Spotlight Events: July 2025
- James Forryan
- Jul 4
- 8 min read
Your guide to all the best events happening near you this month...
Lordington Lavender
West Sussex’s Only Lavender Field – A Summer Experience Like No Other!
Open Days from Wednesday 16th to Sunday 20th July, 10am–4pm!
Experience something special this Summer! Stroll through breathtaking purple blooms and capture magical summer photos in a truly unforgettable setting. Enjoy complimentary tractor rides, lavender talks with our founding farmer (11am & 2pm), and Hay Play for children under 12. Our pop-up café serves sweet and savoury snacks, kids’ lunchboxes, ice cream, strawberries, Pimms, and more. Browse naturally produced lavender products and plants to take a little piece of the field home.
Adults £8 / Children £2 / Under 3s and registered carers FREE – no booking required. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome.
Don’t miss this unique and fragrant family day out!
SUMMER VIBES ARE CALLING!
Friday 11th to Sunday 13th July
No other dancefloor has a view like this...
Dance into the sunset at our Live Music Nights (18+), July 11–12th – with live saxand DJ or party band, bubbles on arrival, BBQ, and breathtaking views. Then, on July 13th, Sunday Funday offers family fun with kids’ activities, face painting, and live jazz from Lady and the Dukes. Enjoy delicious food and soak up the South Downs sunshine. Tickets available now – don’t miss out!
Bluebell Railway
Summer Holidays
Get ready for a summer of excitement and nostalgia with the Bluebell Railway! As the summer holidays approach, embark on a thrilling adventure aboard the delightful steam trains and enjoy plenty of family events. Kids travel for £1 with a full-paying adult (T&Cs see website).
Celebrate the past, present, and future with Railway 200 from July to September and the 65th anniversary weekend from 8-10 August.
Discover reptiles on 5-6 July and Baby Dinos on 12-13 July, while Southern at War takes you back in time on 19-20 July. Unicorns and a Local Market enchant on 2-3 August and enjoy a music festival on 1-17 August, followed by a dinosaur adventure on 19-21 August. Families can enjoy a Paddington Picnic from 23-25 August, before the Baby Dino weekend on 30- 31 August. Finally, don’t miss the Diesel Gala on 5-6 September. An unforgettable summer of fun and excitement!
Four Sussex Artists at Highdown Gardens
Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th August, 10am to 5 pm
Four Sussex artists will be exhibiting their original paintings in oils, pastels, acrylics and watercolour. All paintings, prints and greeting cards will be for sale with a percentage of sales donated to Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice.
The Visitor Centre is set in beautiful gardens on top of the South Downs. Entry is free with a free car park, disabled access and café very close by.
Highdown Visitor Centre, Highdown Gardens, Highdown Rise, Worthing BN12 6FB
Hammerwood Park
Summer Season
Set within picturesque parkland, Hammerwood Park is a Grade I listed country house and the first work of architect Benjamin Latrobe, celebrated for his later contributions to the White House and the Capitol in Washington D.C. Since 1982, the house has been hometo the Pinnegar family, who saved the property from dereliction andnow welcome visitors for guided tours, teas and concerts in the summer season.
Guildford Cheese & Chilli Festival
19th & 20th July
Get ready for a weekend of flavour and fun at the Guildford Cheese & Chilli Festival! Taking place at Shalford Park, Guildford, this family-friendly event is bursting with mouth-watering cheeses, fiery chillies, live music, cooking demos, street food, and plenty of entertainment for all ages.
Whether you’re a heat-seeker or a cheese lover, there’s something for everyone – including a kids’ zone, bars, competitions, and more. Don’t miss one of the South’s tastiest days out!
Book early and save – let the flavour adventure begin!
Tickets and event details at: www.cheeseandchillifestival.com
Hastings Adventure Golf
Open Daily
Hastings Adventure Golf is situated on the picturesque seafront of Hastings Old Town. Open every day for your enjoyment, filled with fun, for all ages.
Hastings Adventure Golf boasts three creatively crafted 18-hole courses: Pirate, Adventure, and Crazy. Each course is filled with delightful surprises, featuring elements like talking tikis, cannon blasts, water splashes and beautifully landscaped gardens, not to mention the iconic windmill.
To complete your adventure, Hastings Adventure Golf serves delicious fish and chips, homemade gelato, barista-style coffee, and an assortment of sweet treats, ensuring a memorable day out for everyone.
Navigate The Seas of Time at Hever Castle
Wednesday 23rd July to Monday 31st August
It’s adventures ahoy for families at Hever Castle this summer with ‘The Seas of Time’ themed activities. Join a nautical adventure solving challenges, meet fascinating characters along the way to restore the legendary Time Ship, as you help the fearless explorers set sail for home, before they are lost in history forever.
Help Queen Elizabeth I defeat the Spanish Armada with a bean bag ‘cannons’ challenge, clear the sand of the missing pieces of the ship to calm the Egyptian Pharaoh, and finally go into battle with Viking explorers.
Middle Farm
Open Every Day
Middle Farm is a 625-acre working family farm that offers the perfect day out! Come and enjoy meeting the farm animals on the Open Farm, walk the Farm Trail and leap around the Hay Play Barn.
Visit the Farm Shop, bringing you the finest of Sussex produce - and pop by the Cider Barn, filled with a range of over 100 different draught ciders and perries, beers from Sussex breweries and wine from local vineyards.
After that you may need a sit down! Enjoy a homemade lunch, or a traditional cream tea in the plant filled gardeners courtyard.
