Local Events and Festivals
APRIL
‘Magnolias in Bloom’: Borde Hill Garden
Easter Racing at Plumpton
Easter fun Day at Michelham Priory
Tulip Festival at Pashley Manor Gardens
Spring walks & bluebells in the surrounding woodland (often a guest favourite time to visit)
MAY
Mayfield Festival or Music & the Arts
Mayfield Mayfair
Heathfield Country Show
Brighton Festival
Ladies Day- Plumpton Racecourse
Open Gardens (NGS) around East Sussex
JUNE
Eastbourne International Tennis
Roses in Bloom – Borde Hill Garden
South of England Agricultural Show
Mayfield gardens open as part of the NGS gardens open for charity scheme
JULY
Charleston Festival -talks, art and culture
Tenterden Folk Festival
AUGUST
Rye Scallop Week- seafood, tastings and local events
Seafront events in Eastbourne- air shows and summer festivals (varies by year)
Local village fetes & summer fairs across East Sussex
SEPTEMBER
Mayfield Bonfire Boyes and Belles: processions, bands, floats, troupes, fireworks. Approx. start 6.30pm.
Lewes Bonfire Night
Harvets festivals in surrounding villages and churches
OCTOBER
Battle of Hastings Reenactment at battle Abbey
Autumn colour waslk in local woodland and estates
Seasonal food & drink events at nearby pubs and vineyards
DECEMBER
Mayfield Live Crib
Christmas markets in Tunbridge Wells, Rye and Brighton
Festive race days-Plumpton Racecourse
Horse Racing & Golf
A good days racing can be found at Plumpton Racecourse.
Plumpton Racecourse hosts 16 thrilling race meetings
from September to May (~22 miles from Merrieweathers)
Excellent golf courses in the area include:
Dale Hill Golf Club, Ticehurst (~9 miles from Merrieweathers)
Piltdown Golf Club, Uckfiled (~13 miles)
Crowborough Beacon Golf Club, Crowborough (~8 miles)
Horam Park Golf Club, Heathfield (~9 miles)
East Sussex National Golf Club, Uckfield (~14 miles)
Walking and Cycling
The Cuckoo Trail, Heathfield to Eastbourne Park (~8 miles)
This picturesque, mostly traffic-free trail follows the former ‘Cuckoo Line’ railway track and stretches from Heathfield (5 miles from Merrieweathers) to Eastbourne Park. The 14-mile surfaced path takes you through the Sussex countryside and is safe for walkers and cyclists of all ages. https://ispyfun.co.uk/activities/Cuckoo-Trail—Heathfield
Bedgebury Forest, Goudhurst (~12 miles)
Cycling, walking, and mountain biking trails
Ashdown Forest, Hartfield (~15 miles)
See Pooh Sticks Bridge, and visit the Pooh Corner shop
Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down (~7 miles)
A working woodland with walking trails, picnic areas, children’s activities and a play area.
Footpath accessed from the Stables.
Adventure
Fort Fun Adventure Park, Eastbourne (~20 miles)
A family favourite for younger guests, this park includes Aquasplash Land and Rocky’s Indoor Adventure Land, offering soft play and adventure for children under 11. Perfect for a rainy day or an energetic morning out.
Go Ape! Bedgebury Forest (~11 miles)
Get your adrenaline fix with treetop adventures at Go Ape! Swing, zip, and climb through the forest canopy, all set within the stunning Bedgebury Forest. Suitable for kids and adults looking for a fun challenge.
Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest (~12 miles)
A magical combination of historic gardens, woodland trails, and family-friendly attractions. Discover playgrounds, animals including a zedonk and the immersive Enchanted Forest; ideal for a full day of exploration.
Bewl Water Outdoor Centre and Reservoir, Lamberhurst (~11 miles)
Perfect for active older children and teenagers, the centre offers water sports, paddleboarding, sailing, and other outdoor activities including cycling. Most experiences are for ages 8+, making it a great choice for families seeking adventure in the beautiful Kent countryside.
Farms and Animals
Drusilla’s Park, Polegate (~17 miles)
A brilliant day out for families, combining a small zoo with adventure playgrounds and rides. It’s a lovely place to see meerkats, lemurs, and penguins up close, with plenty to keep younger guests entertained for hours.
Blackstock Farm, Hellingly (~11 miles)
A relaxed, hands-on farm experience with animals to meet, gentle trails to wander, outdoor play areas, soft play for rainy days, and a friendly cafe for refuelling afterwards. Great for younger children who love getting close to animals.
Blackberry Farm, Whitesmith near. Lewes, (~14 miles)
A classic family farm park with a soft play barn, outdoor playgrounds, friendly animals, and plenty of space for little ones to run around.
Sharnfold farm, Pevensey (~17 miles)
A popular family-friendly farm attraction which offers a range of activities and experiences for all ages, from a working farm and animal encounters to themed play areas and countryside trails. PYO & seasonal events such as sunflower fields, maize maze and pumpkin picking in autumn. Farm shop & cafe.
