Half Term and Long Weekend Activity Breaks in the High Weald of Sussex

With so many bank holidays, this is a great time of year to visit the High Weald for a long weekend or short break with the family!

One date all High Weald farmers have in the diary around May half term is the annual Heathfield Agricultural Show.  It’s not just for farmers though – it’s a great day out for everyone! And the backdrop to the showground is the beautiful High Weald countryside.

As an ex-farmer, I love Heathfield because it’s a proper agricultural show and there are lots of animals to admire. I usually make a bee line for the goats and pigs – my favourites! It’s also interesting to see ancient, traditional breeds, such as Sussex Cattle – very well suited to the High Weald – on show next to more recent imports such as the Charolais. And there are lots of shopping opportunities, too!

A family of four can stay for £90 per night at High Weald rural B&B accommodation at Burwash Common, not too far away from the Heathfield Showground.

£50 is the midweek rate for a single person, £75 for a couple and £15 per night for additional occupant. The B&B can sleep up to a maximum of 4 on a double bed and bed settee (which sleeps one adult or 2 children).

For a longer stay near the Heathfield showground, there is Rural granary accommodation in Sussex at Punnetts Town. This village, on a high ridge opposite the showground, still has its original windmill complete with sails: a local landmark.

Greenwood Granary has wonderful views, whatever the season. There are many walks and cycle rides straight from the door and you can borrow bikes from the owners.

Price is from £425 - £550 per cottage per week (sleeps 2-4). Well behaved dogs may also stay for £25 per dog. Short breaks are available for £300 for up to three nights at certain times of the year.

Or, why not combine a day at the show with another activity at this nearby East Sussex bed and breakfast at Heathfield – where residential activity and crafts courses are provided for small groups.

Explore and enjoy the best of Sussex either by foot, cycle or car; or try your hand at pottery, art or willow sculpture. Also on offer are fishing instruction, making preserves, charcuterie – and more! You'll be able to choose a variety of activities to suit you and make your stay both memorable and rewarding. Courses are run by the owners and all food is home prepared and cooked. All equipment and food is included in the price.

Price is from £35 - £44 per person per night. Discounts are available out of season and for 3 nights B&B or more. Prices for residential activities are from £70 per night for 4 people (low season).

Here’s another unforgettable Our Land High Weald family weekend idea. Wildwood Bushcraft run Bushcraft courses in Sussex, High Weald at various forest sites – with most being on the edge of the beautiful Ashdown Forest, near Nutley. The Family Bushcraft weekend course is a very special family weekend in the woods – learning basic bushcraft skills such as firelighting, water collection and purification, campfire cooking, shelter building, plant knowledge and wildlife tracking.

Family Bushcraft Weekend (2 days) costs £130 per adult and £90 per child aged 8+ for 2 days. Also on offer is a Family Bushcraft Day, costing £70 per adult and £40 per child.

Boats, tents and trains! For a Swallows and Amazons adventure, High Weald style, Bodiam boating and camping stays, High Weald offer 15 pitches, 8 with hook-up, on a level, tree lined field. The owners say they heartily believe in campfires and have firepits and wood for you to use!

Price is from £15 - £17.50 per night. This includes pitch, two people and a car. There is an extra charge for dogs and extra people.

Enjoy a ride aboard their ferry, the Dannie Lee, 4.5miles along the River Rother to the National Trust's Bodiam Castle. Here, you’ll have time to explore the spectacular medieval castle and grounds – a perfect place to picnic. (Take lashings of ginger beer!) Or, amble up the River Rother at your own leisure in one of six rowing boats, complete with life jackets. If you hold a fishing licence, the owners can provide you with a permit to try your luck in the immediate stretch of river. Or just sit back, relax and watch the Kent and East Sussex Railway steam trains as they chug by, a quarter of a mile away.

More ‘Our Land’ High Weald holidays can be found 

An Our Land High Weald holiday helps to keep local farmers and producers in business which, in turn, will help conserve the much loved features of our beautiful countryside.