Gladiators Ready!
On your marks for a half term packed full of historical adventures - it's Roman Week!
- Witness the epic Roman re-enactment, on Tuesday 30th May and watch as gladiators meet each other in combat and see Roman soldiers in action.
- Learn more about life as a Roman as displays bring to life how they lived and worshipped, or what it was like to be a slave.
- Join Roman craft sessions and explore Roman treasures at a range of family workshops at The Novium Museum.
- See archaeology in progress as Chichester District Archaeological Society talk about their finds in Priory Park.
Fishbourne Roman Palace pits the Celts against the Romans to bring you a feast of half term fun as you explore how the two communities lived alongside each other 2,000-years-ago. Immerse yourselves in the hands-on activities to see how their lives were different, play Celtic and Roman games, and even get a Celtic Tattoo or Roman hairstyle.
Elmer Parades into Petworth
Family favourite, Elmer the patchwork elephant arrives in Petworth on 24th May, staying the whole summer with his gang of colourful pals which make up Elmer's Art Parade. There are ten Elmers to discover as you explore the Pleasure Grounds, inspired by well-known artists, and of course the original patchwork Elmer too. Normal admission applies. Begin your adventure by collecting a free map at reception.
Go Wild for Wildlife
Pond dipping, bug hunting and mudlarking around are on the menu at RSPB Pagham Harbour. A great opportunity to get outside and closer to the natural world, with a heap of added crafty fun added in too. Lose yourselves in the nature reserve following its miles of footpaths and keep your eyes peeled for some of the birds arriving for Spring - there's lots of information in the Visitor Centre to help you.
Make a beeline for Weald & Downland Living Museum where you're invited to learn all about brilliant buzzy bees. Waggle dance your way along the bee trail, have a go at the craft activities, or you can even enrol in Knucker the Dragon's Nature School (selected days, check before your visit). It's a hive of activity.
All Aboard
Join a Harbour Discovery or Seal Safari aboard Chichester Harbour Conservancy's Solar Heritage, an almost silent solar powered boat. Explore the expanses of Chichester Harbour as you glide along while the crew impart their expertise and explain why the harbour is such a special place, and help you spot the resident wildlife. Trips run most days during half term, advance booking essential. Find out more here.
Cool Cars
Car-loving kids and grown ups should set a course to Goodwood Motor Circuit on Sunday 4th June for the 75th Sunday Breakfast Club. Bringing together some of the most impressive, awe-inspiring cars and bikes from across the last 75 years, this is not to be missed for all petrol heads!
Great Places to Stay and Play
Our pick of attractions where kids can let off steam:
Sky Park Farm: a fabulous adventure playground awaits, with separate under 5s area. Feed the friendly deer then stop for a picnic (you can stock up on goodies at the visitor centre and there are plenty of picnic benches). During half term, there's also film or story telling sessions, a bubble show, and Ranger School.
Flip Out: Bounce around in Sussex's biggest trampoline park (booking ahead recommended)
Jungle Paradise Adventure Golf: Challenge the family to a the craziest of crazy golf with added Lions and waterfalls! Ocean Paradise is the indoor sister course for when the weather isn't playing nicely.
Forest Adventures at the Goodwood Education Trust: a day immersed in nature featuring den building, tracking and lots of woodland craft
Find more events happening during half term