
Looking for something different to do this July? Whether you fancy a spot of of mediaval jousting or just a browse around an antiques fair, there's something for everyone in our Spotlight guide to all this month's most exciting days out...
Petworth Festival
Wednesday 10th to Saturday 27th July
Petworth Festival summer line-up 2024 majors on ‘the thrill of live’. If ever there was a year to enjoy the thrill of LIVE performance in Petworth, this is clearly it.
Announcing the full line up of this year’s festival artists, Petworth’s Artistic Director Stewart Collins acknowledged his absolute delight at the prospects for the coming summer, “We have always sought to bring the greatest quality of performance to Petworth, but when you add in the sheer charisma of so many of this year’s artists, I can only look forward to the festival with the most extraordinary degree of anticipation!”
To see the full line up and tickets: www.petworthfestival.org.uk/whats-on/
(image: Silvia Cruz)
Enjoy A Wild Day Out This Summer!
Saturday 13th July to Sunday 8th September, 10am-5pm
The British Wildlife Centre is open daily throughout the summer holidays, giving you plenty of opportunities to meet Britain’s wonderful wildlife, from tiny harvest mice to magnificent red deer. Look out for this year’s new arrivals including Scottish wildcat kittens, badger cubs, and red squirrel kits. Learn all about Britain’s wonderful wildlife at the regular keeper talks, whilst you see the animals up close. It’s a REAL natural history experience! Free Parking, Picnic Areas, Coffee Shop, Gift Shop. Pre-book your visit online and save £1 per ticket!
www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk
Eastbourne Road, Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF
01342 834658
(image: British Wildlife Centre)
The Jungle Book Games at Bateman’s
Saturday 13th July to Sunday 1st September, 10am to 4.30pm
This summer, get active and compete in our Jungle Book-themed games. Can you complete all the activities to win your medal? Run, balance and play your way through the Bateman’s garden for this summer of sport. Have a go at Mowgli’s rhythmic ribbons, test your balance in the Kaa sack race and aim for a high score in the Hathi hoopla. There’s plenty to keep the whole family busy on this action-packed trail. No need to book, just drop in and join the fun. £3 per trail. Normal admission applies.
Find out more at: nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans
(image: National Trust / David Kirkhamm)
Kitchen Garden Week at Pashley Manor Gardens
Every day between Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th July
Gardeners love to eat what they grow and since in July an abundance of produce is ready to enjoy, after all the planning, planting and hard work, what better time to dedicate a week to the Kitchen Garden.
During the five days of the Kitchen Garden Week, there will be the chance to join one of the garden team for a talk and ask questions and advice, as well as a focus on how the produce from the garden is used in the Café menus; plus there will be local honey and homemade chutney on sale in the Gift Shop.
(image: Kate Wilson)
Chiddfest Music and Beer Festival
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July
Chiddfest is a three-day music festival Nr Chiddingly, featuring live music performances from local and international artists. This is the 10th year of Chiddfest where you can camp, glamp, or just come for the day. Enjoy street food, bars, VIP area, kid’s activities, storyteller and festival shopping. The weekend finishes with Tribute Sunday.
Tickets available through the website: www.chiddfestchapter.co.uk
(image: JC Galliano)
iacf Ardingly Antiques Fair
Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th July
Enjoy a wonderful day at the iacf Ardingly Antiques Fair this summer, held at the South of England Showground. Unearth inspiration for your home and garden from a wide variety of antique treasures. Suitable for both novices and seasoned collectors, browse through hundreds of stalls, converse with expert dealers, and discover one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s a charming and sustainable way to find unique furnishings, fashion, and jewellery. Mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable experience!
Get your tickets online today: www.iacf.co.uk
The Agria Royal International Horse Show
Tuesday 23rd to Sunday 28th July
There is so much to enthral and entertain at Hickstead’s July show, whichever day you choose to attend, with international showjumping taking place along with championship showing classes. The show is one of the highlights of the Sussex social calendar - especially Ladies’ Day on the Saturday, where the best dressed guests have a chance of winning luxury spa breaks at some of the county’s leading hotels. The extensive shopping village is a big draw, plus the Village Green area with its street food stalls, a funfair and a live entertainment stage. There’s also a vast range of bars, restaurants and hospitality options to make your visit truly memorable.
