Every month Kate Eastman is searching for the best things to do with children in the county with her son, Jasper. This month she visits Newhaven and the surrounding area and finds many fun things for them both to enjoy
Paradise ParkThe Tate family’s interest in local history and their passion for plants and gardening led them to start Paradise Park as a hobby. The park is now a great family day out with a unique heritage trail and gardens. There is a children’s play area including two indoor soft play centres, an eighteen-hole crazy golf course, a miniature railway which is a one-eighth-scale British Rail diesel locomotive with Pullman coaches, and a dinosaur safari. Hear the sounds of the Jurassic Age and stand your ground against the most ferocious dinosaur of all time, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, as you relive the Jurassic era with life-size dinosaurs towering among the plants and vegetation.
If you get hungry visit the Terrace Caf� overlooking the gardens, serving drinks and freshly-cooked meals with vegetarian choices.
Paradise Park is open from 9am to 6pm daily. (Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Admission Prices to Heritage Trail & Gardens, Adult day pass �9.99 Child day pass �7.99. For more prices visit website.
Paradise Park, Avis Road, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 0DH 01273 512123 enquiries@paradisepark.co.uk paradisepark.co.uk
Playing soldiersThe main landmark in the town is the award-winning attraction Newhaven Fort, which is a fine example of an English fortification. It is the perfect place for a family day out. The massive ramparts, tunnels and gun emplacements all fire the imagination with glimpses into our dramatic past. Newhaven Fort houses exhibitions and displays that keep visitors enthralled for hours. It’s great to learn what it was like to be a soldier stationed here, experience being in an air-raid shelter or try and imagine living on the same food rations as people did in the 1940s.
On-site caf�, gift shop, under 12s outdoor adventure playground, events and free parking available. Ticket prices range from �6 per adult - �4 per child but visit website for full details. Open every day from 1st March to 31st October 10.30am - 6pm.
Newhaven Fort, Fort Road, Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9 9DS 01273 517622 info@newhavenfort.org.uk newhavenfort.org.uk
Mackerel fishing on the Sussex CoastIf your little ones don’t get seasick, why not try a sightseeing boat trip or mackerel fishing organised by Boat Fishing Charters.
The world famous Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven and Beachy Head are a delight to view from the sea. Try their two-hour excursion along the coast to Beachy Head Lighthouse, or have a go at mackerel fishing.
The minimum age is 5+ and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
The sightseeing trips cost �25 per person and �20 for the mackerel fishing.
Contact the skipper, John Webster 01323 898440 07710 133872 boatfishingcharters.co.uk
