The summer holidays have begun (hooray!) and August is just around the corner. If you’re stuck for ideas for things to do, we’ve got it covered. We’ve been taking a look at just some of the fun family events and activities to do across East Sussex next month…
Den Building for all the family at Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down – 4 August
Making a den in the woods was always one of my top summer holiday activities. This event challenges children of all ages (with a bit of guidance) to build a shelter that is as water and windproof, as well as camouflaged, as possible. Den building is just one of the woodland activities taking place during August at Wilderness Wood. These also include bug hunts, wild things forest school, summer fairies and wand-making, and art workshops. Wilderness Wood – What’s On?
Weald on the Field in Uckfield – 12 August
There’s free entry to this annual summer celebration of local food, drink, and art and craft. Held on Luxford Field, the event also includes live music all day. Weald on the Field 2023
Eastbourne International Airshow – 17 to 20 August
Hold onto your hats for the UK’s largest free seafront airshow featuring fast jets as well as historic aircraft, parachuting, wing walking, arena events, music and fireworks. Highlights will include the iconic Red Arrows, the super-fast (and noisy) Typhoon Eurofighter, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster Bomber. Eastbourne Airshow 2023
Rye Flower and Vegetable Show – 19 August
Showcasing the growing, baking and craft skills of local people, this show features dozens of different classes. There will be vegetables, fruit, flowers, cooking and baking, photography and handicrafts on display. So, if you’ve grown the longest carrot, the heaviest squash, a vegetable in a funny shape, or snapped a superb shot of Rye, this could be the event for you! It is held in Rye Community Hall in Conduit Hill. Rye Flower and Vegetable Show website
The East Sussex Living History Festival at Michelham Priory near Hailsham – 26 to 28 August
Local history will come alive at this event. You’ll be able to step back in time to see how East Sussex people have lived and worked throughout the ages. There will be a variety of living history encampments from the medieval period onwards. Bringing history alive, they promise all the authentic sights, sounds and smells (?) of each era. Children go free. East Sussex Living History website
Family Fun Thursdays at Hastings Contemporary – each Thursday in August
Families will be able to enjoy fun activities designed to showcase the Contemporary’s exhibitions. These will include photography, printing and textile workshops. Family Fun Thursdays at Hastings Contemporary
Go for a walk – anytime!
What better time to get outdoors and enjoy the rich variety of countryside, coastline, wildlife and landscape we are so lucky to have in East Sussex? The East Sussex County Council Rights of Way team has put together dozens of circular walks all over the county. Designed for walkers of different abilities these range from 1.5mile strolls to 9 mile treks. Each has a downloadable map, detailed route description, and local information. Circular walks in East Sussex
If you fancy something a bit easier, don’t forget The Conservation Volunteers hold daily guided group health walks at venues across the county. These are designed to be easy and sociable and to boost walkers’ physical and mental health. Healthy Walks in East Sussex
Whatever you have planned, we hope you have an awesome August!
