open from 11am. For more information visit the Landscapes of Rye pages on the National Trust website.
Eastbourne Children’s Market – 1 March 2020
Clothes, equipment and toys will be among the pre-loved items on sale for parents at this market which opens as 10am at Willingdon Community School in Broad Road Eastbourne. Entry costs £1 and more than 40 stalls will offer items from maternity, baby and toddler up to the age of 12.
De La Warr Pavilion architecture tour, Bexhill – 1 March 2020
Do you want to know a bit more about the iconic Art Deco design De La Warr Pavilion on Bexhill seafront? If so, you have the opportunity to explore the origins, civic ambitions, design, materials, technologies and structure of one of the greatest Modernist buildings of the 20th Century. The tour is for all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult. See the Fantastic for Families website for more information.
World Book Day celebrations, Bodiam Castle, Sheffield Park and Bateman’s – 7 to 8 March
Children across the county are being invited to join National Trust celebrations for World Book Day. Visitors to Bodiam, Bateman’s and Sheffield Park are among those being invited to dress as their favourite book character, join in story-telling sessions, and take part in trails and quizzes. For more details visit the National Trust’s What’s On for World Book Day Weekend. Just scroll down to the London & South East section.
Spring nature trail, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters – 7 March 2020
March should also be the month to get outdoors and start spotting some of the spring wildlife. At Birling Gap you’ll be able to take part in a spring trail event, discovering the natural environment around the area using an activity guide. You can pick up an activity guide from the Birling Gap visitor centre or find more information visit the Spring Nature Trail website.
Forest Row Market – 7 March 2020
If mooching around a market is your thing and you fancy supporting local craft and food producers, Forest Row Village Market could be the place to be. Forest Row Market was the winner of Britain’s Best Small Community Market in 2017 and a grand finalist of the Sussex Food and Drink Awards Best Farmers Market 2017, 2019 and 2020. It is also the first market in the UK to become plastic free, zero waste and dementia friendly. It takes place in the community centre car park. For more information visit: Forest Row Market
The ‘Bloomsbury’ Hike of the Sussex South Downs, Firle and Charleston Farmhouse -7 March 2020
Combine your love of walking and literature legends with this all day hike from Southease to the market town of Lewes.
The route, with its sights and villages, is associated with Virginia Woolf and the ‘Bloomsbury Set’. The guided-hike starts in London and will see you head up Firle Beacon, to the Charleston Farmhouse, Glynde and Mount Caburn Iron Age Fort. RSVP for the Hike of the Sussex South Downs.
Mothers who kill! Hastings – 22 March 2020
Fancy something a bit different for Mother’s Day? The True Crime Museum in Hastings promises a gruesome gallery of murderous mothers, plus access to the rest of the museum. Recommended for those aged 13 and over. Booking in advance will give you 20% off: Book tickets for mothers who kill.
Stargazing, Eastbourne – 28 March 2020
Do you want to know more about the night sky? Learn more about stars, the moon and planets at this family-friendly event. If you have your own equipment, you are welcome to bring it along. Find out more about the stargazing event.
Daffodil Festival, Hailsham – 14 to 29 March 2020
Experience the colours of spring with this tour of the Michelham Priory gardens. Enjoy daffodils, tulips, blossoms and other spring flowers before indulging in cake at the cafe. Find out more about the Daffodil Festival.
Hastings Half Marathon – 29 March 2020
There’s still time to sign up for the Hastings Half Marathon organised by the Lions Club. Plus, for younger runners aged 7 to 16 there’s also a mini-run they can take part in. But even if you’re not taking part, the event still promises to be a fun community event and there will be plenty of runners for you to encourage and cheer. For more information about the event visit Hastings Half Marathon.
Remember, this is only a small selection of events happening across East Sussex. Let us know what you’re up to in March by leaving us a comment!
