Without wishing to jinx things, we’re looking out of the window at glorious sunshine as we type, what better start to half-term? So here at BOTI, we’ve created a round-up of fun things to do with little ones (or big ones!) over the half-term week.
Take to the skies
For the adrenaline junkies out there, the Walk 360, part of the i360’s extreme activities programme, is a guaranteed hit. Open to kids of 10 and above, you’ll leave the inner sanctum of the pod to walk across its top in the open air in this 1.5-hour experience. Perfect for a different perspective on Brighton’s coastline from a whopping 138 metres. Exhilarating and scary, yes, but very safe, as you’ll have a comprehensive safety briefing and you’re securely strapped in at all times. Even so, it’s probably not a stroll you’re going to forget any time soon!
BOTI Tip: those who don’t fancy venturing outside the doughnut can still get tickets to come with you on the longer ride, to admire the view and, obviously, your bravery.
Open every day this half-term week (then weekends only); various times; £40 per person
Lower Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2LN
Brightoni360.co.uk
Have a swim in Hove’s best kept secret
Did you know there’s a secret swimming pool in Hove that you can book to have all to yourself? The gorgeous Miami-esque heated outdoor pool, aptly named Shhwimm, takes up most of the garden of a lovely Hove house. It’s a pretty idyllic setting that you and the kids will find it hard to tear yourselves away from if you’re anything like us.
BOTI Tip: Don’t delay with DMing to book a space – you’ll find the current availability for this week on Stories – as the slots go very quickly!
1 Courtyard Lane, Off New Church Road, Hove, BN3 4BP (walk down to the end of the short lane and you’ll spot the entrance on the right); from £40 for up to five guests
Washbrooks Family Farm
Take the kids outside to enjoy the fresh air this half-term at Washbrooks. There’s a host of things to do at this family favourite, from meeting a variety of adorable farm animals, to letting loose in their impressive outdoor adventure playground. If you want to wear the kids out for the day, Washbrooks is a great shout as it boasts over two acres of space for little ones to explore. Even if the weather turns drizzly, there’s an indoor play area suitable for under-eights that includes sides, a ball pit and climbing area. And, to celebrate the Jubilee, the Washbrooks tearoom will be serving a traditional themed afternoon tea, which we’ve been told is fit for a queen.
BOTI tip: Don’t forget to check out the ball cannon area, which is usually occupied by dads reliving their best paintballing moves.
Open daily 9.30am – 5pm; from £9 (no need to book)
Brighton Road, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9EF
washbrooks.co.uk
Drusillas Park
Drusillas Park near Alfriston is widely regarded as the crowning glory of family theme parks in East Sussex. Despite the entrance fees raising an eyebrow or two, we can’t deny how much there is on offer. New for half term is The Rainforest Adventure, which includes some family-friendly rides. Take a spin on Toucan Twister, reach for the sky on Amazon Skyrise and meet some new animal friends on Jungle Jeeps. For parents of SEN children, SPARK, the fully interactive and immersive experience is well worth a visit and little eyes will marvel in wonder.
BOTI tip: Take your own food and drink. You won’t get any change from a twenty-pound note.
Open daily 10am – 6pm, last admission at 5pm; from £30.50
Alfriston Road, East Sussex, BN26 5QS
www.drusillas.co.uk
Knockhatch Adventure Park
Only a 40-minute drive from Brighton, Knockhatch is an indoor and outdoor adventure experience with a children’s farm and owl sanctuary on site. There are plenty of things to do here, including exploring the slides and nets in the playbarn, experiencing the dinosaur safari simulator ride, bouncing on the jumping pillows or playing in the chestnut wood adventure playground. The owl sanctuary is particularly worth a visit, especially if you catch the daily owl display. One thing’s for sure, the kids will certainly nod off on the return drive home.
BOTI tip: You can’t visit Knockhatch without conquering the ‘death’ slide.
Open daily 10am – 5.30pm; from £9.99
Hailsham Bypass, Hailsham, BN27 3GD
knockhatch.com
By Danielle Baird
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