Another month has flown by and we’re heading into high summer. So to help you squeeze every last drop out of the next few weeks, here’s our pick of some of the best of what’s on in August in Sussex in 2025:
Visit a Spanish Galleon, Shoreham
27 to 31 August
Visit and board a stunning replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon (between 10 am and 8 pm) and learn about life on the high seas.
Fairy and Dragon Trail, High Beeches, Handcross
Until 30 August
Do you believe in fairies? Meet the woodland fairies and their secretive friends in High Beeches Garden. Discover giant toadstools, dandelions and keep a look out for the mischievous sprites and boggarts, not to mention a friendly dragon; you may even find a unicorn and her foal. The trail is designed for all ages, and the circular walk takes about an hour culminating in a wishing tree.
Sussex Prairie Garden
1 to 31 August
Lovers of this garden which has been shut this year will be delighted to know that it is opening in August. As well as the beautiful gardens, there will be the Indian Bazaar, a Block Printing workshop, a sunset event with live music and Punjabi dancing, Jo’s talks, Pauline’s cakes, Alex’s delicious vegetarian curries, award winning architecture and plant nursery!
Cowdray Maize Maze & Flower Picking Patch
Opens 1 August
Cowdray’s Maize Maze is back, this year with a Wild West twist. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lawns Polo fields and Cowdray Ruins, explore the maze, complete the stamp trail and take in the scenery from the viewing bridge.
Downland Art Trail, from Butts Brow Car Park, Butts Ln, Eastbourne
3 to 17 August
Explore a trail of Eastbourne Downland-inspired artwork and activities at Butts Brow inspired by this stunning landscape. The trail invites you to slow down, notice the details and see the South Downs differently — through a series of creative installations and activities.
Archaeology dig at Bodiam Castle
4 to 10, 13 to 17 Aug & 20 to 23 August
Following on from the discoveries during year one, an archaeological dig will be undertaken to discover the landscape of Bodiam and see what may be discovered from the Roman site which lies to the south of the River Rother. Throughout the three-week dig period, there will be dig site tours, after-hour graffiti tours and much more to get involved in.
Head to the Finds Tent by the castle entrance to see what the team have discovered.
Bat Walk, Wakehurst
7, 14, 21 and 28 August
Discover the world of bats as Wakehurst comes alive after hours, guided by their resident wildlife expert. Choose between two immersive experiences: the woodland bat walk, which takes you down to serene Westwood Lake, or the shorter, accessible garden bat walk, centered around the peaceful Mansion Pond.
Chichester Film Festival
8 – 24 August
This year’s Festival promises an extraordinary celebration of cinema with an ambitious program featuring exclusive premieres, iconic film screenings, live events, and much more. Walter Francisco, the Festival Director, has teased a diverse and exciting line-up of themes for this year.
Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day
9 August
A day to relive the daring exploits of the high seas through an unforgettable celebration of laughter, treasure hunts and hands-on excitement for all ages. From mischievous pirates to cunning smugglers, your whole crew will be swept into a world of mystery and adventure.
The Addams Family, White Rock Theatre, Hastings
14 to 16 August
The White Rock Summer Youth Project is thrilled to present The Addams Family, a delightfully dark musical comedy celebrating the quirks and chaos of family life. The plot centres on Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, who has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, respectable young man from a “normal” family. When Wednesday invites her boyfriend and his parents to dinner, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and hilarity ensues.
Arundel Festival of Arts
15 to 25 August
Arundel Festival of the Arts is a community event and one of the most celebrated arts and culture events in the South of England, bringing together an eclectic mix of music, theatre, literature and community events.
The Labyrinth Challenge at Leonardslee
22 to 25 August
This is an exhilarating four-day festival of summer fun at Leonardslee Gardens near Horsham. The Labyrinth Challenge is divided into five zones: Lava, Jungle, Toxic, Combat, and Ocean. Thrill-seekers of all ages can conquer over 34 unique challenges and obstacles, including jump-offs, hurdles, biff n’ bash sections, slides, giant balls, corkscrews, and more. Participants dodge swinging blades, leapfrog over hurdles, and sprint to the finish line in this adrenaline-pumping adventure.
The Good Food Festival
15 to 17 August
This event brings together foodies, chefs and producers from across the UK for a three-day culinary celebration. Visitors can expect to discover cooking inspiration, entertainment and food galore! With something for all ages, there will be cooking demos, family activities, VIP experiences, book signings, live music and much more. Checkout our interview with Katy Truss to find out more:
2, 3, 9,10,16 and 17 August
Get ready for a Medieval spectacular with jousting and a Medieval storyline that unfolds throughout the day. There will also be Medieval music, entertainment, children’s shows, workshops, food, drink and banquets, and camping.
Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow
14 to 17 August
The UK’s biggest free seafront airshow returns with 4 days of spectacular flying and it’s all free. The RAF Red Arrows will lead an all star line-up and the Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display Team will make a long-awaited return and will display aerobatics across all four days. This year’s Airbourne will also coincide with the 80 year anniversary of VJ Day and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane will perform on all four days of the show in a living tribute.
Into The Wild, Chiddingly Estate
22 to 25 August
With over 200 workshops included in the ticket price, attendees can explore everything from traditional crafts and foraging to fire, den, and chocolate making to flint knapping with Will Lord, medicinal plant walks, yoga sessions, wild spas, and ceramic sessions. All experiences are designed to inspire deep reconnection with nature and self. There is also an exciting lien up of global artists, like Daraa Tribe with nomad tunes from North Africa, Ant Bahar Di, Ustad Noor Bakhsh from Rajasthan, UK rapper Viktus, Mongolian Odyssey’s throat singing, the Magic Tree collective, and Welsh folk artist Bethan Lloyd.
Surrealist Picnic at Farleys House and Gallery,near Hailsham
24 August
A unique annual event held at Farleys which includes live music, surreal performance and dance. Slip on your surreal costume, create your surreal picnic food and let your imagination run wild!
Victorian life – Living on the edge, Weald & Downland Museum
30 to 31 August
“The year is 1851 and all of Britain, perhaps the world is in awe of the newly opened Great Exhibition in London, showcasing all that is new and innovative about Queen Victoria’s kingdom. But what was life really like for the ordinary, poor folk of the kingdom, away from the glitz and glamour? Experience how a market may have been held during this time period as the award winning living history group, The Ragged Victorians show what life was really like for the working classes living on the edge (and sometimes tipping over) of society”
There is so much going on in Sussex next month, and after all the rain, we’re willing it to be sunshine all the way! Enjoy.
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