Even though the winter months can be a bit gloomy and unpleasant, there are so many interesting and fun things to do to keep our spirits up.
We have made a little research about our lovely West Sussex County and found some amazing events, walks and experiences that we hope will inspire you to leave the comfort of your home and dive into some great moments that will keep you going through the winter season.
Glow Wild and Wakehurst
Date: 24 November 2022 – 1 January 2023
Wander the spellbinding trail of winter lanterns at Wakehurst. This immersive illumination returns for its ninth year with several new installations celebrating the beauty of nature through enchanting trails of projections, soundscapes and fire torches.
A treat for all ages, the record-breaking location also hosts the UK’s largest natural screen and the tallest living Christmas tree, adorned with over 1,800 lights.
Quiet sessions are available for visitors with disabilities to make for a more comfortable visit, while still enabling the opportunity to experience the sensory benefits Glow Wild has to offer.
Christmas at Cowdray
Date: 1 – 31 December 2022
An after-dark experience that is most definitely worth a visit this winter.
Set in the South Downs National Park, this historic country estate hosts an illuminated festive light trail.
Start the festive season by taking in the illuminations across the landscape of endless parklands and even pop into Santa’s grotto.
Leonardslee Illuminated
Dates: 24 – 27 & 30 November. 1 – 4 & 7 – 21 December 2022
A gleaming trail is carved with light, surrounded by luminous trees and an iconic illuminated moon which floats majestically over the still lake.
Leonardslee welcome you to their spectacular new winter trail through their immaculately landscaped Grade I listed gardens. Enjoy the Christmas illuminations and trails through the woods with enchanting light displays, music, theatre and large-scale projections onto Leonardslee House.
Steamlights 2022
Date: 10 November 2022 – 8 January 2023
Brighten up the dark winter evenings with an unforgettable trip on the radiant Bluebell Railway. Steamlights 2022 has sparkle, glow and shimmer all on board a steam train covered with thousands of lights.
Board your very own luxury compartment enjoying drinks and a personalised picnic hamper before embarking on a special journey through the Sussex countryside with shimmering festive scenes scattered in the clearings and filled with colour.
Enjoy a light show perfectly timed to music and narration for a multi-sensory experience.
Best Winter Walks
https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/best-winter-walks-in-west-sussex/
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/snowdrops-and-winter-gardens-in-west-sussex
Christmas Markets
Of Course, Christmas Markets are something we all are waiting for, and Sussex once again won’t disappoint.
Please click the link bellow to find out about some of them and the dates they will be running.
The Brighton Christmas market is always a great one with lots of fun present ideas and good local food.
There are going to be 50 festive stalls, purpose-built entertainment venues, live shows, and Santa’s workshop, of course!
Borde Hill Christmas market is another favourite of ours as it is very local to us.
There will be over 30 stalls showcasing local products, from delicious food and drink to beautiful gifts.
If you like literature, need some inspiration and good talk with likeminded people, the Petworth Literacy festival should be a great idea. 27th October till 6th November.
Midhurst has a lovely exhibition of local craftmanship and here is the link to the event:
Do you like Ice skating?
Worthing, Guildford, Eastbourne and Brighton give us the opportunity to have some fun on the ice… or if you have never tried it, this winter might be the perfect opportunity to learn and have a go and find out if this is for you!
Guildford – https://www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk/ice-skating/
Brighton – https://royalpavilionicerink.co.uk/
Eastbourne – https://www.visiteastbournetickets.co.uk/icerink
Worthing – https://worthingicerink.com/