Children | What's on in Hailsham

ARLINGTON BLUEBELL TRAIL (Bates Green Garden open Wednesdays & Saturdays only)

by Jenny Seale | Mar 29, 2026

THE BLUEBELL TRAIL starts on Friday 3 April and runs until 10 May. You can find out all about it and the charities running the event each day, on the website at www.bluebellwalk.co.uk.

Since 1972 the Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail has developed into five interesting walks over two working farms whilst helping to raise money for local charities.

One walk of 2/3 mile (1100 meters) through Beatons Wood has been made suitable for wheelchair users. This is where you see white anemones followed by the vistas of bluebells, established over centuries. On this walk there are seats for you to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this oak and hornbeam wood. Along the walks there are signs illustrating the flora and fauna of the countryside for your information.

In 2026, viewing of the cows being milked at neighbouring Parkwood Farm is again not possible, as a major new state of the art circular milking parlour will unfortunately still not be open to the public, as it has been beset with adverse weather conditions and planning issues. Also, it takes time for the large herd of cows to get familiar with their new milking parlour. In 2027 we will be publicizing the opening of a new viewing gallery, which was incorporated in the design.

At Primrose Farm there is a horse livery, also this is where the young cattle for the dairy herd are housed in the winter months.

There are pens of Kerry Hill ewes and lambs, and female pygmy goats with their kids, for the children to see close up. Please ensure children wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap at the adjoining sink if they do stroke any of the animals.

The Bluebell Walk is managed by John McCutchan with the support of The Bluebell Walk Advisory Group, comprising of members of his family and others committed to ensuring that the Arlington Bluebell Walk continues to raise money for local charities. It could not operate without the participation of the many local charities, who welcome visitors and offer them delicious refreshments every day it is open.

The first week opens on Friday and Saturday with the Sussex Cancer Fund, Sunday and Monday with East Sussex Foster Care Association, Tuesday and Wednesday with the Children with Cancer Fund, Thursday and Friday with the Children’s Respite Trust.

EASTER ADVENTURE DAY

by admin | Mar 24, 2026

This promises to be a fun filled day starting at 11.30am to 4.30pm with games for all ages, creative easter crafts, a special visit from the Easter Bunny and exciting prizes to be won. There will be fun fair games, a sweet stall, face painter and a Golden Egg Challenge. £4 per child, adults free. Refreshments available. Book at https://buytickets.at/slightlyquirkyevents/2114842.

HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE ESTATE OPEN DAY

by Jenny Seale | Mar 23, 2026

A FREE OPEN DAY awaits at Herstmonceux Castle Estate when you will be welcomed to a special free Community Open Day on Saturday, 11 April. It is a chance to step inside the castle, explore the grounds and hear first-hand about the exciting projects shaping the future of the estate, from rewilding to the nationally significant water lily collection.
While the presentations in the ballroom require registration due to limited space, the rest of the day is open to everyone. Children can enjoy lawn games, face painting, dressing up and nature spotting around the grounds and the new Nuthatch Kitchen and Terrace will be open throughout the day for refreshments. This was a very popular event last year and many people were disappointed not to be able to get in to listen to the talk so do book early at https://herstmonceux-castle.com/event/community-open-day/.
Gates open at 9.30am and the presentation will begin at 10.30am with an information session, led by the Principal of Queen’s University, Canada (which runs Bader College and the estate), followed by a series of small presentations that will shine a light on the diverse range of activities taking place at Herstmonceux: There will be updates from the interim director of the estate, including a presentation on the rewilding project. The CEO of the Observatory Science Centre will share future plans and opportunities for collaborative activities. The head of gardens and grounds will share information regarding the incredible water lily collection on the estate – cultivated by the late Ken Warner, which has been awarded National Collection status by Plant Heritage. The head of academic and educational programming will share information on new developments, including the Historic Architecture and Heritage Conservation Programme. Attendees can ask questions following the presentations.

JUMBLE SALE

by Jenny Seale | Mar 10, 2026

All donations welcome e.g. bric-a-brac, cakes, clothes, tombola prizes. These can be dropped off on the day between 10am and 11.30am or please contact Karen on 01435 830787 to arrange a possible collection. Any help on the day, either setting up in the morning or selling and clearing up in the afternoon would be greatly appreciated.

In aid of Herstmonceux Cricket Club.