There are some great things near Parkwood for all tastes and all ages. Try some of these:

Swimming – the nearest pools are at Burgess Hill (about 7 miles) and Brighton (about 8 miles) or you could go swimming in the sea! For info about these pools visit www.burgesshill.gov.uk/ourtown/ot_triangle.htm or www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk.

The Bluebell Railway is about 20 miles away. It has a great collection of steam trains running on a mile track. For more info visit www.bluebell-railway.co.uk.

Hiking on the South Downs – start at Devil’s Dyke just south of the site and walk a section of the South Downs Way or hike a circular route of about 5 miles from site up onto the Downs and down again to end up back at the site. Click here for downloadable route map. For more info about the South Downs visit www.visitsouthdowns.com.

Brighton Pier is full of fun – visit www.brightonpier.co.uk for a virtual tour.

Cycle Hire is available at Cuckmere Haven (about 25miles away) and Lancing (about 13 miles away) from www.cuckmere-cycle.co.uk or www.msgbikes.com.

Woods Mill is one of the closest attractions. It is a Nature Reserve run by The Sussex Wildlife Trust in Henfield just north of Parkwood (about 5 miles) Visit www.sussexwt.org.uk.

The Royal Pavillion Brighton is the only publicly owned Royal Palace in the country. It is fabulous inside! Visit www.royalpavillion.org.uk for more info.

Go-Karting can be done in Albourne (about 4 miles north) Visit www.qleisure.co.uk for more info.

Golf – there’s a really good golf driving range at Burgess Hill(about 8 miles) see www.burgesshillgolfcentre.co.uk or Singing Hills GC is just along the road and turn right at Shaves Thatch corner (www.singinghills.co.uk).

Drusillas Zoo at Alfriston (about 22 miles) is great for a day out + explorethe village of Alfriston tucked into the South Downs – see www.drusillas.co.uk

Go rock climbing at Harrison’s rocks near Tunbridge Wells (about 35 miles) - www.softrockclimbing.co.uk/harrisons_rocks.htm

or you could visit places further afield, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard or London are easy to get to on the train or you could take a day trip to Dieppe by ferry from Newhaven.