Summer of Play at Bodiam Castle
Saturday 19th July to Wednesday 3rd September, 10am to 4pm
Back with a bang and bigger than ever, Summer of Play returns to Bodiam Castle for a season filled with fun and adventure. Enjoy medieval- inspired games like castle building, hobby horse racing, and quoits, master circus skills, or join our Knight and Viking School led by professional performers. Best of all, it’s all included with normal admission.
Start planning your visit at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.
Dragonfly Festival at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
Now until 22 September
Explore the magical world of dragonflies and be wowed by wondrous new wetland experiences at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre.Take dragonfly walk or boat safari to explore the secret lives of dragonflies. Create a dragonfly masterpiece in a creative workshop or go pond dipping to discover the wonderful world of minibeasts living below the surface – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Head to the visitor centre, to find out what’s on during your festival visit to start your great adventure. And don’t miss the Dragonfly Stilt Walkers on Sat 19 July. Enjoy this festival fun, against the backdrop of spectacular wetlands which offer a safe haven for dragonflies and damselflies.
Summer Jousting Tournament at Hever Castle
Selected dates from Saturday 12th July to Sunday 31st August
Watch in awe as The Knights of Royal England battle for bravery and honour at the 2025 Summer Jousting Tournament in the historic setting of Hever Castle & Gardens.
Be enthralled by exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal box for the finest in jousting and medieval entertainment. Join Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Royal Foot Soldiers in a procession to the Jousting arena as you prepare to see the mighty clash of lances and cheer for your champion.
See website for full details and dates: www.hevercastle.co.uk
Wilderness Wood
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Come and stroll the arty alphabet trail, grab a drink and snacks from The Hatch and play in the shaded mud-kitchen, with beautiful views out across the weald. Rain or shine, the woods are a great place to visit during the summer, with shaded spots and sunny glades for picnics.
Enjoy Sunday Slice, on the first Sunday of each month from June to October, with wood-fired pizza and woodland games. There are also workshops for all ages.
Admission is £4 per person or £15 for a family/group arriving in one car.
See website for details: www.wildernesswood.org
01825 830509
Emily Gravett’s Tidy trail at Bateman’s
Now until Sunday 31st August, 10am to 4pm
Join Pete the Badger and his woodland friends for a fun summer adventure. Whether you’re a super organiser or a little on the messy side, this interactive trail is perfect for the whole family. Inspired by Emily Gravett’s popular picture book Tidy, you’ll step right into Pete’s story as he cleans and tidies up the forest, perhaps a little too much! Along the way enjoy games and activities to help bring the beauty of nature back to life.
£3 admission applies (includes a small prize)
Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans
Fairy and Dragon Trail at High Beeches Garden, Handcross
Saturday 19th July to Saturday 30th August, 12 to 5pm (closed Wednesdays)
Do you believe in Fairies? Come and meet the woodland Fairies and their secretive friends. Keep a look out for the mischievous sprites, a friendly dragon and you may find a unicorn and her foal. Why not dress up as your favourite fairy and join in the fun. There are light refreshments on site and picnics are welcome.
Tickets: Adults £12, Children (2-16 years)£7 under 2 free. Advance booking recommended.
Tickets from: www.fairy-trails.co.uk or at the gate
Lakes & Lilies Festival at Sheffield Park and Garden
Now until Sunday 7th September
Sheffield Park and Garden’s picturesque lakes burst with colour during the summer months, from jewel-like waterlilies to vibrant rhododendrons. The Lakes & Lilies Festival offers activities for all-ages, including stand-up paddleboarding on the majestic lakes, and a breathtaking view of the blooms from a floating pontoon.
Their Summer of Play offers an eclectic mix of active games and playful musical activities and the fun, family-friendly Exotic Spots summer trail returns on 19 July with nine big and beautiful animals hanging out with their favourite exotic trees and plants.
To find out more visit: www.national-trust.org.uk/sheffieldpark
The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Michelham Priory
Friday 25 to Sunday 27, 10am to 5pm
Visit the Sussex Guild Show at Michelham Priory, a listed Tudor house with extensive gardens, surrounded by a medieval moat. Meet contemporary craft makers from whom you may buy directly, or commission bespoke items. High-quality handmade ceramics, textiles, jewellery, leatherwork, stone carving, pewter, wood, glass, furniture and printmaking. Some designers will be demonstrating their skills. Free parking; licensed café; children’s play and picnic areas.
Admission £10 adults, £5 children
Michelham Priory & Gardens, Upper Dicker, Near Hailsham BN27 3QS
01273 479565
Gentle Harry’s Farm by The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company
Now until Sunday 10th August
The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company present their smash hit musical comedy ‘Gentle Harry’s Farm’. Superb theatre with fabulous live music presented by one of the UK’s top outdoor theatre companies. It will buzz with hilarity, sigh with tenderness and chirrup with gentle satire.
National press comments on The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company:
‘Such A Good Night’ - The Times
‘A Delight’ - The Independent On Sunday
‘Superbly Done’ - The Stage
‘Highly Entertaining’ - Time Out
Touring to multiple venues across Sussex until 10 August.
Tickets, tour schedule and information available from: www.therudes.co.uk
01323 501260
Summertime Swing with The Jive Aces
Sunday 20th July
Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists and the UK’s top live and swing band present Summertime Swing on Sunday 20th July. Come along for a day packed with real entertainment and live music!
Special guests include British rock ’n’ roll legend Marty Wilde, the Swedish Queen of hot jazz Gunhild Carling, jazz and blues singer Kai Hoffman, sultry songstress Noelle Vaughn and many more.
Come and enjoy top swing/rock ‘n’ roll DJs, dance floor, vintage stalls, classic car displays, food trucks and all proceeds go
to charity!
For tickets and info visit: www. jiveaces.com/summertimeswing
Saint Hill Manor, Saint Hill Rd, East Grinstead, RH19 4JY
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