Beaches
Camber Sands (~30 miles)
Arguably one of the Uk’s finest sandy beaches, Camber Sands stretches for seven miles with rolling dunes and wide-open space. Perfect for long walks, kite flying, or simply relaxing by the sea.
Eastbourne (~21 miles)
Eastbourne’s award-winning seafront is famous for it’s clean waters and pebble beaches. Explore Sovereign Harbour Marina for a leisurely lunch or enjoy a thrilling powerboat adventure out to the Sovereign Lighthouse. Ideal for families and watersports enthusiasts alike.
Brighton (~30 miles)
Brighton offers a vibrant and lively seaside experience. Its iconic pebble beach, Brighton Pier with amusement arcades, and the stunning Royal Pavilion make it a great day out. Beyond the sights, discover a huge range of pubs, cafes, and independent shops, perfect for soaking up the city’s energetic atmosphere.
Shopping
Mayfield is generally accepted to be one of the finest villages in East Sussex with its elegant main street full of attractive medieval buildings. It is a village bustling with activity with its wide variety of shops including a delicatessen selling local produce, butchers, fine wine shop, tea rooms and two pubs.
The spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells (~10.5 miles) has the delightful Pantiles, famous for its grand architecture and cobbled streets; the perfect place to stop for a coffee or a light lunch at one of its delightful coffee shops or restaurants. The Pantiles often hosts seasonal events and themed markets such as Best of British, antiques & vintage fairs, food festivals, and other craft markets throughout the year.
Battle (~15 miles), the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, is a lovely little town with a great mix of independent shops, antiques and vintage finds, gift boutiques, delis and local produce, plus bakeries and cafes. The high street is compact and walkable. Battle Abbey can be found at the top of the high street.
Castles and Houses
Anne of Cleves House, Lewes (~20 miles from Merrieweathers)
A fascinating Tudor house in the heart of Lewes that’s perfect for families and children learning about Henry V111 and Tudor history. The interactive displays and historic rooms bring the period to life.
Bateman’s, Burwash (~8 miles)
The former home of author Rudyard Kipling, set in peaceful gardens and woodland. It’s a lovely place to explore, enjoy a picnic, and stroll the grounds that inspired some of his work.
Bodiam Castle, near. Robertsbridge (~15 miles)
One of the most iconic story-book castles in England. With its moat, drawbridge and impressive walls, it’s ideal for exploring and family photos.
Herstmonceux Castle (~15 miles)
Beautifully moated castle with formal gardens and woodland play areas for children. Families can enjoy the trail and castle quiiz, making it fun for younger explorers.
Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker (~12 miles)
Historic priory with a moated garden, lakeside walk, and playground, plus interactive activities that keep children engaged.
Trains and Boats
The Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park to East Grinstead (~16 miles)
A classic preserved steam railway that’s fun for allages, with scenic rides through the Sussex countryside.
Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park (~30 miles)
A family facourite with minitiare steam rides and play spcae- great for younger children.
Sussex Voyages- Boat Trips from Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne (~30 miles)
Relaxing boat trips from the harbour- a lovely way to see the Sussex coast from the water.
The Lavender Line, Isfield near Uckfield (~18 miles)
A preserved heritage railway that operates on Sundays, Bank Holidays and during school holidays.
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells (~25 miles)
Ride a heritage train through scenic Kent countryside, with events and themed days throughout the year.
National Trust Properties
For guests who enjoy historic houses, gardens and peaceful parkland there are several excellent National Trust properties within easy reach of Merrieweathers. Each offers something a little different, from grand architecture and art collections to intimate gardens and literary history:
Bateman’s, Burwash (~8 miles)
The former home of author Rudyard Kilpling, set in tranquil gardens and woods. A lovely place to explore and soak up literary history.
Standen, near East Grinstread (~18 miles)
An Arts and Crafts family home set in hillside gardens, with colourful planting, sweeping views, and lovely woodland walks; a delightful contrast of design and nature.
Alfriston Clergy House, Alfriston (~19 miles)
One of the earliest historic properties cared for buy the National Trust with a thatched roof, exposed timber framing and carming cottage garden; perfect for visitors interested in early domestic architecture and village heritage.
Charleston Farmhouse, Firle (~20 miles)
This historic farmhouse was the country home of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, and became a central gathering place for the Bloomsbury Group, including Virginia Woolf and other writers and thinkers. The house is known for its unique, vibrant interiors and artistic heritage, and it’s open to the public with exhibitions, gardens, workshops and events throughout the year.
Monk’s House, near Lewes (~22 miles) A charming 16th-centruy country cottage once the home of Virginia Woolf and the Blooksbury Group. The garden terrace and views over the Downs are particularly lovely in spring and summer.
Sheffield Park & Garden, Uckfield (~19 miles)
A beautiful landscape garden with lakes, woodland walks and informal planting. It’s a great choice for garden lovers throughout the year, but especially in autumn..
Petworth House & Park, Petworth (~35 miles)
A magnificent historic house with an outstanding art collection, surrounded by beautiful Capability Brown landscape park. Perfect for relaxed walks, picnics, and art lovers.