Tickets start from £20 with advance discounts and concessions available; including free admission to all under-15s when booked in advance.
The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Michelham Priory
Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July
This summer the Sussex Guild will be returning to Michelham Priory, a 12th Century Priory. Enter through an impressive gatehouse and combine a visit to the past with talking to contemporary craft makers.
Guild members will be showing a wide range of contemporary crafts in marquees and the Elizabethan barn. You’ll find ceramics, textiles, jewellery, leatherwork, wood, glass, metalwork & furniture. Some makers will be demonstrating their creative skills including ceramic techniques, blacksmithing, embroidery, jewellery making and lamp-worked glass. With seven acres of beautiful grounds, a licensed cafe, areas for children’s play – it makes an ideal day out.
01273 479565
Postcard Adventure Trail at Arundel Wetland Centre
Saturday 20th July to the end of the school holidays
Families looking for a fresh adventure that will deepen their connection with nature can enjoy a new postcard adventure trail launching at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. The trail is one of many activities planned that will offer a summer of wonder for all exploring the wetlands.
Giant postcards, designed by children’s illustrator Ella Beech, share personal messages from nine animals who live in wetland habitats around the world. The postcard trail is part of the WWT’s Summer of Wonder 2024 activities that includes pond dipping, wild play, boats safaris and crafts – just pick up a trail map at the visitor centre. The postcard trail is included with an admission ticket or is free to WWT members.
To plan your visit, search WWT Arundel
Summer Fun at the Rare Breeds Centre
School Holidays from Monday 22nd July
Come along this summer to the farm for outstanding family fun rain or shine! Meet the animals in the Children’s Barn, explore the magic of the butterfly tunnel, evade trolls in the Mysterious Marsh, enjoy woodland walks and meadow strolls, see playful ferrets, weekend pig racing, and take a ride on the accessible trailer around the farm.
Enjoy 6 weeks of Summer Fun featuring an animal theme each week with lots of extra activities at no additional cost – starting with Bunny Bonanza week on 22nd July. Prebook online and get full details on all the fun from the website.
01233 861493
Summer at Hever Castle
School Holidays: Wednesday 24th July to Tuesday 3rd September
From fun challenges to falconry displays and Jousting, summer at Hever Castle promises something for all the family. Throughout the summer holidays takepart in a series of hands-on activities and challenges as part of Adventures in Time Travel (included in normal admission rates).
On selected days in July and August be entertained by the falconry displays from Birds of Prey Willow Centre in Sevenoaks with two displays a day or watch the thrilling jousting tournaments (also on selected dates).
Discover more about Anne Boleyn in the recently launched Boleyn Apartment in the Castle and keep younger ones entertained with a free family audio guide (included with castle admission).
A visit to Hever Castle is a perfect day out for all ages with the fun Water Maze – will you get out without getting wet? Plus the kids can enjoy three play areas including the Tudor Towers adventure playground. Also try your hand at archery or boating on the Hever Lake (daily during school holidays – additional charge).
Bring a picnic to enjoy the stunning grounds or choose from a selection of homemade food from the various outlets throughout the gardens.
(image: Ollie Dixon)
Medieval Fair at Bodiam Castle
Wednesday 24th July to Monday 2nd September, 10am to 4pm
Bring the whole family and enjoy a dayof medieval-themed games and activities against the backdrop of Bodiam Castle. From hobby horses to quoits, sand play, dancing ribbons, archery, dragon bean bag toss, build your own castle, and straw bale hurdles – it promises to be a day filled with fun. Free event. Normal admission applies.
Find out more at: nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
(image: National Trust / Jennifer Coe)
‘Remind Me Why I’m Here’ Art Exhibition in Brighton
Thursday 25th to Monday 29th July
Raising money and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, Brighton-based celebrity tailor Gresham Blake is putting together an exhibition in the lanes of Brighton, in memory of his dad, Brian Blake, who died of the disease a year ago.
Gresham Blake pays respect to his late father Brian Blake with this exhibition, featuring portraits photographed by Kenny McCracken, and work by artist Adrienne Blake, wife of Brian Blake. All profits in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK. Gresham explained, “The story of my dad’s decline into Alzheimer’s is just one of millions, so it’s great to have an opportunity to do something in his name and help support such a worthwhile cause.”
Helm Gallery, 15 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YA
(image: Kenny McCracken)