East Sussex School Holidays

Ever found yourself realising it’s the last day before school’s out and you haven’t yet made any plans? Don’t worry, we won’t let you face the school holidays unprepared! Here are the East Sussex school holiday dates, followed by 5 awesome local attractions to visit with the kids. How’s that for a school holiday planning starter pack?

East Sussex School Holiday 2023/2024

Term Starts: 1st September 2023
Autumn Term: 1st September – 15th December 2023
October Half Term: 23rd October – 27th October 2023
Christmas Holiday: 18th December – 1st January 2024
Spring Term: 1stJanuary – 12th April 2024
February Half Term: 12th – 16th February 2024
Easter Holiday: 29th March – 12th April 2024
Summer Term: 12th April – 23rd July 2024
May Half Term: 27th May – 31st May 2024
Summer Holidays: 24th July – 30th August 2024

East Sussex School Holidays 2024/2025

Term Starts: 2nd September 2024
Autumn Term: 2nd September – 20h December 2024
October Half Term: 28th October – 1st November 2024
Christmas Holidays: 23rd December – 3rd January 2025
Spring Term: 6th January – 19th April 2025
February Half Term: 17th February – 21st February 2025
Easter Holidays: 7th April – 21st April 2025
Summer Term: 21st April – 22nd July 2025
May Half Term: 26th May – 30th May 2025
Summer Holidays: 23rd July – 31st August 2025

Any school Inset days (teacher training) will be shared by your individual school via school newsletter or email. So check ahead.

Top Things to do in the East Sussex School Holidays

Drusillas Park, Alfriston

OK, if you’ve got animal lovers at home you simply must visit Drusillas Park. Rated Europe’s best small zoo, it’s home to hundreds of animals from all over the world. There are two walk-through exhibits to explore: Lemurland and Lory, plus a few exciting add-on animal experience for those who want to get up-close with the animals.

But Drusillas is not just a zoo; it also has various exciting adventure play areas, packed with family theme park rides and kid-friendly activities. From the teacups ride at Hello Kitty’s Secret Garden to the speedy Flying Cheetahs at the Amazon Adventure – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Fort Fun, Eastbourne

Fort Fun is a great option, no matter the weather, so you can come anytime during the East Sussex Holidays and you’ll still have a great time. From mini golf, to a giant bouncy pillow, to a Diggerland sand pit and a Splash Park, your little ones will have plenty of outdoor activities to keep them running around the whole day.

Indoor fun isn’t lacking either! There’s a multi-tier soft play structure, featuring a ball pit to jump into and a 3-lane slide where your little ones can compete to see who reaches the floor first. Fort Fun organises awesome special events, so we advise you to check what’s on before making a final decision when you want to go.

Smugglers Adventure, Hastings

Forget pirates; smugglers were the real deal in Hastings in the 18th century! Smugglers Adventure is an epic historic attraction which will take you on a journey through a labyrinth of tunnels used by the local smugglers. Led by Notorious smuggler Hairy Jack, you’ll learn about the tales of the past and you’ll meet over 70 life-sized smuggler character.

This interactive experience also features a games area, a subterranean theatre and a fascinating smuggling museum filled with artefacts. You’ll have plenty to discuss on your way back home, that’s for sure!

Hastings Beach, Hastings

Once the summer portion of the East Sussex school holidays comes along, it’s time to put your swimsuits on, grab a spade and a shovel, and head out to Hastings Beach. This beautiful, wide, shingle beach is the perfect place for a day of tanning, a family walk, or a picnic. At low tide, lots of sand is uncovered, so if you drop by in morning, you’ll have plenty of materials to build yourself an impressive sand castle.

While you’re there, it’s worth going for a stroll along the Hastings Pier. It’s an irreplaceable part of the seaside charm with its little shops offering souvenirs and tasty treats.

Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham

Farmyard animals and playgrounds – that’s Knockhatch Adventure Park in a nutshell and it’s pretty much all you need to keep the kids happy during the East Sussex school holidays. The little ones will not only have the chance to feed and pet some of the usual furry farm animals, but also to meet the beautiful owls in the Owl Sanctuary.

Knockhatch Adventure Park offers enough adventure to go around for everyone! From a dino-themed indoor playbarn, to 4 awesome play areas, mini golf and a boating lake outdoor, we’d say playtime is sorted.

Ready to pack even more adventure into the East Sussex school holidays? The best way to search for attractions near you is to look for your region on the Day Out With The Kids. Give it a try!